About Us

In addition to negotiating compensation packages, we support our clients in securing written and verbal apologies. We understand that an apology is often as important to survivors as a financial settlement. Some of our clients have even had their written apologies framed.

It is our mission to help survivors to achieve a ‘breakthrough moment’, where they can leave their painful memories of abuse in the past.

In years past, institutions and churches have strongly resisted financial settlements and fought to keep payments to a minimum. This is finally changing. The establishment of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse shone a light on the poor practices of institutions and strengthening the cases of child abuse victims.

There has never been a better time for child abuse survivors to seek justice.

We are specialists in abuse compensation. In fact, there are numerous reasons why we’re considered the leading law firm in this field. To start with, our team played a crucial role for many victims in The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. What did we do? Well, we supported them throughout their hearings and fought the relevant institutions to ensure our clients received the apologies and compensation they deserved. Additionally, The Child Abuse Royal Commission highlighted the abuse rife within the Australian Defence Force, so we began helping veterans with their claims against the Commonwealth government. 

Our dedication to victims doesn’t stop there. So, what else have we done? Well, when the Commonwealth Government hastily launched the National Redress Scheme, our team was ready to help those who wanted to apply and educate those who thought the Scheme was the only option they had. Our battle against abuse includes police officers abused by their fellow colleagues in the workplace.

There is no good reason for abuse. So, our unstoppable team will help you in the battle against your abuser. We will do everything in our power to ensure you receive justice. This is our mission.

As specialists in child abuse compensation claims, Kelso Lawyers have represented hundreds of survivors of child abuse across Australia.

The firm was established in 1986 by lawyer, Peter Kelso, a former State ward who has himself experienced child abuse. You can read Peter’s story here.

We took on our first child abuse case in 1988, and now such cases are the sole focus of our firm.

With Peter at our helm, we have a unique take on how to help survivors of child abuse to rebuild their lives. Every member of our team — from our legal secretaries to our paralegals and solicitors — appreciates the devastating impact child abuse can have on the lives of survivors. Compassion and empathy is at the core of everything we do.

In addition to negotiating compensation packages, we support our clients in securing written and verbal apologies. We understand that an apology is often as important to survivors as a financial settlement. Some of our clients have even had their written apologies framed.

We know what it’s like having the trauma of your abuser living in your head rent free – and we want to help you get them out for good. When you choose Kelso Lawyers, you choose crusaders against establishments who need to be held accountable for their actions. You are choosing to put your trust in a team who will not only help you win your case, but give you the explanation and support required to know exactly what’s happening – every step of the way.