Law firm Moray & Agnew has promoted two senior insurance lawyers to partner, and six special counsel in Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane.

Derek Collins and Beth Russell, both Melbourne-based, are the new partners, while fellow Melburnian Margarita Ntostas is special counsel.

In Newcastle, Danielle Sweeney, Helene Tretheway and Joan Williams also take the special counsel insurance role, as do Jessica Pendlebury and Maja Visic in Brisbane.

Sydney-based Tessa Board was promoted to senior associate, insurance.

National Managing Partner Geoff Connellan said it was "particularly gratifying” to be able to promote from within and give clients access to strong legal talent.

“Congratulations to each of these lawyers on their well-deserved promotions. We acknowledge and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the firm and our clients,” he said.

The promotions come after rival law firm Kennedys appointed three insurance partners last month and Wotton & Kearney opened Adelaide and New Zealand offices.