Expert, Compassionate Lawyers
Evans Testa Barristers & Solicitors is a boutique Adelaide law firm helping individuals, families and businesses across South Australia. Founded by Lauraine Evans and Phil Testa with more than 40 years’ combined experience, we bring expert legal knowledge and a human touch, with 24/7 access and a free first 30-minute consult*. We can help with a wide range of legal matters, including:
- Criminal, Police & Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Civil Disputes & Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Deceased Estates
- Wills & Estate Law
- View all services
We represent clients across Adelaide and throughout South Australia, including in the city, suburban and country courts, and some interstate courts. We also offer home visits where required. You'll find our offices in convenient locations, including:
Memberships & Associations
Our firm and our lawyers are proud to hold current memberships and admissions with the following professional bodies and tribunals.
Law Society of South Australia
FFSA Disciplinary Tribunal
Legal Services Commission General Panel & Complex Criminal Law Panel
Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of South Australia
Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
We have built our reputation for being accessible to our clients and for instructing clients in relation to a wide range of legal issues.
Commitment
We are committed to our clients’ needs and strive to resolve matters in a timely manner.
I was extremely pleased with the professional and no-nonsense approach displayed by Phil in the handling of my case. The matter was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I would recommend Phil to anyone that has a difficult problem to handle [...].
William Cornell
5/5 stars
Honesty
We provide straightforward advice but are empathic in our dealings with clients.
Highly recommend Lauraine. [...] She took the time to genuinely understand my situation and made me feel supported throughout the process. I really appreciate her honesty and am very grateful for her guidance.
Megha Narasimha
5/5 stars
Integrity
We always conduct ourselves in a thoroughly professional and ethical manner.
Phil Testa was incredible! He assisted me with an urgent matter; he was efficient and capable all whilst performing thorough and accurate work! [...] Honest and quick are rarity within the legal field. A true gem!
Flavio Scotece
5/5 stars
Mutual Respect
We treat our colleagues and our clients as we would like to be treated ourselves.
Phil was amazing. [...] It’s clear that Phil genuinely cares about the people he helps and the work he does, not just the money. His kindness, patience, and professionalism made a stressful situation so much easier to handle. I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Liana Pavlidis
5/5 stars
Plain English Advice
We communicate with our clients in a direct, easy to understand way.
Phil [...] was prompt in returning calls and emails when we contacted him. His knowledge was great and he didn't give us 'the run around' when we needed concise and professional advice. We didn't have to wade through the legal jargon; Phil broke it down and made it easy for us.
Ann-Marie Hicks
5/5 stars
Positive Attitudes
We maintain a positive and constructive attitude in our dealings with clients.
[...] Phil was always cheerful and was great to deal with. He always took the time to ensure I fully understood what the various terminologies meant, and was very patient as we worked with my brother in NZ [...]. Thanks for making the whole process so easy and low stress Phil.
Phil Shadbolt
5/5 stars
Community Support
Evans Testa Barristers and Solicitors are proud supporters of numerous community groups, and substantial sponsors of the Leukaemia Foundation (Aussie Muscle Car Run and We Ride As One).
Meet the team
Get to know the experienced lawyers behind Evans Testa who will personally handle your matter from start to finish.
Phil Testa
Partner
Barrister & Solicitor
Phil Testa was admitted to practice in 2002 after completing a double degree in Arts and Law at Adelaide University. He has considerable experience in general legal practice and has worked at various firms. Phil has also worked at Allianz SA – CTP managing claims involving major and catastrophic injury. He practices in all areas specialising in Civil Litigation, Family Law, Personal Injury Law and Wills and Estates. He was a member of the Law Society’s Accident and Compensation Committee for numerous years. Over the years, Phil has successfully handled large and complex matters involving personal injury (Common Law, Workers Compensation, Motor Vehicle Accidents) and general Civil Litigation. He has also developed a keen interest in all aspects of Family Law.
Phil is:
- a Barrister and Solicitor admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of S.A. and the High Court of Australia.
- a member of both the Law Society of South Australia and the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section).
Lauraine (Lauri) Evans
Partner
Barrister & Solicitor
30 years of experience
Lauraine (Lauri) Evans was admitted to practice in 2005 after completing a degree in Law at The University of New England. She was a Police Officer for over twenty years and later worked as a prosecutor. She then moved to private practice operating in numerous areas with a focus on Criminal Law. Lauraine practices in all areas specialising in all facets of Criminal Law, Traffic Law and Wills and Estates. She has worked on numerous high profile cases over the years and has appeared in interstate jurisdictions.
Lauraine is:
- a member of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee SA
- a member of Football Federation SA (Disciplinary Tribunal)
- a member of the Legal Services Commission General Panel and Complex Criminal Law Panel.
- a Barrister and Solicitor admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of S.A. and the High Court of Australia. Lauraine is a member of the Law Society of South Australia.
FAQs
Below are some of our more frequently asked questions for our legal services
What are your business hours?
Our business hours are between 9am-5pm weekdays. We are available outside these hours if urgent matters, such as arrest, arise.Where are you located?
We have offices in the North East, City and West. View all our locations here.How can I contact you?
You can contact us by phone or email at your convenience.Do you offer fixed fee arrangements?
We do dependent upon your matter.Do you offer the first interview free?
We offer a first free phone consultation to discuss your matter in order to work out how we may be able to assist you.
Send us a message
Use the following form or contact us directly through phone or email.
Your first 30-minute consultation is free*.
For after hours emergency advice, call 0409 645 733.
A Letter from Lauri & Phil
Lauri and Phil commenced working together in 2007 before starting Evans Testa Lawyers. Lauri had a policing background in uniform duties, plain clothes and prosecution. Having started in 1986 and resigning in 2003, to start something fresh. As with most corporate jobs, she began to get restless. To complement work in prosecution, and to fill some extra hours, she completed her law degree after hours. An opportunity to leave the police and put the degree into action was offered and a decision influenced and supported by family was taken. At the time, the opportunity had arisen to work with a small boutique firm that provided stability and growth. After 10+ years, and too much growth, a new opportunity arose to start a small, fresh, individual firm.
After completing his studies in law, Phil worked in the insurance industry managing major and catastrophic claims. This piqued his interest in personal injury law before he worked at numerous firms practising in this and other areas. Phil has since practiced for many years in civil litigation, family law, wills and estates. After many years, Phil jumped at the opportunity to start a small firm with a completely new outlook.
Lauri and Phil commenced Evans Testa in 2013. Since then, it has grown into a firm servicing the local and wider areas in numerous practice areas.
Warm regards,
