Industrial and workers compensation laws are constantly changing. These laws, and those in relation to Wills and Estates, are complex and technical. If you need assistance with such matters you should see a lawyer experienced in these areas.

Being injured or sacked is distressing enough; being involved in litigation or a claim management process brings further stress. You need a lawyer who appreciates the pressures you are under.

• Technical know-how and experience are not enough – you want your lawyer to:
• Be available to meet with you at short notice;
• Respond quickly to your telephone calls and emails;
• Listen to you, and treat you with respect and understanding;
• Provide clear, carefully considered advice about all the legal options open to you;
• Recommend the best course for you to adopt and explain why;
• Work hard to achieve the quickest and best possible result for you; and
• Keep legal costs to a minimum.

This is how we conduct our practice.

Joseph Wearing was my 3rd legal representative during an extremely painful, traumatic and complicated ordeal involving workers’ compensation. His level of expertise and knowledge of my legal entitlements was well beyond my expectations as he continued to set a number of precedents throughout my claim. The clarity of advice gained my trust and all of my payments and reimbursements in a highly professional, diligent and timely manner. I have no doubt had it not been for Joseph, I would still be going around in circles with no future prospects and would have suffered a breakdown in the meantime.

– David M

For over 30 years Joseph has been representing working people in a wide range of areas, but predominantly in employment and personal injury law. Most of Joseph’s practice is in relation to employment disputes and workers compensation, but he also has extensive experience in other personal injury work, discrimination law and other civil litigation.

Joseph is a member of the Law Society of South Australia, the Australian Lawyers Alliance, the Society of Labour Lawyers (SA) Inc and the Industrial Relations Society of South Australia.

Doyle’s Guide has identified Joseph as a Preeminent lawyer in the areas of Employment and Industrial Relations in South Australia.

Whilst away from the office, you’ll find Joseph spending time with his family or riding his bike in the hills.

Joseph’s working days are Monday – Friday.

Donald Blairs

Donald graduated from Adelaide University in 2002, with degrees in Finance and Law. Before commencing work at Wearing & Blairs in April 2016, Donald had over 13 years’ experience as an industrial lawyer, working for a large Union.

Donald has represented employees in a range of State and Federal Courts and Tribunals and has significant experience in negotiations with large employers. He specialises in workers compensation and industrial disputes, including underpayment claims and unfair dismissals.

Doyle’s Guide has identified Donald as a Leading and Preeminent lawyer for both employment and workers compensation in South Australia, since 2018.

Donald is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and is the Co-Chair of the Law Society’s Industrial Relations Committee, the Presiding Member of the Return to Work Minister’s Advisory Committee, and an active member of the Society of Labour Lawyers (SA) Inc. and is a past member of the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee and of SafeWork SA Advisory Council.

Outside of the office, Donald is either at a sports game, or actively involved with his children’s cricket and soccer teams, either coaching them, or just cheering from the sidelines.

Donald’s working days are Monday – Friday.

I am thankful and pleased with all my interactions with Donald and all of the WearingLaw team, from start to finish.

– Shaun S

Karin Harris

Karin Harris has over 20 years’ experience in Wills and Estates Law in South Australia. She joined Wearing & Blairs in 2016. Prior to that, Karin worked in other leading law firms in South Australia, including nearly five years with a firm specialising in Wills and Estates.

Karin also has previous experience in commercial and family law. This provides her with a useful background when providing advice about estate planning, and the administration of deceased estates.

Karin is our Wills and Estates specialist solicitor. She can assist you with:

• Wills & Succession Planning
• Deceased Estates
• Family Provision Claims Advice
• Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Advance Care Directives
• Superannuation

Karin is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and is committed to providing high quality, ethical legal advice, at a reasonable cost.

Outside of the office, Karin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and other activities such as cycling, swimming, bushwalking, running and practising her culinary skills!

Karin’s working days are Monday – Friday.

