Presenters

Jessica Mackenzie, Partner, Rankin Ellison Lawyers
Jessica specialises in insurance litigation with an emphasis on Dust Diseases litigation. Jessica joined Rankin Ellison in 2020 as Special Counsel and was appointed as a Partner in 2022. She has worked in personal injury litigation since 2005. Following her admission in 2009, Jessica proved her ongoing commitment to personal injury litigation by achieving her Law Society Specialist Accreditation in personal injury law in 2014. Practicing solely in Dust Diseases litigation since 2013, she has conducted claims in both New South Wales and Queensland. Jessica has worked for both Plaintiff and Defendant law firms, developing a diverse range of skills. Now litigating complex liability and damages claims, she pays particular attention to evidence presented by her opposition in order to ensure the most appropriate response to claims. Jessica prides herself on providing timely and quality advice, ensuring that the forensic and strategic direction of a case is taken care of. Her strong advocacy skills have earned her a well-deserved reputation in the NSW Dust Diseases jurisdiction.

Joanne Wade, Head of National Asbestos and Dust Diseases, Slater & Gordon
Joanne is the Head of Asbestos and Dust Diseases at Slater & Gordon. Joanne has worked in the dust diseases field since 1996 and is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. In a time that is normally the most difficult for her clients, Joanne understands the importance and need to handle all her cases with the utmost diligence, compassion and honesty. Respected amongst her peers, the thing that separates Joanne from other asbestos lawyers is perspective; with her own father being exposed to asbestos working at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, she is in the unique position of seeing it from both angles. With Joanne's passion, stemming from personal experience, this gives her a greater understanding of all aspects and she takes on board every case with an equal amount of commitment.