donaldson law
testimonials.

“After the initial contact, my matter was handled by Lisa Kinder who I found to be very approachable and understanding. She guided me through the process and at every stage showed empathy which made me feel very comfortable discussing what had happened to me. ”

I first contacted Donaldson Law in 2018 after seeing a media article about abuse in various arms of the Defence Forces in Australia during the sixties and seventies. At first, I was extremely reluctant to make contact as I had kept my personal experiences in the forces during that time to myself for decades. I could not see myself discussing those experiences with anyone let alone a stranger. As it had been fifty years, I couldn't see how anything could be done but I decided it was now or never and made the call. From the very start I was treated with respect and compassion by Adair and there was no pressure whatsoever to proceed. I was surprised to learn that there was a chance I would be eligible for some sort of reparation payment.

After the initial contact, my matter was handled by Lisa Kinda who I found to be very approachable and understanding. She guided me through the process and at every stage showed empathy which made me feel very comfortable discussing what had happened to me. She was always available to take my calls and kept me updated at every step of the process. My matter settled and I was more than happy with the outcome and the amount I received was far above what I could have expected. I thought that was the end of things but that was not the case. When I was discharged my papers were marked 'unsuitable' and this had been a constant source of anger and embarrassment to me as I believed that I should have been given a medical discharge because of what I experienced. By this stage, I had been diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety and Depressive disorders, all relating to my time in the Service.

I was contacted by Courtney Jenkins who advised me that I may have a case to have my initial reason for discharge overturned. As with my initial dealings with Donaldson Law, Courtney handled my matter with professionalism and managed to get my discharge classed as a medical discharge. This meant there was an avenue to seek payment of unpaid superannuation as well as pension entitlements dating back fifty years. I was thrilled when this outcome was achieved. As with my earlier experience, Courtney could not have been more helpful.

If not for the team at Donaldson Law I would not have been aware of what was owed to me. I cannot thank them enough, especially, Adair, Lisa, Courtney and Anna but also to the rest of the team.

I could not recommend this firm more highly and I would not hesitate in engaging them again.

“What has made this entire process bearable and liveable is the continuous and extensive guidance and assistance provided by my solicitor Kelsey and the team at Donaldson Law.”

When I first entered into this process I did so with no small amount of reticence due mostly to being told at a young age that you did not question or complain and just got on with it. I was also driven by the desire to ensure that no one else was ever put in the position I was, that I was in some way able to be heard and gain some measure of closure. I think it important to understand that the process raised some issues that I thought long since buried but if I am honest this too was in part cathartic and provided a sense of closure on its own.

What has made this entire process bearable and liveable is the continuous and extensive guidance and assistance provided by my solicitor Kelsey and the team at Donaldson Law. Kelsey is very knowledgeable, experienced and showed a level of understanding and compassion that helped me navigate through what could have been an extremely difficult process and I will remain grateful for her kindness.

This is not an easy process but you can be assured that the team at Donaldson Law will do everything possible to make the process and painless as possible, I can only highly recommend them to you.

“I was surrounded by people who understood me, my case and the process I was going through”

I first came to know Lisa after a very difficult time in my life when I had made the overwhelming decision to speak of my abuse within the Australian Defence Force. I was in an extremely fragile state suffering from PTSD, Depression and Anxiety alongside having to face debilitating physical conditions that caused me chronic pain and hospitalisation.

The very idea of speaking to someone about what I had experienced was overwhelming and had prevented me from engaging with a legal firm in the past. A trusted adviser of mine recommended Lisa at Donaldson Law. Upon contacting Lisa, I felt reassured that whilst the process would be challenging, I would be safe, and I would be supported. This is exactly what I experienced.

Lisa has been the ideal person to support and advise me at every step of the way through a process that could easily have overwhelmed me. I can honestly state that without her professionalism, caring nature and understanding of the struggles I face I would never have persevered with my case. I am forever grateful for Lisa’s personal understanding of the unique challenge survivors of abuse in the ADF face, for without this I would have given up.

Lisa’s professional knowledge is exceptional, and she is able to convey complex systems and processes with clarity. Due to this ability to keep me informed in a way that was honest and clear I always felt respected. This also reassured me and gave me the confidence in Lisa that I needed to keep progressing with my case.

The way in which Lisa engaged with me was with the utmost care and consideration. In every engagement with me she constantly ensured that my wellbeing was a priority and implemented processes to assist me in preparing myself for reliving events, providing statements and for other difficult aspects of my case.

“empathetic and caring throughout our discussions”

Donaldson Law were extremely knowledgeable and professional in providing me with some advice around my contract for a case. I felt like I could trust them from both a professional sense but also in terms of protecting my confidentiality. The two team members I dealt with were empathetic and caring throughout our discussions. I would highly recommend working with them.

“they had my best interests at heart”

First and foremost it must be said that the level of professionalism, compassion and conduct when liaising with Donaldson Law has been without a doubt second to none. Each and every point of contact with the firm has been a heartfelt and respectful exchange that is not only refreshing but a true testament to the degree of expertise within a delicate and complex matter that surpassed all my expectations.

