Who We Are – Oak Medical Law

Your Medical Law Specialists

About Us

At Oak Medical Law, we believe that all patients have a right to:

Equal and safe access to quality healthcare regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, or location.
Autonomy in their decision making.
Open communication with healthcare providers.
Respect and dignity.
Confidentiality and privacy.
Access to expert legal services if things go wrong.

In our work through organisations such as the Queensland Law Society (QLS) and Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA), we advocate for patients by submissions to governments and participation in parliamentary inquiries. We aim to identify barriers that impact patient outcomes and contribute towards systems changes for the good of our community.

For our client work, you come first. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate our health system – it is confusing, slow, and frustrating when you are not feeling 100%. It is even more challenging when your expectations have not been met and your concerns are ignored by healthcare providers.

What You Can Expect

We also know it can be daunting to speak to a lawyer. You may feel like you are on your own or that you don’t have the strength to stand up for yourself against the medical profession. Or you might be worried about what will happen to your doctor if you speak up. Together we are stronger, and when you are ready to tell your story:

we will take the time to understand your unique story.
we will only offer you legal services that will meet your needs. We are not about providing cookie cutter legal solutions that do not achieve your goals.
we will provide personalised and high-quality legal services if you choose to partner with us. You will have direct access to Wendy or Sarah throughout your matter. We will work with you in a way that suits you.
our legal costs will be fully explained before we begin – there will be no surprises or hidden extras.

Our Team

Wendy Nixson

Director | BA (Hons), LLM (Health Law)

I love what I do! Firstly, because I get the chance to meet new people from all walks of life. My clients have welcomed me into their homes, and I have got to know them, their support networks and what matters to them most. I can make the complex seem simple – I keep in regular contact so that every step is fully explained and understood. I act with integrity and honesty meaning my clients see me for who I am, knowing they can rely on me, can contact me when they need to, and trust that my advice will be fair even if it sometimes hard to hear. That way, by the time we reach the end of our journey together, my clients can begin to rebuild their lives knowing they made informed and fully supported choices about their outcome.

Secondly, I thrive on forensically analysing medical records and discussing the medicine with experts of all disciplines. There is nothing more satisfying than piecing together events and finding a line of attack that means my client’s claim can succeed. I am also passionate about the pursuit of excellence – in the quality of services I offer, in the outcomes for my clients and in the learning journey of those I mentor. As a result, I have been involved in leading Court cases and have been variously recognised for my work in this area of law.

Professional Qualifications ▾

Bachelor of Arts (Law and French) – 1997
Admitted to Supreme Court of England and Wales – 2002
Admitted to Supreme Court of New South Wales – 2010
Master of Laws (Health Law) – 2018
Mini-Master of Business Administration – 2023

Connect with Wendy

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks

“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” – from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee

Sarah Vallance

Director | LLB (Hons), LLM (Health Law), AccS

From the moment I started my law degree, I always wanted to be a medical lawyer that represented patients. Why? Firstly, because the law should protect the most vulnerable members of our society and yet there is a power imbalance with the medical profession having greater access to lawyers. I want to provide a voice and empower those who would otherwise remain unrepresented.

Secondly, medical law is complex and requires mastery of the medicine in combination with the law. In addition to over 15 years’ experience in medical law and attainment of specialist accreditation in personal injuries law, I have first-hand experience in a private practice and hospital setting, which has significantly increased my understanding of the medicine. Because of this combined expertise, I have successfully represented hundreds of patients and families who have suffered harm.

It is a privilege and honour to represent my clients and I hope that together, our work will result in a safer healthcare system for all.

Professional Qualifications ▾

Bachelor of Laws (Hons) – 2003
Admitted to Supreme Court of Queensland – 2006
QLS Accredited Specialist in personal injuries law – 2013
Master of Laws (Health Law) – 2018

Connect with Sarah

Our Values

We Connect

We want to be an important part of your network to support you and your family. We regularly engage with community and other legal groups to improve services to those around us.

We Speak Up

As a lone voice, you may not feel heard. We can speak up on your behalf to hold those with the power to change behaviours accountable.

We Strive to Excel

We always want to do better, that’s why we seek out feedback from our clients and from those who work with us (and against us) in the medical and legal space. We participate in new learnings in legal, medical and business issues, and we are keen to develop our use of technology to your advantage.

We Are Real People

We conduct our business with honesty, integrity and transparency, like we would want a member of our own family to be treated.

Join Us

If you would like to be considered for a future role with Oak Medical Law, please email us your resume and a cover letter.

Get in Touch

If you’re ready to tell your story, we want to hear it.

Oak Medical Law provides obligation-free initial advice at no cost to you. We understand that you may be recovering from an injury or illness that prevents you from travelling so we will provide our advice in a way that suits you.

Please book an appointment, submit an online enquiry or get in touch with us by phone.

Book Now

Phone 07 2112 0847