Colin Biggers & Paisley (CBP) has recruited a new partner for its soon to be Melbourne office.

DLA Piper senior associate Cathryn Prowse has joined the Monahan + Rowell office, which is set to merge with CBP on June 1, 2012. Prowse’s focus is in insurance litigation and dispute resolution, primarily specialising in professional indemnity, management liability and directors' and officers' insurance. She is currently the vice president and treasurer of the Victorian Committee of the Australian Professional Indemnity Group. She has acted for a variety of finance, property and other professionals on instructions from underwriters in all Victorian and federal jurisdictions.

Alongside her property and finance work, Prowse has also built a health disciplinary practice, acting for both regulatory health boards and for insurers on matters where practitioners are alleged to have engaged in unprofessional conduct. “I believe the combination of CBP and Monahan + Rowell will trump competitors by offering a genuine sector focus, particularly in insurance, backed by high quality, complementary practice areas like property and employment," said Prowse. "CBP might be ranked as a mid-tier firm in overall size, but it has one of the most advanced and best resourced insurance groups in Australia. Joining the firm will enable me to build my practice in the insurance and health markets while giving my clients the benefit of significant cost advantages.”

CBP managing partner Dunstan de Souza says the firm will continue to grow and look for top tier talent following the implementation of the merger. "Our strategic plan is about being recognised as a leading provider in our core areas of insurance, construction, property and litigation,” he said.

Following the merger CBP will have 37 partners and more than 200 staff across it’s Sydney and Melbourne operations.