Joanna Stafford

Principal | LLB, BA


Joanna specialises in professional indemnity and disciplinary matters – advising insurers on indemnity, claim resolution and recovery. She also assists professionals to respond to disciplinary matters and complaints that are the subject of investigation by professional regulatory bodies and the Health and Disability Commissioners Office.

She acts for a variety of professionals including architects, engineers, lawyers and real estate agents. Joanna also has considerable expertise in the health sector, advising health professionals and organisations with regard to complaints, competence and compliance issues. She is experienced in and regularly appears before professional bodies, disciplinary committees, tribunals and in mediations as well as defending claims in the District and High Courts.

Joanna commenced practice in 2000, working for two prominent insurance law practices before joining McElroys as a Principal in 2018. A keen Warriors fan, Joanna enjoys reading, listening to music and spending time with her family.

Principal areas of practice:


  • Professional Indemnity – solicitors, real estate agents, accountants, architects, engineers, directors and other professional insureds
  • Professional Discipline – solicitors, real estate agents, health practitioners, engineers and architects
  • Indemnity advice

Skills:


  • Positive and effective relationships with clients, parties and opposing counsel
  • Thoughtful and considered advice on liability, strategy and resolution of disputes
  • Commercial and practical approach to litigation and disputes
  • Strong advocacy in court and at mediation or negotiations