Experience

Carolyn is a highly-regarded litigator, with experience in conducting numerous proceedings involving complex commercial issues. 

Carolyn advises corporate entities on an array of defamation issues, such as defamation litigation, suppression orders and pre-publication advice. She also protects the interests of individuals where incorrect information has been published.  

As the practice head of our franchising group, Carolyn gives clients an in-depth understanding of the application of the Trade Practices Act and the Franchising Code of Conduct to the franchise relationship. She is experienced in preparing franchise documents, and advising franchisers and franchisees on the terms of franchise agreements, disclosure documents and associated documentation. She also provides both franchisers and franchisees with assistance in relation to franchise disputes, industry leases and sale of business documentation. 

Career highlights

• Advised a public servant on a high-profile defamation claim, where the client's name was included in a controversial publication featuring an infamous ex-lobbyist.
• Successfully acted for the defendant in a Supreme Court dispute which had arisen from the "double sale" of a property. The case was particularly complex as the defendant had employed a sales agent  to act on his behalf, and the dispute involved several parties and the lodging of caveats by the two purchasers.
• Represented a mining company in a Supreme Court dispute regarding the terms of an agreement reached between two companies in relation to a mining venture where millions of dollars were at stake. The proceedings were settled just prior to trial.
• Worked on a High Court matter concerning jurisdictional issues resulting from an accident that had occurred in China. Counsel, who was briefed by Carolyn, was successful in the High Court.
• Supported the insurance team in a litigious case involving multiple parties. The plaintiff had suffered serious injury as a result of a boating collision that occurred whilst the client was testing a luxury boat, which had been designed and constructed by his employer.  

Admitted to practice: 2002. 

Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Arts).

Memberships: Law Society of Western Australia, Women Lawyers Association of Western Australia, Corporate Member of Franchising Council of Australia (FCA), Committee member of FCA Western Australia.

Presentations/publications: Carolyn is regularly involved in external seminars, and has presented papers for Legalwise and Business Networking International.