I was extremely confident that justice was the only outcome sought and acquired throughout. I have absolutely no hesitations in promoting, endorsing or recommending Donaldson Law to others in circumstances similar to my own.

“my outlook on solicitors is now very different”

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your efforts during my case. From day one I was made to feel at ease and received a caring attitude from Adair. I was kept informed throughout the entire process and Pat made me feel like a rock star at the mediation, staying with me the whole time.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the Donaldson Law team to whoever needs their services. After spending 7 years in the New South Wales Police Force my outlook on solicitors is now very different.

“there was never an adversarial approach that one always expects”

I cannot thank you enough for not only your expertise in the legal fraternity, but also the friendship and empathy you shared with me over the last year. I know you were there to get me the best possible outcome, but there was never an adversarial approach that one always expects in these situations between two parties.

It was a great approach and I think everyone walks away feeling the right thing has been done.

“always made me feel safe and not judged”

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the pleasure in finding Adair Donaldson and his amazing team to work on my case. I had a fear of coming forward to pursue a claim and definitely didn't want to deal with a large firm. Given the very personal and sensitive matters of my case, I didn't want to be treated like a faceless number. Finding Donaldson Law was a blessing.

Adair is genuinely passionate and 100% committed to what he does. This is evident in not only in the compassion, empathy, understanding and belief he has for his clients, but also the involvement he has in various community endeavors on a national level relating to sexual assault and domestic violence with the aim of changing culture through education.

Adair has immersed himself into fighting for his clients. He kept me informed at every turn. He is open, honest, compassionate and supportive. He is a man of absolute integrity. Despite the sensitivity of my case Adair always made me feel safe and not judged. He has gone above and beyond while working through everything pertaining to my case and has kept me informed every step of the way.

This personal and professional approach waylaid any of my initial fears. Adair made what could have be quite a confronting and daunting process easy. All the while protecting me, fighting for me and believing in me. The result of which has achieved an outcome on my case which dated back 28 years.

I would confidently recommend Donaldson Law.

“did a miraculous job of deciphering the tangled web of evidence”

Yesterday my long running compensation claim against the Commonwealth was settled out of court in confidence. This is because we sought out and engaged one of the best lawyers in Australia. Adair Donaldson from Donaldson law whom in just 8 months did a miraculous job of deciphering the tangled web of evidence that was accumulated since my RAAF/ Army service 40 odd years ago.

Adair Donaldson is an amazing and compassionate lawyer who also engaged an equally astute barrister named Gerard Mullins and together they were able to quickly bring the Commonwealth to the table and stop the rot. One cannot recommend Donaldson Law highly enough for anyone who has been abused in the military or elsewhere or professional athletes who have legal issues.

Thank you Donaldson Law.

“a law firm that shows how much they care by their actions and extremely fair costs ”

I cannot thank Marguerite personally enough and Donaldson Law for all your hard work and the caring way that you have all treated me in regards to my claim . I do hope you and your co-workers have some way to detress , relax , take time out from the work you do . It must be an incredibly stressful burden, yet rewarding to undertake these cases day by day. I don't mind if you pass this email onto your bosses and co-workers as it wouldn't hurt them to know just how incredibly important it is for a survivor (such as myself ) to be treated with such sincere dignity by a law firm that shows how much they care by their actions and extremely fair costs. I thank you all sincerely.

“you embody the essence of what trauma informed practice is”

The manner and professionalism displayed right from the start played a significant role in negotiating the intricacies of this process and ensured that we felt your supported throughout. You embody the essence of what trauma informed practice is. For anyone who needs your support, who have been impacted by institutional abuse, we are confident they will be in good hands.

“your team came through and did everything you promised in the most caring and respectful way”

I have had no personal experience with the legal profession and in truth was very wary of lawyers, I took a chance and your team came through and did everything you promised in the most caring and respectful way. The outcome far exceeded my expectations and was quicker and less stressful than I imagined. There is a new equilibrium in my life. Thank you to the team at Donaldson Law, I wish you all the very best for the future.

“I was recommended by a fellow Veteran to give Donaldson's a call. That call changed my life. ”

I am writing to thank Donaldson Law, especially Courtney who was my Solicitor. I am a former ADF member who was in a bad way due to abuse I suffered during my service. I was recommended by a fellow Veteran to give Donaldson's a call. That call changed my life. The care, professionalism and legal knowledge shown by Courtney was the reason I won my case. I now have closure which now allows me to get on with my life. I can't thankyou enough.

“they were caring, honest and had the utmost integrity.”

I found that all the people I dealt with, right from Adair through to all his staff were very professional, they were caring, honest and had the utmost integrity. They spoke to me in layman’s language when necessary so that I could easily understand, they were confidential and upfront with me in all our dealings. I have no trouble in recommending them to represent anyone with any legal matter.

“You guys have done such an excellent and wonderful job.”

Dear Katrina,

Thanks so much for the letter and the advice.

I am truly overwhelmed by the fantastic news you brought back to me when talking on the phone early this morning.

I am so, so happy and grateful for this positive outcome we received today. You guys have done such an excellent and wonderful job.

I couldn’t thank you and Sarah Adams, plus the amazing paralegals Hannah and Sarah, enough for your efforts and all the time you all put into my case. I really appreciate it!