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Whitelaw McDonald Lawyers
Whitelaw McDonald Lawyers cover
Whitelaw McDonald Lawyers

Whitelaw McDonald Lawyers

Kotara, NSW | Coffs Harbour, NSW | Erina, NSW
Contact us

About us

At Whitelaw McDonald, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to serving the Newcastle and Central Coast communities with dedication and legal excellence. Since our establishment in 1987, founded by esteemed partners Ross Whitelaw and John McDonald, we have remained steadfast in our mission to help clients understand their legal rights and navigate through life's diverse challenges with confidence. Our history of winning tens of millions of dollars for clients over the past four decades is a testament to our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our community. Our team of skilled legal professionals offers expert advice across a comprehensive range of legal areas. In Compensation Law, we handle both physical and psychological workplace injury claims, advocating vigorously for our clients to secure the just compensation they deserve. Our expertise extends to TPD (Total and Permanent Disability)/Superannuation matters, where we assist clients in securing their entitlements. Our Personal Law services encompass a wide array of areas including family law—addressing separation, divorce, and child custody—wills and estates, and property law, all handled with care and confidentiality. For businesses, we provide comprehensive legal services covering contracts, compliance audits, property and commercial leasing, and offer support in mediation and litigation. We are devoted to serving our clients throughout New South Wales, from Yass to Sydney, Newcastle, and reaching up to the Queensland border. At Whitelaw McDonald, we are more than just your legal representatives; we are your partners, personally committed to achieving the best legal outcomes. Whether you need assistance with personal or business matters, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered as you move forward in life.

Practice areas

Estate Planning
Personal Injury
Property Law
Workers Compensation

Specialisations

Personal Injury

At Whitelaw McDonald, our legal team is well-versed in handling Total Permanent Disability (TPD) claims that arise due to an inability to work from an injury or illness. We understand that many individuals may be unknowingly covered under their superannuation fund's insurance, providing a potential avenue for compensation. Addressing claims related to a wide spectrum of conditions—ranging from psychological ailments like PTSD and chronic illnesses such as arthritis to severe physical impairments like quadriplegia and paralysis—our approach is focused on securing the rightful benefits that enable our clients to lead a dignified life post-disability. We navigate the intricacies of TPD claims, where different insurance policies may cater to diverse work-capacity scenarios. Whether the claim hinges on a complete inability to work or the inability to perform essential Activities of Daily Living, our experienced team ensures that applications are prepared promptly and thoroughly. This includes gathering strong, recent medical evidence, crucial for substantiating claims within the constraints of often stringent timelines. At Whitelaw McDonald, our commitment is to facilitate a seamless claims process, empowering clients to focus on their recovery and future.

Estate Planning

At Whitelaw McDonald, we pride ourselves on offering a personal and compassionate approach to your legal needs. Whether you're navigating the delicate matters of separation and divorce or seeking guidance on estate planning, our experienced team is equipped to support you through every step. Our dedication to understanding your unique situation ensures that we provide tailored advice and strategies to achieve the outcomes you desire. Our expertise spans across a range of personal legal services, including the intricacies of contested wills, deceased estates, probate, and administration. We also assist with asset protection and provide counsel on matters involving Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship. With our comprehensive understanding of these areas, we commit to delivering thorough and proficient legal guidance.

Our team

Matthew Berenger

Matthew Berenger

Principal Director

Kotara, NSW

Specialises in

Workers CompensationPersonal InjuryMotor Vehicle Accident
Craig Stewart

Craig Stewart

Associate Director

Kotara, NSW

Specialises in

Personal InjuryEstate PlanningLitigation & Disputes
Kelly Keane

Kelly Keane

Associate Director

Kotara, NSW

Specialises in

Personal Injury
Mario Bechelli

Mario Bechelli

Senior Associate

Kotara, NSW

Specialises in

Personal InjuryEmployment LawEstate Planning

Ratings

Overall rating

4.4

28 ratings

Communication

-

Approachability

-

Professionalism

-

Legal knowledge

-

Value for money

-

Recommendations

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Office locations

Kotara, NSW

Suite 5, 76 Park Avenue, Kotara, NSW 2289Website

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Level 1, 9 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450Website

Erina, NSW

Suite 3, Building C, Fountain Corporate, 2 Ilya Avenue, Erina, NSW 2250Website

Practice areas

Employment Law
  • Workers Compensation
Estate Planning
  • Deceased Estates
  • General Advice
  • Guardianship
  • Power of Attorney
  • Wills and Estates
Personal Injury
  • General Advice
  • Medical Negligence
  • Motor Vehicle Accident
  • Professional Negligence
  • Public Liability & Claims
Property Law
  • Conveyancing