I have had over thirty years in the law and more than twice that in life experience. My roots are in North East Victoria where the rivers run out of the mountains. Despite having left there many years ago travelling back there has always been a return to country.
With further experiences in inner suburban Melbourne, Papua New Guinea (pre independence), and many foreign countries, I am comfortable dealing with all manner of cultures, situations and personalities. As a secondary teacher I worked in State High Schools, mostly in lower socio-ecomonic areas in Melbourne. This was challenging, but also rewarding.
I returned to University after ten years teaching and completed a law degree with honours in three years, along with starting a family and working part time. It could never be said I didn’t like a challenge.
I began my legal career at Wisewoulds, then a medium sized firm with a broad mix of commercial, common law, family and property work, gaining experience in commercial, insurance and property litigation.
I then moved into a state government legal position advising generally on contracts property and commercial litigation and managing legislative processes, including specifically to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
Before coming to the bar in 2009, I returned to private practice with one of the most highly regarded insurance lawyers in Victoria, handling professional indemnity matters, property and business interruption claims for both insurers and insured claimants. These matters involved some of the largest insurance cases in Victoria.
I read with James Isles; well known for his legal skills and engaging personality. It was a great introduction to appearance work in the Courts and Tribunals.
My practice now includes domestic building matters in VCAT, Migration cases at the AAT and the Federal Court, Wills and Estate claims, Child Protection matters in the Children’s Court, and miscellaneous criminal and civil litigation predominantly in the Magistrates Court.
I am always willing to listen to the small and large legal issues that potential clients may have. If I don’t know the answer, I will know where to find it or who maybe a better member of the Bar to handle the case. I am generous with my time and intellectual capabilities.
It is a wonderful thing to love what one does.
