Caroline Paterson

E: carolinepaterson@vicbar.com.au

Chamber: Room 1120, Aickin Chambers, 200 Queen Street, MELBOURNE, VIC 3000, AUSTRALIA

Admitted: 23/02/2004

Called to Bar: 19/05/2011

Qualifications: BA, LLB, LLM

About

Experience

I am a family law trial barrister and mediator with the following particular interests and experience:

Relocation matters – advising clients and assisting instructing solicitors with strategy, case planning and preparation for relocation trials, both domestic and international;
Property matters involving third party claims; the intersection between family law and equity, and wills and estates;
Matters with conflicting expert evidence;
Matters where there are allegations of unacceptable risk and/or family violence where careful attention needs to be paid to case preparation, pleadings and the treatment of collateral evidence.

In 2016, I became a nationally accredited mediator and also obtained a Master of Laws from Monash University, in which I undertook course work in the areas of family law, negotiation, mediation and dealing with high conflict people.

As a mediator I work hard to provide the parties with a supportive and efficient process focussed on outcomes which are just and equitable and enable them and their families to get out of the court system with dignity.

I enjoy being involved in matters from start to finish, working with my instructor and client towards a common goal, and advising on strategic decisions from an early stage to set the matter up for the best possible result for my client in the circumstances.

Background

I signed the bar roll in May 2011 and read with Dan Sweeney.

After my admission to practice in 2004, I was a solicitor in private practice. I was initially employed by Dwyer Robinson Lawyers in Warrnambool, where I gained experience across a broad range of areas, including family law. For the three years immediately prior to coming to the Bar, I was a solicitor with CE Family Lawyers.

I accept briefs to appear in interstate and circuit registries of the FCFCOA.

Positions held:

I am actively involved in the life of the Victorian Bar outside of my own practice, including Committee and voluntary Board work:

Deputy Chair, Family Law Bar Association, Victorian Bar.
Past President, Victorian Golfing Lawyers Society (2017-2024)
Director, Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister’s clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.