Catherine Coleiro

Port Adelaide, SA

About Catherine

Catherine Coleiro serves as the CEO and Managing Lawyer at WestSide Community Lawyers, where she demonstrates an extensive background in legal practice and leadership. With over 15 years of experience, Catherine is deeply involved in the domestic, family, and sexual violence sectors. Her approach is values-driven, emphasizing trauma-informed and client-centred practices to advance justice for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. Catherine has previously provided strategic leadership across various statewide integrated programs, focusing on service innovation, organisational collaboration, and system reform. She effectively delivers coordinated legal, health, and social interventions for her clients. Notably, Catherine has pioneered Health Justice Partnerships across South Australia, embedding legal services within health settings to enhance accessibility and promote early intervention. Her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures is well recognised, grounded in wellbeing and cultural safety. In her role as CEO, Catherine partners closely with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders to lead WestSide Lawyers’ strategic direction and operations. Her leadership reinforces the firm’s mission to provide accessible and high-quality legal services across Adelaide’s western suburbs and the Outback and Mid North regions. Catherine’s dedication to collaboration, social justice, and sustainable change underscores her work and the firm’s overall impact. Prior to her current role, Catherine was a Legal Officer for the Legal Services Commission of South Australia for over 18 years, further solidifying her expertise and commitment to the legal field. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice from Flinders University, equipping her with the foundational knowledge and skills to lead effectively in her profession.