At all contact points Karin & Hannah display the professionalism expected from a large firm whilst still offering the benefits of dealing with a small firm.

– H & N W

Kaeli Convey

Kaeli graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws, with First Class Honours. She was admitted to practice that same year.>

Prior to being admitted to practice, Kaeli worked within the Union movement providing advice and representation to workers across a range of industries, and particularly to vulnerable young workers.

Kaeli joined us at Wearing & Blairs in 2018 and has been a great asset to the firm as she is passionate about protecting and advancing employee rights and entitlements. She advises on all manner of employment law matters including unfair dismissal, general protections, underpayment claims, discrimination and harassment claims, anti-bullying applications, as well as workers compensation matters.

Doyles Guide has listed Kaeli as an Employment & WHS Law Rising Star since 2022!

Kaeli is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and the Society of Labour Lawyers (SA).

Outside work, Kaeli enjoys participating in the local music community and spending time with her young family.

Kaeli’s working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Mary Farrell

Mary Farrell graduated from the University of Adelaide (LLB, Dip Lang) in 2008 and was admitted to practice in 2010. Prior to admission, Mary worked as an Industrial Officer assisting workers in industrial and workers’ compensation matters.

Mary spent 5 years working for a leading Plaintiff law firm in Melbourne, representing clients in WorkCover and medical negligence litigation in the District and Supreme Courts of Victoria.

Most recently, Mary worked as a Legal Advisor for the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, assisting doctors and nurses with clinical negligence claims and Coronial Inquests.

Mary has recently returned to Adelaide with her young family and is enjoying getting back to her legal roots – helping workers by providing advice and representation in industrial and workers’ compensation matters.

Mary is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and the Society of Labour Lawyers (SA).

Outside of the office, Mary enjoys traveling, visiting local sights, and spending time with her young family.

Nadeem Shaki

Nadeem graduated from Adelaide Uni (LLB) in 2017 and was admitted to practice in 2018.

Post admission he worked in the private practice and as an industrial officer in a Union representing workers for a range of issues. He has come back to private practice and joined Wearing & Blairs in 2023.

Nadeem is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and is an active member of the Law Society’s Industrial Relations Committee, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the St Vincent De Paul Refugee & Asylum Seeker Committee.

Outside of work, Nadeem enjoys travelling, attending local events, and finding great coffee spots around Adelaide!

Nadeem’s working days are Monday – Friday.

Nadeem kept me informed, was very approachable and I could not be happier with his service.

– Bob B.

Support Staff

Practice Manager – Hannah

Hannah helped Joseph establish WearingLaw in 2011. She will be able to assist with any request you might have – or be able to point you in the direction of the right lawyer for your situation.

Whilst not at work, Hannah enjoys gaming, building Lego, crafting and spending time with her family and friends.

Hannah’s working days are Monday – Friday.

Reception – Joanna

Joanna joined the team in 2021. She will be your first point of call when contacting our firm.

Joanna brings a bright and bubbly energy to the office. Spending the past 10 or so years in the country areas around Adelaide, she is enjoying being back in the city. When not at work, she loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, or going for long walks with her terror beagle, Callie.

Joanna’s working days are Monday – Friday.

Law Clerks

We now have two Law Clerks at Wearing & Blairs, who help our lawyers with various tasks. You may hear from them on behalf of your lawyer, asking questions about your matter to assist with drafting documents or obtaining accurate history.

Luke

Luke joined our team in 2022 and is now in his third year at Adelaide University studying Law and Psychology.

Whilst not at work – Luke likes reading, going on long walks and watching the football!

Luke’s working days are Monday and Friday.

Sonja

In 2023, we welcomed Sonja to the team. She has just finished her law degree at Uni SA – looking to be admitted to practice in late 2024.

Whilst not at work, Sonja enjoys visiting wineries around SA and spending time with her young family.

Sonja’s working days are Tuesday and Thursday.