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What is an accredited specialist in personal injury law?

An accredited specialist is a lawyer who is an expert in their area of law.

If you have been injured in an accident and are seeking legal representation, you may come across the term “accredited specialist in personal injury law.” But what exactly does this mean, and why is it important?

In this article, we will explore what an accredited specialist in personal injury law is, how they differ from other lawyers, and the benefits of working with one.

What is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law?

An accredited specialist in personal injury law is a lawyer who has been recognized by the Law Society of New South Wales as having expertise and experience in this area of law. To become an accredited specialist, a lawyer must meet strict criteria, including:

  • A minimum of five years’ experience as a lawyer, with at least three years’ experience practicing in personal injury law
  • Demonstrated excellence in this area of law through written references from other lawyers and judges
  • Completion of additional education and training in personal injury law
  • Passing a rigorous written examination on personal injury law

How does a lawyer become an accredited specialist?

To become an accredited specialist a lawyer must have the necessary experience and pass a rigorous examination in communication, problem solving, client service and of course his or her understanding of the law. The lawyer must also undergo an interview by senior members of the legal profession who determine at the final stage of the examination process whether or not the lawyer should be awarded specialist accreditation status.

Only those lawyers who are truly experts in their area of law are granted accreditation.

It is also important to understand that it is the lawyer who is granted accreditation not the firm. Often the firm will advertise that they are accredited specialists when in fact it might be the senior partner who is but the other 10 lawyers in the firm who do the day to day work on the matter are not. You need to make sure that the lawyer who is acting on your behalf on a day to day basis is an accredited specialist otherwise you do not have the best lawyer available.

It is the only objective way to determine that your lawyer has the necessary skill and expertise to obtain for you the best result. The Law Society of New South Wales allows lawyers who have become accredited specialists in their particular area of law to advertise the law society’s specialist accreditation logo.

How Do Accredited Specialists Differ from Other Lawyers?

Accredited specialists in personal injury law differ from other lawyers in several ways. Firstly, they have demonstrated a high level of expertise and experience in this area of law, which means they are better equipped to handle complex cases and provide effective representation.
Secondly, accredited specialists are subject to ongoing professional development and training requirements, which ensures they stay up to date with the latest developments and changes in personal injury law.
Finally, working with an accredited specialist gives you peace of mind knowing that your case is being handled by a lawyer who has been recognized by their peers and the legal profession as having exceptional knowledge and skills in this area of law.

The Benefits of Working with an Accredited Specialist

Working with an accredited specialist in personal injury law has several benefits, including:

  • Access to expert legal advice and representation
  • Increased chances of success in your case
  • Peace of mind knowing your case is being handled by a lawyer with a proven track record in personal injury law
  • A more efficient and streamlined legal process, thanks to the specialist’s knowledge and experience in this area of law

How do I find an accredited specialist in personal injury law in NSW?

You can search for accredited specialists on the Law Society of New South Wales website.

What types of cases do accredited specialists in personal injury law handle?

Accredited specialists in personal injury law handle a wide range of cases, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical negligence, and public liability claims.

Is working with an accredited specialist more expensive than working with a regular lawyer?

The cost of working with an accredited specialist may be slightly higher than working with a regular lawyer, but this is offset by the increased chances of success and more efficient legal process and more compensation for your claim.

Can I switch to an accredited specialist if I am already working with a lawyer?

Yes, you can switch to an accredited specialist at any time during your case.

How long does it take to become an accredited specialist in personal injury law?

The process of becoming an accredited specialist typically takes several years, as it involves a minimum of five years’ experience as a lawyer, additional education and training, and passing a rigorous written examination.

In summary, an accredited specialist in personal injury law is a lawyer who has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and experience in this area of law. Working with an accredited specialist can provide you with access to expert legal advice and representation, increase your chances of success in your case, and give you peace of mind knowing your case is being handled by a lawyer with a proven track record. Matthew Garling is an accredited specialist in personal injury law and can be contacted on (02) 8329 9500 or info@garlingandco.com.au. Alternatively, you can contact send him a message here.

