Duncan McConnel

Duncan is a seasoned barrister with a legal career spanning over two decades in the Northern Territory. Since joining the esteemed William Forster Chambers in 2009, he has cultivated a robust practice focusing on insurance, worker’s compensation, and commercial litigation. His expertise is particularly notable in the worker’s compensation jurisdiction, where he has played a pivotal role in most of the significant reported cases within the region. Beyond these areas, Duncan's legal repertoire is diverse, encompassing a broad spectrum of matters including native title and criminal law, with a pronounced emphasis on appellate jurisdiction. This versatility not only highlights his adept legal acumen across multiple domains but also underscores his adaptable approach to meeting the complex needs of his clients. Duncan has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the legal profession through his active participation in legal representation. He began his contributions at the Law Society of the Northern Territory and subsequently elevated his impact to a national level. His leadership as the President of the Law Council of Australia in 2015, following a seven-year tenure as a director, underscores his dedication to advancing the profession and advocating for legal standards and reforms. Furthering his contributions to legal support and advocacy, Duncan served as the Chairman of the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission from 2019 for three years. Additionally, his leadership skills were affirmed through his presidency of the Northern Territory Bar Association from 2020 to 2023. In recognition of his legal expertise and distinguished service, Duncan was appointed Senior Counsel in 2021. With 24 years of dedicated practice in the Northern Territory, Duncan remains a formidable presence in the legal landscape, committed to providing exceptional counsel and representation to his clients.