Clarity. Compassion. Peace of Mind.
Personal injuries are our specialty,
our communities are our passion.
Shaw & Bunner Legal helps injured coal miners and regional workers understand their rights, secure compensation, and rebuild their future with clarity, compassion and confidence.
As a dedicated personal injury law firm based in regional NSW, we combine expert legal skills with deep roots in mining communities. We know what you’re facing—because we live and work where you do.
Our mission is simple: to help you move forward without fear, confusion, or financial stress.
After more than a decade working in large national law firms, Kerri Shaw and Gemma Bunner founded Shaw & Bunner Legal with a clear mission: To bring big-firm expertise to the people and communities they care most about - regional clients dealing with life after injury.
With over 34 years combined experience, they’ve represented injured workers and everyday people right across NSW. What sets them apart? A personal, relationship-based approach you’d expect from a boutique firm - backed by the strategic know-how and results you'd expect from a national one.
With personal ties to the coal mining industry and offices in Branxton and Gunnedah, the team at Shaw & Bunner understands what injured workers and their families are going through - because they’ve lived it in their own communities.
They take the time to listen, explain things in plain English, and give practical advice that’s tailored to you. Every client is treated with empathy, respect, and the urgency their situation deserves.
At Shaw & Bunner Legal, you’ll find a team of hard-working, highly skilled lawyers with a compassionate, no-nonsense approach to getting you the best possible outcome.
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Passionate about helping regional clients
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Specialist experience in personal injuries
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Deep understanding of the mining industry
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Compassionate client-centric approach
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No win, no fee arrangements for peace of mind
We combine big firm experience
with small firm values
Trusted Advice
Not only do the Shaw & Bunner team have extensive legal experience, they’re also connected to the community and the mines. What that means for you is that you can be assured that the advice you’re getting isn’t only accurate, it’s coming from someone who really cares about what you’re going through.
Deep Experience
Gemma and Kerri both grew up around the mines, and know how the industry works. Combine this with over 10 years experience in a national law firm, and you get two very passionate and capable lawyers. Who better to help you navigate your claim?
Clear Communication
We provide clear, concise, and easy to understand information that’s relevant to your specific situation. No legal jargon, no mucking around. Our aim is to ensure that you fully understand your rights and entitlements, and feel empowered during the entire legal process.
Empathy & Understanding
It can be really stressful making a personal injury claim. At Shaw & Bunner we understand that what you’re going through isn’t just about the law. It’s about your personal situation. When we consult with you, we aren’t only interested in your claim - we’re interested in your personal situation.
Kerri Shaw
Kerri is a co-founder of Shaw & Bunner Legal and a trusted advocate for injured workers across regional NSW. Born and raised in the Hunter Valley, with strong family ties to the coal mining industry, Kerri brings a local’s insight and a deep sense of care to every matter she takes on.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business (Honours) from the University of Newcastle, and began her legal career at a prominent national firm, where she built a strong foundation in personal injury and insurance law - including significant time spent advocating in courtrooms and representing clients in complex personal injury matters. That experience now fuels her strategic, solutions-focused approach to achieving the best outcomes for her clients.
Kerri is known for her approachable style and her ability to make even the most complex legal processes feel simple and manageable. She prides herself on building genuine relationships with her clients. She takes the time to listen, explain things in plain English, and advocate fiercely — whether through negotiation, mediation or in court.
She regularly represents injured coal miners and regional workers, and also acts in complex personal injury claim – whether through the insurance systems or common law negligence claims.
For Kerri, it’s not just about compensation — it’s about helping people feel supported, heard and back in control of their future.
CO-FOUNDER | Personal Injury Lawyer
Gemma Bunner
CO-FOUNDER | Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law
Gemma is one of the founding principals of Shaw & Bunner Legal and a nationally recognised expert in personal injury law. With deep family roots in the mining industry, she brings not only legal expertise but a real understanding of what injured workers - especially coal miners - and their families go through.
Before launching Shaw & Bunner, Gemma worked in a large national firm, where she gained extensive experience representing injured clients across a wide range of complex personal injury matters. That big-firm training now fuels her highly personalised approach - combining top-tier legal knowledge with local insight and genuine care.
Gemma holds a dual degree in Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts (Honours), and since 2012 has been an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law with the NSW Law Society — an honour held by only 6% of solicitors in the state.
She is known for her calm, compassionate presence and unwavering commitment to helping clients move forward after life-changing injuries. Gemma regularly acts for injured coal miners and regional workers, and also supports clients in other personal injury matters, especially when the incident causes catastrophic and serious injuries.
Above all, she believes every client deserves to feel seen, heard, and fully informed — without the legal jargon or overwhelm.
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Janna joined Shaw and Bunner Legal in September 2025 as a Graduate Lawyer, bringing a unique background shaped by over a decade as a paramedic in regional and rural areas. Her frontline experience has given her valuable insight into the real-world impact of workplace injuries and the importance of fair and effective compensation systems.
Before moving into law, Janna worked in compliance and quality improvement across hospital and public health systems, and later with NSW Resources, where she helped develop policy and gained valuable insight into the NSW mining industry.
With her combined background in healthcare, emergency response, and regulatory compliance, Janna brings a compassionate and practical perspective to her work in workers compensation and personal injury law. She enjoys taking the time to talk with people, listen to their stories, and build genuine connections with her clients, providing caring and empathetic support while advocating for fair and positive outcomes.
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Nicole has a diverse professional background spanning both the public and private sectors, with extensive experience in administration, finance, and legal support.
Her career began in the NSW State Government with Revenue NSW, followed by a civilian role with NSW Police, where she developed strong organisational and communication skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Nicole then transitioned into the private sector, working as an administrator for a contract coal mining company, where she managed compliance, payroll, and general business operations. She also gained valuable experience in medical practice accounts, further strengthening her financial management expertise.
Building on her finance and administrative foundation, Nicole went on to work in local government, contributing to financial services and process improvement initiatives.
Nicole later joined Shaw and Bunner Legal, where she continues to apply her broad administrative and financial experience to support the firm’s operations and client service delivery.
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With a diverse background across legal, not-for-profit, and administrative roles, Jess brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to her work at Shaw & Bunner Legal. She began her career in a small legal firm as a receptionist, then moved into the disability sector, supporting individuals through both direct service and administrative roles. Her experience has equipped her with strong organisational skills and a client-focused mindset, which she now applies in her role as a Legal Assistant.
Originally from the Maitland area, Jess enjoys what she fondly calls her “grandma hobbies” – including reading, cut flower gardening, and growing vegetables.
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With over three decades of experience in the legal industry, Carla brings a deep well of knowledge, dedication, and compassion to her role as a Legal Assistant at Shaw & Bunner Legal. She began her legal career in 1992 and has focused predominantly on workers' compensation matters since 1998, with a particular passion for assisting coal miners and their families through the legal processes.
Carla's attention to detail, understanding of the unique challenges faced by workers in the coal industry, and unwavering commitment to client service make her an invaluable member of our team.
She joined Shaw & Bunner Legal in 2023 and continues to play a key role in supporting our lawyers and clients with dedication and integrity.
