02 8202 0000

Lesa O’Neill

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Position: Director

02 8202 0001 

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Lesa O’Neill, founder of SMK Lawyers, is an industry leader in insurance and personal injury claims management, acting for employers and Agencies in relation to their workers compensation and work injury damages liabilities since 1999 as a paralegal for the Department of Education and thereafter as a Lawyer in private practice. 

Lesa has been instrumental in advising clients in relation to trends, risk management and claims prevention and management strategies in this space given the prolific rise in claim numbers and costs associated with workplace mental harm.

Although a robust advocate, Lesa never stops looking beyond the courtroom for ways to resolve litigation to her client’s advantage, balancing business objectives with resources and the relative merits of her client’s position.  She is a true partner in problem-solving with national mediator accreditation and commitment to the principles of alternate dispute resolution.

Lesa offers a unique combination of robust legal expertise and first-hand knowledge of insurer’s perspective of management of claims and outcomes. Lesa’s ability to rapidly, and accurately, assess all aspects of a claim and offer the best, commercial remedy is valued by her clients.

With a thorough understanding of the law and policy framework underpinning the development of the workers compensation legislation, regulations and associated guidelines, Lesa has navigated her clients through various reforms and scheme changes to ensure optimal outcomes.

Lesa’s strong leadership and management style is reflected in the team she has surrounded herself with.  Under her guidance and mentoring, the team at SMK prides itself on its reputation for quality in its personal relationships, its consistent and excellent service in providing expert legal services whilst maintaining a culture of being accessible and approachable.

Lesa is committed to shared knowledge with her clients, raising their legal independence to improve decision making and outcomes. She continues to conduct numerous presentations and seminars to insurer and employer clients, medical providers, industry specialists and peers in relation to the specific nuances and impact of legislation in regard to workers compensation and associated employment factors.  She has been involved in implementing several improvement programs for employers including the industries of health, education and emergency service providers.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
  • Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW, 2001
  • Accreditation – Australian National Mediator (NMAS), 2018