Hayley Aldrich

Hayley is a passionate lawyer with experience in litigation and compensation law. She has developed a practice with significant focus on representing and securing access to justice for clients who have suffered as a result of sexual, physical and emotional/mental abuse as children. At the start of her career with Carroll & O’Dea, Hayley represented hundreds of members of the Stolen Generations in trauma informed run claims against the State Government. She is one of the most respected experts in this field, in part due to her dedication in developing and running a trauma informed practice.

For Hayley, this work truly makes a difference to people, as it goes beyond just receiving financial compensation, and can make a true difference to their everyday lives.

Hayley’s practice also includes a range of personal injury matters, including Medical Negligence, Public Liabilty, Workers Compensation, Motor Accident Claims, as well as general litigation and intentional torts. She regularly appears in the District Court of NSW, the Supreme Court of NSW and the Personal Injury Commission.

“Working with abuse victims can be extremely emotional and draining, but, when matters settle, the closure that this work brings for claimants is something that inspires me to keep at it”.

Key Professional Achievements

• Hayley was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2012. She joined Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers in April 2014, was appointed Associate in July 2017, Senior Associate in July 2020, Special Counsel in July 2021, and Partner in July 2023.
• Hayley was listed as “Recommended” in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide – Leading Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff) NSW

• Hayley was honoured at the Women in Law Awards 2021, winning the Senior Associate of the Year – SME and the overall Excellence Award

• Hayley was honoured as an Australian Law Awards 2021 finalist in the category of Senior Associate of the Year;. as an Australian Law Awards 2022 finalist in the category of Special Counsel of the Year.

• Hayley holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney, which is complemented by her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication combined with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, from the University of Technology, Sydney.
• Hayley is passionate about a number of charitable organisations. She previously was a member of the UN Women International Women’s Day Breakfast Organising Committee, and Hayley held the position of Vice-Chair of Young UN Women Australia Sydney.
• From 2018-2020 Hayley held the position of Non Exceutive Director for Stepping Out Program, a non-profit community based organisation with a 30 year history working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.