Gray Porter

Principal

Experience 

Gray has acknowledged expertise in insurance law, having practised in this area for more than 20 years. He has acted for individuals, corporations, insurers, self-insurers and government bodies on all aspects of insurance, including injury and damage claims, motor vehicle accidents, workers' compensation, public liability and contractual dispute claims, and contractual liability and indemnity.

Gray is experienced in representing employers, manufacturers and asset owners in issues of liability stemming from alleged failures of design and/or function of roads, buildings, equipment and environments that cause serious injury or death to individuals.

Prior to joining Talbot Olivier, Gray gained extensive experience in Freehills' insurance practice. 

Career highlights 

• Successfully defended a national financial institution in one of the longest cases in its time in the West Australian District Court against an individual claiming a repetitive strain injury (RSI). An upsurge in workplace RSI claims drew massive media attention. The case was of particular interest to unions, employers and insurers.
• Successfully represented 18 claimants who sustained injuries when a balcony collapsed on New Year's Eve, in claims against the council and the architect.
• Regularly represents and advises two major Western Australian insurers.
• Acts on behalf of a national building equipment company, reviewing their major subcontract agreements.
• Works with government departments on legislative wording and the effects of various Reform Bills and current legislation.
• Acts for individuals seeking claiming cover by their insurers for damages claims. 

Admitted to practice: 1980. 

Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Jurisprudence, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology). 

Memberships: Law Society of Western Australia , Law Council of Australia, Safety Institute Australia, Australian Insurance Law Association, Convenor Personal Injuries Committee of Law Society of Western Australia.

Publications/presentations: Gray has presented seminars for the Law Society of Western Australia, Lexis Nexis and various employer groups, occupational health and safety groups and local government authorities.