Kate practices in common law, family and children's law. She also undertakes directorial work in corporate governance.
A significant portion of Kate's practice focuses on compensation for historical institutional abuse, particularly child sexual abuse in State-run, religious and non-government institutions. In 2023, Kate was appointed by the Premier of Victoria as Junior Counsel Assisting the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools. Kate also represented abuse survivors who gave evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Kate regularly appears in family law parenting and family violence intervention order matters. She also provides advice and representation in child protection matters in the Children's Court of Victoria and on behalf of victims of crime in the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT). Kate is a member of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and the Children's Court and Common Law Bar Associations.
Prior to joining the Bar, Kate practised as a solicitor in personal injury matters. She also worked in Aboriginal communities as a Lawyer with Djirra. She is a current member of the Victorian Bar's Indigenous Justice Committee and a board member at The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre.
Kate is an experienced Non-Executive Director and has a keen interest in corporate governance and strategic planning for a range of companies and organisations. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors' Company Directors Course.
Kate completed her legal training in Australia and Scotland. Upon signing the Victorian Bar Roll, she read with Her Honour Magistrate Cecily Hollingworth.
Kate is a member of Walsh Chambers Geelong.
Litigation - Common Law
Relevant experience includes:
Inquiries
Family Law
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)
Children's Law
Corporate Governance