Garling & Co Lawyers

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...
Mark W.
10:50 17 Sep 25
Garling and Co. are an exceptional outfit. Matthew Garling is a talented lawyer and supported and surrounded by a great team of people including Allison Luck and others. What made Matthew... particularly impressive with my case were his ability to communicate complex legal processes and simplify options for the next steps, his genuine interest in the law, and his passion to seek appropriate compensation on my behalf. He was not ready to settle my case until I was ready to settle the case. I am very grateful to have had Garling and Co. 'in my corner' and would not hesitate to recommend this business to others.read more
Elyce
22:22 06 Sep 25
I never imagined this chapter would close, but it finally has.I cannot thank Joelle enough for the incredible support she gave me during one of the most challenging times in my life.Her... professionalism and genuine care throughout my claim process exceeded all my expectations.Whenever I contacted Garling and Co to speak with Joelle, I was assisted by Lynn. She was always polite, clear, and concise, and consistently showed empathy whenever I called or emailed.read more
Anonymous 1.
22:02 04 Sep 25
I was referred to Garling & Co Lawyers, after previously retaining another law firm who failed to progress my matter for a period verging on three years.This was extremely frustrating and damaging,... causing me a lot of unnecessary stress and unreasonable delays. After my first conference with Matthew, he understood the challenges that I had faced and that I wanted to resolve my matter with the defendant reasonably and in a timely manner.My matter was resolved at mediation and during the process, Matthew and Dallas Morgan (barrister), professionally communicated the procedure to me and they negotiated a reasonable settlement, that I was comfortable in accepting.Thank you to Matthew and Allison for being patient with me during the most challenging time of my life. I can now move on with my life and heal. Had I not retained Garling & Co Lawyers, I highly doubt my matter would ever have been resolved.read more
Sammy R.
01:07 04 Sep 25
Garling and Co have been the best lawyers. Kerry and Matthew have worked and been working on my case for a long time now. They have worked so hard and fought for my case every step of the way. They... are highly experienced in what they do, and are compassionate at the same time. I highly recommend this firm. My life changed in an instant when I was hit by a car, I will be forever grateful for the help they've given me. 10/10read more
Donelle L.
20:37 11 Aug 25
So very happy with the service Garling has provided with both of my claims from the start to the end cannot thank them enough Mathew and the team are the best
Rachel J
01:46 09 Aug 25
The level of service that Garling & Co provides is truely unmatched.Thank you to both Matthew and Allison for your professionalism & dedication throughout my journey of being a client.Matthew... provided me with genuine, factual and straightforward advice throughout the process and this made things easy to understand and put any uncertainty I had to rest. A complicated process ran smoothly and I always felt supported, knew where things were at and that I was in good hands.The communication at Garling & Co is exceptional. Every question I had, whether by email or phone was responded to in a timely manner and at every stage I was confident Matthew would be guiding me through the next steps - which he did, until my case was finalised.Thank you for upholding clients dignity and respect, these are values people like me need in such critical times of their lives. As a client, it is clear these values shine through. You provided me with a safe space where I was able to focus on my day to day challenges caused by my injuries, while you took care of the legal aspect on my behalf.Lastly, I’m grateful for your commitment to the work that you do and the care that you provide to people who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. And thank you so much for the very positive outcome that I received.read more
Ros P.
07:12 29 Jun 25
Staff polite, clear and concise. Explained well in a logistical manner. Overall a great service.
Chris G
01:25 23 Jun 25
My experience with Garling & Co has been a positive one throughout the claims process. Matthew, Emily, Emma and Rebecca have been responsive, understanding and supportive during my ongoing recovery.
Sandra C.
04:11 16 Jun 25
Garling & Co Lawyers were professional from start to finish. They made me feel like I was as important to them as all their clients. Emma Perkins and her team went over and above in all aspects to... exceed my expectations. Highly recommended.read more
Phillip R.
12:05 26 Apr 25
My case was extremely well managed by Garling & Co. I can highly recommend and commend Matthew Garling for his professionalism in handling my matter in a direct manner. Thank you.
READ ALL TESTIMONIALS

