What to Expect When You Work With Donaldson Law
Contacting a law firm about abuse, an integrity breach or your service-related entitlements is not a small step.
You do not need to have everything “worked out” before you speak with us. Our role is to listen, explain the law in clear terms and help you decide what, if anything, you want to do next – at a pace that feels manageable for you.
This page walks through what working with Donaldson Law usually looks like, from first contact through to resolution, so you know what to expect before you reach out.
Reaching Out for the First Time
You can contact us by phone, email, through our online enquiry form or by booking an initial consultation.
At this stage, we only need enough information to understand broadly:
You do not have to tell us your full story in your first message. You can also let us know if there are particular days, times or methods of contact that feel safest for you.
There is no cost or obligation for making an initial enquiry.
Your First Conversation
Your first substantive conversation with us will usually be by phone or video, with a lawyer who works in the area relevant to your situation.
In that conversation, you can expect that we will:
You are in control of the conversation. You can:
We focus on asking only for information we actually need at that stage, so you are not retelling painful events more often than necessary.
After That: Our Assessment and Advice
Once we understand the broad outline of your situation we will assess whether there is a legal pathway available. That may involve checking which laws and schemes apply, which institution or organisation may be responsible and what evidence is likely to be needed.
When we have enough information we will provide clear advice about:
In many matters we prepare a detailed written letter of advice that summarises the evidence we have gathered so far, identifies the parties who may be responsible, explains the options open to you and sets out a realistic range of outcomes based on our experience with similar matters.
You will not be asked to make a decision on the spot. You can take time to think, to talk to people you trust and to come back to us with questions.
Deciding Whether to Go Ahead
If you decide you would like Donaldson Law to act for you we will send you a written Costs Agreement and Disclosure. This is a legal requirement and it sets out the work we will do, how our fees are calculated and the stages usually involved in your matter.
We will walk through this information with you in plain language. You will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you need. We cannot begin substantive legal work on your matter until you have accepted that agreement so we take the time to make sure you are comfortable with what you are signing and that you are confident that we are the best law firm to assist you.
In the majority of our abuse and compensation matters we are able to offer deferred or conditional fee arrangements. If this is an option in your situation we will explain exactly what it means for you before you make any decision.
Outcomes: Financial and Beyond
As we work together we will talk with you about what matters most in your situation. Possible outcomes might include:
• financial compensation that reflects the impact of what you have experienced
• formal acknowledgement of your experience
• apologies or other restorative steps
• contributions to policy or practice changes that may help protect others in the future
We will help you to understand which outcomes are realistic in your matter and we will tailor our strategy to reflect your goals as well as your legal rights.
Your Wellbeing and Boundaries
Once we have worked with you to take your statement and you have confirmed its content you will usually not need to keep retelling the details of your trauma unless we need to clarify a specific point for evidence purposes. After that our focus shifts toward gathering records, obtaining expert evidence where needed and guiding you through the procedural steps.
If at any point you feel overwhelmed please tell us. We can adjust the pace, break tasks into smaller steps or revisit the timing of particular stages. Your legal matter is only one part of your life. We keep that firmly in mind.
When You Are Ready
How We Work Together
We see every client relationship as a partnership. We invest significant time, expertise and financial resources in your matter. In return we ask that you work with us in a way that allows us to achieve the best possible outcome together.
In practical terms that usually means that you:
We will never pressure you to accept an offer you do not wish to accept. Our role is to explain the likely range of outcomes and the risks of each option. At the same time we are obliged to give you realistic advice.
You will have a lead lawyer who is responsible for strategy and key advice. They are supported by other lawyers, paralegals and legal support staff. Different team members will carry out different tasks so that your matter progresses efficiently and so that costs are managed. All work is supervised by your lead lawyer. You can ask to speak directly with them at any stage, especially about sensitive issues or major decisions.
Meet Our Dedicated & Compassionate Team
Peta Gray
Kelsey Hyslop
Jessica McGregor
Jessica Richardson
Mia Billing
Fiona Lund
Faith Hurley
Make a Confidential Enquiry
It takes courage to take the first step. Complete the request form and we’ll reach out or book an initial call with our trauma-informed team below.