Experience
Mark has had a wide range of experience in his 18 years as a litigation lawyer. Mark previously worked as a lawyer in a small local firm, as branch manager for a Sydney based firm, and as Senior Associate for a National firm. He has the experience and knowledge to assist clients to achieve optimum results in a time effective way.
Sian has extensive experience practising in Criminal Law. Sian has been a solicitor for over 12 years and has worked for both private firms and for public organisations such as Legal Aid, the Aboriginal Legal Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Specialised Advice
Mark is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury law. The compensation laws in NSW have changed a lot in recent times and are subject to ongoing change, which means lawyers need to act quickly to preserve clients’ rights. It is a highly specialised area of law and you need someone on top of the changes to guide you through the various systems.
Sian is a member of Legal Aid’s General and Serious Crime Panel and understands the intricacies of Criminal Law. Criminal Law in NSW is an ever-evolving area of the law and Sian keeps on top of these changes by revising new developments. Sian tailors her advice to each client’s needs in an easy to understand way, simplifying what can often be a very complex process.
Direct Communication
When you have a question about your case you expect a quick and considered response from someone who knows where your case is up to, and where it is going. Many clients become frustrated at larger firms when they are told by their lawyer that, “I will have to talk to my supervising partner and get back to you” before providing an answer. This can mean waiting days (if not weeks) to receive a response. That is not acceptable. At Johnston Legal you can always speak to Mark or Sian about your case.
Reliability
Larger firms have lawyers with varying degrees of experience and expertise in handling litigation or criminal defence claims, and as a new client your claim will be allocated randomly to one of their lawyers. You don’t take this unnecessary risk when you engage Johnston Legal to handle your claim as Mark or Sian handles your claim from start to finish.
Thorough Preparation
Although many cases settle through negotiations with an insurer, some claims still end up going to court. If you are in this situation you need to have confidence that your lawyer is prepared and ready to present your case before the court. You need an experienced litigator, and Mark has that experience. He is a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury law, and those litigation skills apply to areas other than compensation such as Employment law, contract disputes, Disputed wills, Superannuation claims and Local Court appearances (and others).
In criminal matters, Sian has appeared as sole advocate against Senior Counsel, instructed Senior Counsel in lengthy and complex trials and has represented clients in all NSW jurisdictions including the Criminal Court of Appeal, meaning that she will best represent you. Your solicitor must be thoroughly prepared to get the best outcome and at Johnston Legal, Mark and Sian will always ensure this necessary attention to detail.
“No win no fee” for compensation claims
Insurers often write to people with compensation and insurance claims and make offers of settlement. Insurers do this because they know that people will accept their offers without consulting a lawyer. This can mean people resolve their claims for amounts well below their claim’s value. Compensation claims are handled on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis so you should use the benefit of Mark’s experience to handle your claim and advise you in respect to any offer received.
Locations Served
Johnston Legal is based in Wollongong, but is able to, and often services clients from other areas such as Nowra, Bowral, Goulburn, Campbelltown, Sydney, Far South Coast, Central Coast, Canberra and other locations by appointment.
Contact Johnston Legal for an initial appointment on (02) 4225 2677 or send an email enquiry.
Navigating the Legal System
There are many misconceptions when it comes to the legal system within New South Wales. Johnston Legal are here to help guide you and explain what you can expect when it comes to making a legal claim or representation.
Contact us to find out how we can help you.
