Here at Slater & Gordon we believe that providing legal representation is just the beginning. As a community minded firm, we have long recognised the value of social work in addressing the psycho-social issues that our clients may face as they move through the process of claiming compensation.
Since 2009 we have been offering our clients social work services because we understand that adjusting to life after an injury or illness can take a heavy toll financially and emotionally.
- Our social work service is provided on referral from a Slater & Gordon lawyer.
- There is no service charge to the client.
- We are proud to be the first law firm in Australia to offer such a service.
Our story
Over the years our lawyers at Slater & Gordon have been increasingly contacted by clients in crisis; the majority of whom have suffered an unexpected injury or illness. Compensation may involve an injury at work or a public place, in a motor vehicle accident or as a result of medical treatment.
Compensation claims can take time and we understand that obtaining the correct entitlement is only one of the many issues people have to face on their journey though injury or illness.
Adjusting to injury or illness can be emotional, leading to low self esteem and self-worth, social isolation, depression and suicidal thoughts. What’s more, people may find themselves in financial distress as it can take weeks, months or even years to recover physically and psychologically. Simple things such as accessing adequate treatment and care or paying basic living expenses such as rent may be beyond reach.
For this reason, in 2009 Slater & Gordon established a Social Work Services team to assist our clients in crisis as they move through the process of claiming compensation for their illness or injuries. We were the first law firm in Australia to offer such a service.
Where appropriate, the service is provided on referral from a Slater & Gordon lawyer with no service charge to the client.
Following the overwhelming success of the Social Work Services initiative in Victoria, the firm has extended the service to clients in New South Wales.
Our social work services
There are many ways our social work services complement the legal services provided by our lawyers. For example, our Social Work Services team offers:
- An assessment of immediate and long-term needs, highlighting areas of need and coordinating services and support for clients and their families where appropriate
- Support and education to clients and their carers regarding the implications to a client of major injury or illness
- Referrals of clients to relevant services, professionals and agencies covering emotional, financial, housing, support and care
- Crisis management and support
- Advice on and assistance with benefit applications, reviews and appeals, and
- Information about services and eligibility criteria to enable clients to access appropriate assistance and care.
Meet the staff
The key to our success has been in bringing together a team of highly skilled and experienced social workers who understand the needs of our clients.
Olga Gountras, Social Worker - VIC
Meet our National Manager of Social Work Services Olga Gountras. Olga brings to our firm more than 21 years of social work knowledge and skills in the health service industry. She has worked in public and private health settings within acute care and rehabilitation, and has expertise working with people suffering a wide range of medical conditions including spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and orthopaedic multi-trauma.
“What attracted me to Slater & Gordon was the lawyers’ genuine interest in the welfare of their clients. Seeing clients benefit from my assistance in a time of crisis and helping improve their lives is deeply satisfying.”
Lorraine Troy, Social Worker - VIC
Lorraine Troy values the opportunity to support people through the emotional and social issues of adjusting to injury or illness, and assist them in accessing the appropriate services.
She brings 16 years of social work experience to her role at Slater & Gordon within hospital and community health settings, working with acute and rehabilitation issues relating to trauma, neurosciences and aged care.
“I am amazed at the strength and courage people show in dealing with life changing events and feel privileged to be a part of their journey.”
Alexis Stonebridge, Social Worker - NSW
When Alexis Stonebridge joined Slater & Gordon in 2011, she brought to the team 10 years of social work experience specialising in issues relating to mental health, homelessness, drugs and alcohol.
For over a decade she has been helping people achieve a better life for themselves and their families by providing assistance and support in a way that makes them feel valued. Rather than deciding what is best for them, Alexis is guided by what they want for themselves and empowers clients to make their own decisions.
With her acquired knowledge of community agencies, she is able to guide her clients through times of hardship by connecting them with their communities and other support services.
"I am inspired by people’s resilience, their ability to adapt and cope in the most challenging of circumstances."
Want to learn more?
For further information about our social work services, please contact the National Manager of Social Work Services Olga Gountras on (03) 9949 8713 or email olga.gountras@slatergordon.com.au.
For Social Workers and Allied Health Professionals
Legal education seminars
Slater & Gordon provides legal education and information seminars, covering a range of legal information topics that will assist you in your daily practice and in understanding the legal system that affects your clients.
There are nine seminars in the series including:
- Issues of capacity
- Confidentiality & privacy, and
- Documentation, report writing and court appearances.
The seminars are cost and obligation free and can be provided upon request. These seminars are accredited with the AASW and members will receive two CPE points per learning hour.
Making a referral or enquiry
If your client is a Slater & Gordon client and you want to refer them to our social work service, or for further information about our legal education sessions, please contact the National Manager of Social Work Services Olga Gountras on (03) 9949 8713 or email olga.gountras@slatergordon.com.au.
If in New South Wales, contact Alexis Stonebridge on (02) 8267 0600 or email alexis.stonebridge@slatergordon.com.au.