Leah O'Keefe

Leah has extensive experience pursuing claims for people suffering from diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, silicosis, interstitial lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, as well as work-related cancers.

Leah joined Maurice Blackburn as a trainee lawyer in 2014 and was admitted to practice in 2015. She holds a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) and a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Indonesian and International Studies. Leah worked at Irwin Mitchell, a large law firm in the United Kingdom, in 2020 and 2021 before returning to Maurice Blackburn.

Leah is a warm, personable and highly experienced lawyer. She has supported people making claims for asbestos diseases, silica-related diseases and other workplace diseases for over 10 years. Leah is approachable and works closely with her clients and their families to achieve fair compensation as quickly as possible.

At the forefront of identifying the emerging silicosis crisis, Leah has worked tirelessly to support those suffering from silica dust diseases and to achieve a ban on engineered stone. She is a fierce advocate for her clients and for policy changes that make the system fairer for people affected by workplace diseases.

Leah meets most of her clients at their homes, providing holistic support throughout the legal process. Having worked with hundreds of people suffering from asbestos, silica and other workplace diseases, Leah brings specialist legal knowledge combined with empathy. She is based in the Melbourne office but travels throughout Victoria. She grew up in Warrnambool and ensures rural clients can access professional and specialised legal services.

“It is so important that there is genuine trust between my client and me, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” says Leah.

“When I meet someone suffering from a disease, I focus on providing financial support through a compensation claim and working to provide concrete assistance quickly so that they can focus on their health and treatment.”

Leah also speaks Indonesian and is a keen home cook who enjoys spending time making delicious dinners on the weekend.

Memberships & accreditations

• Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist, Personal Injury Law 2021
• Law Institute of Victoria member