John Salanitri
Partner
John is a proud and passionate advocate for injured people. He has over 29 years of experience in personal injury litigation.
John has successfully represented thousands of clients and has litigated cases in all jurisdictions in Victoria. He is highly experienced and is regarded as one of the most respected personal injury lawyers in Victoria.
“I am extremely passionate about helping people and that’s why I became a lawyer. I fight hard for all my clients and making a difference to their lives is what inspires and motivates me.”
Away from work, John enjoys spending time with his family, soccer, golf and is a passionate supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club.
Areas of expertise
- Work Injuries
- Transport Accidents
- Public Liability
- Medical Negligence
- Superannuation
- Professional Negligence
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts – Monash University
Awards and Recognition
- Doyle’s Guide, Leading Lawyer, Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Law (Plaintiff), Victoria, 2025
- Doyle’s Guide, Recommended Lawyer, Work Injury Compensation Law (Plaintiff), Victoria, 2017 and 2018
- Finalist, Mentor of the Year Award, Law Institute of Victoria
Memberships and Boards
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Australian Lawyers Alliance
- Member of Legal Liaison Group and various Working Groups
Notable Cases
- Jarvis v Woolworths Limited [2012] VCC 1329: leading case on the under-26 serious injury test
- Woolworths Ltd v Svajcer [2013] VSCA 270: leading case on objections to subpoenas and legitimate forensic purpose
- Cakir v Arnott’s Biscuits Pty Ltd [2007] VSCA 104: leading case on evaluating evidence and medical histories in WorkCover serious injury applications
- Franklin v Kone Elevators Pty Ltd [2011] VSC 108: industrial accident; worker awarded over $1.3 million in damages
Speaking and CPD
- Australian Lawyers Alliance, “Assessment of Damages” (April 2017)
Languages Spoken
- English
- Italian