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Mark W.
10:50 17 Sep 25
Garling and Co. are an exceptional outfit. Matthew Garling is a talented lawyer and supported and surrounded by a great team of people including Allison Luck and others. What made Matthew... particularly impressive with my case were his ability to communicate complex legal processes and simplify options for the next steps, his genuine interest in the law, and his passion to seek appropriate compensation on my behalf. He was not ready to settle my case until I was ready to settle the case. I am very grateful to have had Garling and Co. 'in my corner' and would not hesitate to recommend this business to others.read more
Elyce
22:22 06 Sep 25
I never imagined this chapter would close, but it finally has.I cannot thank Joelle enough for the incredible support she gave me during one of the most challenging times in my life.Her... professionalism and genuine care throughout my claim process exceeded all my expectations.Whenever I contacted Garling and Co to speak with Joelle, I was assisted by Lynn. She was always polite, clear, and concise, and consistently showed empathy whenever I called or emailed.read more
Anonymous 1.
22:02 04 Sep 25
I was referred to Garling & Co Lawyers, after previously retaining another law firm who failed to progress my matter for a period verging on three years.This was extremely frustrating and damaging,... causing me a lot of unnecessary stress and unreasonable delays. After my first conference with Matthew, he understood the challenges that I had faced and that I wanted to resolve my matter with the defendant reasonably and in a timely manner.My matter was resolved at mediation and during the process, Matthew and Dallas Morgan (barrister), professionally communicated the procedure to me and they negotiated a reasonable settlement, that I was comfortable in accepting.Thank you to Matthew and Allison for being patient with me during the most challenging time of my life. I can now move on with my life and heal. Had I not retained Garling & Co Lawyers, I highly doubt my matter would ever have been resolved.read more
Sammy R.
01:07 04 Sep 25
Garling and Co have been the best lawyers. Kerry and Matthew have worked and been working on my case for a long time now. They have worked so hard and fought for my case every step of the way. They... are highly experienced in what they do, and are compassionate at the same time. I highly recommend this firm. My life changed in an instant when I was hit by a car, I will be forever grateful for the help they've given me. 10/10read more
Donelle L.
20:37 11 Aug 25
So very happy with the service Garling has provided with both of my claims from the start to the end cannot thank them enough Mathew and the team are the best
Rachel J
01:46 09 Aug 25
The level of service that Garling & Co provides is truely unmatched.Thank you to both Matthew and Allison for your professionalism & dedication throughout my journey of being a client.Matthew... provided me with genuine, factual and straightforward advice throughout the process and this made things easy to understand and put any uncertainty I had to rest. A complicated process ran smoothly and I always felt supported, knew where things were at and that I was in good hands.The communication at Garling & Co is exceptional. Every question I had, whether by email or phone was responded to in a timely manner and at every stage I was confident Matthew would be guiding me through the next steps - which he did, until my case was finalised.Thank you for upholding clients dignity and respect, these are values people like me need in such critical times of their lives. As a client, it is clear these values shine through. You provided me with a safe space where I was able to focus on my day to day challenges caused by my injuries, while you took care of the legal aspect on my behalf.Lastly, I’m grateful for your commitment to the work that you do and the care that you provide to people who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. And thank you so much for the very positive outcome that I received.read more
Ros P.
07:12 29 Jun 25
Staff polite, clear and concise. Explained well in a logistical manner. Overall a great service.
Chris G
01:25 23 Jun 25
My experience with Garling & Co has been a positive one throughout the claims process. Matthew, Emily, Emma and Rebecca have been responsive, understanding and supportive during my ongoing recovery.
Sandra C.
04:11 16 Jun 25
Garling & Co Lawyers were professional from start to finish. They made me feel like I was as important to them as all their clients. Emma Perkins and her team went over and above in all aspects to... exceed my expectations. Highly recommended.read more
Phillip R.
12:05 26 Apr 25
My case was extremely well managed by Garling & Co. I can highly recommend and commend Matthew Garling for his professionalism in handling my matter in a direct manner. Thank you.
University of Technology, Sydney
Member of Law Society of New South Wales
Law Society of NSW Specialist Accreditation
University of Sydney
Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales
The law society of nsw professional standards scheme logo.
University of Technology, Sydney
Member of Law Society of New South Wales
Law Society of NSW Specialist Accreditation
University of Sydney
Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales
The law society of nsw professional standards scheme logo.
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