Blair has worked as an international insurance broker, a private practice lawyer in commercial litigation, in-house counsel in insurance and banking and with a focus on property and building matters.
His areas of expertise include:
- Director, trustee and professional liability claims of all types and industry sectors including in building, financial and technology matters.
- Commercial legal work including legal advice that is practical, simple, focuses on the issues at hand and is akin to that of inhouse counsel in ensuring quick, efficient and value focused advice. Blair has a particular expertise in drafting professional service retainers and client contract terms in building, financial and technology sectors.
- Insurance advice of the highest level. Blair spent many years working for brokers Marsh, Aon, IFS and Honan and has a strong knowledge of insurance and highly regarded both in Australia and internationally for financial lines classes.
Those that know Blair will know that he prides himself on achieving results. He has forged a reputation in the insurance and legal sectors as a disciplined advocate, persistent negotiator and insurance guru for claim disputes.
Outside work Blair loves nothing more than spending time with his children, following soccer, hitting the beach in Torquay with the kids, and bike riding.
Qualifications
LLB(Hons) Bbus, Dip Fin Serv
Recent articles by Blair McNamara
-
Why contingency fees should extend beyond class actions in Victorian civil litigation
Argument for expanding contingency fee arrangements beyond class actions to all civil litigation in Victoria, examining the benefits for clients and proper regulatory frameworks needed for implementation.
-
Builders, plumbers and homeowners be aware of new legislation and 28-day time limits
Critical information about new 28-day time limits for VCAT appeals under the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protection) Act for rectification orders and first resort insurance decisions effective July 2026.
-
Don't contact the expert witness and why proper instruction processes matter in litigation
Guidance on maintaining proper boundaries between clients and expert witnesses in building, property and insurance litigation to protect legal privilege, independence and case success.
-
Building law, duty of care and a tale of two cities comparing Melbourne and Sydney
Comparison of building law duty of care obligations between Victoria and NSW, examining how subsequent homeowners' rights to sue building professionals differ dramatically between Melbourne and Sydney.
-
Licensed plumbers left behind and why plumbing insurance in Victoria needs attention too
Victoria's plumbing insurance framework gaps compared to recent domestic building insurance reforms, examining why licensed plumbers need better insurance coverage and consumer protection parity.
-
New domestic building dispute regime jurisdictional concerns for the Building and Property Commission
Analysis of potential jurisdictional limitations facing the Building and Property Commission's new dispute regime when federal matters or interstate parties are involved, based on Burns v Corbett and related case law.
