Kim Shaw

In July 2019 Kim was appointed as a Board director of the firm.

Kim has been with Maurice Blackburn since 1991 when she finished her articles, and she is very proud of her long association with the firm and their commitment to fighting for fair. Kim established Maurice Blackburn's Ringwood office in July 1997, and became a Principal Lawyer in 1999.

With over 20 years of experience representing people with WorkCover claims, Kim then focused solely on superannuation and insurance claims after transferring from the firm's WorkCover practice to the Superannuation and Insurance practice.

Because many people with super claims also have WorkCover claims, Kim's wealth of knowledge means she can provide comprehensive and practical legal advice for our clients. Kim has represented clients in a wide range of superannuation and insurance matters, including:

• non-disclosure claims
• litigating TPD benefits ranging from $25,000 to over $1million
• advising in matters where there is no insurance due to a failure by employers to pay compulsory superannuation, and
• recovery of income protection benefits and death benefits.

Kim has also provided advice to clients in general insurance matters including in flood and mould matters.

She is determined that our team fight hard forour clients against unfair and unreasonable decisions made by insurers and super funds, and understands the significant financial pressure and strain brought about by an injury, unexpected illness or disability. 

Kim’s focus is now on guiding our skilled lawyers and paralegals within the Personal Legal Services Division to deliver the best of legal advice and service and very much enjoys the opportunity to use her many years of skills and experience that this provides from a national perspective.

"I am passionate about helping people know their rights and ensure they are receiving their lawful entitlements at a time of significant disruption and anxiety in their lives," says Kim.

Workplace injuries don’t only create problems with work and job security; they affect families and relationships and create financial pressure. Kim understands that, and finds being able to help with financial compensation incredibly satisfying.

"Naturally, a fantastic outcome on a difficult case or a settlement however small or large for a struggling client is terrific. I recall one client saying 'now we won’t lose our family home' and I was blessed to be able to play a part in that for her."

Kim also recognises that some in our society cannot afford to access legal services such as will drafting or estate planning. She is focused on changing that and delivering opportunities for more access to justice by focusing on reducing the cost to service and increasing availability to more Australians to be able to access these types of legal services.

Kim has been a Victorian co-convenor and National Convenor of Maurice Blackburn's Women's Network, where she actively supports women's rights.

As a busy lawyer and mother of three boys, Kim hopes she can be an inspiration to other women.

Alongside her work as a lawyer, Kim is the former author of the WorkCover chapter in the Legal Practice Manual published by Monash University Law Faculty. She is a current member of the Juris Doctor Advisory Board/RMIT, is current Chair of the Personal Injury Advisory Committee at the Law Institute of Victoria, and she is committed to continually educating herself and other lawyers, especially the next generation of practitioners. She believes that the best possible advice and advocacy should be provided, and to be able to do that, skills and knowledge must be current, practical and relevant.

"I very much enjoy mentoring younger lawyers and love to see their skills develop. Playing a small part in that is a privilege I am grateful to share."

Memberships & accreditations

• Law Institute of Victoria member
• Law Institute of Victoria Personal Injury Accredited Specialist
• Australian Litigation Lawyers Alliance member
• CUFA Audit and Risk Committee Chair (July 2022–present)
• Credit Union Foundation Australia Director (CUFA) (June 2022–present)
• Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia member (CRISP) (June 2022–present)
• Maurice Blackburn Nominations Committee member (July 2020–present)
• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Director (July 2019–present)
• Maurice Blackburn’s People and Culture Committee Chair (July 2019–present)
• Maurice Blackburn People and Culture Committee member (January 2018–present)
• RMIT Law Advisory Board member (August 2012-present)
• Maurice Blackburn's Women's Network member
• Personal Injury Advisory Committee, Law Institute of Victoria member and Chair (July 2010-December 2022)
• Afghan Australian Development Organisation Committee of Management member (2013-2018)
• Maurice Blackburn Remuneration Committee member (2012–December 2018)

Awards

• Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards 2018 Insurance Partner of the Year