Becoming an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law is a major milestone. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally? Can you share what motivated you to pursue specialist accreditation in personal injury law?
Thank you — it’s an incredible honour. Personally, this accreditation represents years of hard work, persistence, and a genuine commitment to helping people navigate what is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Professionally, it signifies recognition from the Law Institute of Victoria and the broader profession that my expertise meets the highest standard in this area of practice.
I pursued specialist accreditation because personal injury law is both complex and deeply impactful. I wanted to ensure that the people who place their trust in me receive the most informed, effective representation possible. Achieving specialist status felt like a natural step in my ongoing commitment to delivering excellence for my clients.
How has personal injury law evolved in recent years, and how do you stay up to date with the changes?
The field has seen significant developments especially in the WorkCover and Abuse Law jurisdictions. The laws aren’t as plaintiff friendly as they once were. For WorkCover, there is more stringent eligibility requirements for injured workers to be able to claim compensation. Abuse law is in a constant state of fluctuation and it very much is an arm wrestle between the judiciary and legislative arms as to the rights and entitlements of very vulnerable plaintiffs. This shapes how claims are brought and assessed.
To stay current, I rely on CPD: attending conferences, collaborating with colleagues, and closely monitoring case law and legislative updates. The pace of change requires constant engagement, but it’s one of the things that keeps the work both challenging and rewarding.
Your clients often come to you during very difficult times. How do you approach supporting them through their legal journey?
Clients usually come to us at a moment when their lives have been disrupted—physically, emotionally, and financially. My approach is centred on empathy, clear communication, and practical guidance. I take time to understand their concerns, explain the process in plain language, and ensure they always feel informed and supported.
My aim is not only to achieve the best legal outcome but also to make the journey as manageable as possible. Building trust is essential, and small things—being available, listening actively, and reducing uncertainty—make a tremendous difference.
You’re now the 6th Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law at ADM. What does it mean to be part of a team with such a strong focus on specialist expertise?
It’s incredibly motivating. Being surrounded by colleagues who are highly skilled and passionate about personal injury law creates an environment where excellence is the norm. We learn from each other every day, and our combined expertise allows us to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.
Being the firm’s sixth LIV Accredited Specialist reinforces the collective strength and depth of our team.
What kind of culture or mentorship within the firm helped you reach this point?
ADM fosters a culture of collaboration, encouragement, and continuous learning. I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance from senior practitioners who generously share their knowledge and insight. Their support—combined with a workplace that values professional growth—has been fundamental to my development.
The firm encourages learning and education, celebrates achievements, and creates space for lawyers to pursue their goals. That culture made this milestone possible. I could not have accomplished this achievement without the assistance of my mentors.
What trends do you see shaping the future of personal injury law in the next few years?
I expect technology and AI to play an even larger role in our work, assisting us to assess large volumes of materials quickly and analysing documents, so that we can focus on getting to the heart of legal issues and progress matters more efficiently and effectively.
The landscape will continue to evolve, and personal injury lawyers need to remain agile and informed.
What advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to become specialists?
Be curious, be committed, and be patient. Building specialist expertise takes time and every case is valuable. Seek mentors, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the work—you’ll probably be ready when you have an understanding of how much you don’t know.
Most importantly, remember that personal injury law is ultimately about people. If you approach your legal practice with empathy, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a difference, the expertise will follow.
What is an LIV Accredited Specialist?
To become an Accredited Specialist, a Personal Injury Lawyer must have at least five years’ full-time practice experience and a minimum of three years’ experience in their area of specialisation. After intensive study of all the broad areas of personal injury law, one must pass a comprehensive examination process developed by other Accredited Specialists.
