A judgment on the class action trial over NSW local government insurance mutuals could take months, lawyers say.

Richmond Valley Council began the NSW Supreme Court action on behalf of 12 councils in 2018, alleging JLT breached its broker duties and arranged cover “at less advantageous rates than were available”.

JLT says it didn’t act as an insurance broker for the group and “when fairly looked at” cover arranged was not less advantageous and councils suffered no loss or damage.

Justice Kate Williams heard evidence over almost a month, but reserved judgment.

JLT, now part of Marsh & McLennan, declined to comment following the conclusion of the hearing.

Law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, which is acting for the municipalities, says a similar class action on behalf of Victorian councils is set to proceed to trial following the conclusion of the NSW case.