Prior to joining Carroll & O'Dea, Jones was a partner in a Newcastle firm for 17 years where he obtained extensive experience resolving disputes and compensation claims with his expertise in conciliation, mediation and informal settlement conferences acting for individuals and businesses.

His areas of practice include compensation law, litigation, dispute resolution, not-for-profit organisations, criminal law and employment law.

"David is a member of the Injury Compensation Committee of the Law Society of New South Wales, committee member of the NSW branch of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and the regional representative of the Workers Compensation Commission User Group," said managing partner of Carroll & O'Dea, Howard Harrison.

"David was active in the campaign to stop the closure of Raymond Terrace local court and has been involved in several other campaigns which have ensured ongoing access to justice by residents of the Hunter Valley.

"David is a well respected and highly regarded member of the legal fraternity and we are delighted to welcome him as an associate partner of our firm," Harrison said.