Geoffrey Bourhill SC

Admitted to practice in 1981, Geoff Bourhill spent the first five years of his professional life acting for plaintiffs in personal injury claims in the areas of workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, public liability and motor vehicle accidents.

In 1985, he joined Lavan Solomon (soon to become Philips Fox) and was made a partner of that firm in 1987. Over the following 19 years at Phillips Fox and a further four years following its transition to Lavan Legal, he acted for many workers’ compensation, public liability and CTP insurers in Australia.

Geoff also developed a practice in professional indemnity claims, acting for the insurers of doctors, hospitals and lawyers.

In 2010, Geoff joined Tottle Partners, remaining there until June 2016. In July 2016, Geoff commenced practise as an independent barrister at Francis Burt Chambers.

Before joining the Bar, Geoff was a member of the legal panels of Insurance Commission of WA, MDA Insurance Pty Ltd, Transport Accident Commission and formerly Law Mutual and SGIO / CGU.

Geoff has appeared as counsel in numerous trials, inquests and appeals. He has been solicitor and in several instances trial counsel in a number of matters that have ultimately been determined by the High Court.

Geoff has a particular interest in the assessment of damages in catastrophic claims, policy coverage under compulsory third party insurance schemes, medical negligence, industrial disease and institutional abuse claims.

He is Deputy Chairperson of the Legal Services Complaints Committee and a member of the Legal Practice Board.

Geoff was recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2025 Personal Injury Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” award winner in Perth.