Amelia Kearney

Position:
Principal Solicitor
Qualification:
LLB (Hons), BA
Area of law:
Civil litigation and dispute resolution (including personal injury), Policing and emergency management, Royal commissions and inquiries, Public sector governance and integrity, Interpretation and development of legislation, Legal project management and governance

Amelia is an experienced litigator and public lawyer, with particular experience in managing complex and high risk matters on behalf of the state. Amelia assists the State to manage complex inquiries and  litigation, including in relation to Royal Commissions, Corrections and large scale civil and quasi criminal litigation

Amelia acts for the State in a number of Royal Commissions and Inquiries, including the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System (RCVMHS), the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCACQS), the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (RCNNDA), and the IGEM's Inquiry into the 2019-20 Bushfire Season.

As part of her work in this space, Amelia advises on issues of Public Interest Immunity, confidentiality and privilege in relation to sensitive Departmental and Cabinet documents, as well as providing strategic advice and representation to agencies and high-profile witnesses preparing to give evidence.

Amelia has a deep understanding and unique insight into the authorising environment of State and Federal Royal Commissions and Inquiries, as well as the particular challenges and strategic considerations experienced by Government Departments and Agencies in responding to Royal Commissions and Inquiries, Class Actions and large-scale litigation.

Amelia also has broad experience in general litigation and advisory work, including quasi-criminal and civil litigation. Amelia has managed a broad range of complex litigation in the areas of personal injury, negligence and other tortious claims, as well as vexatious litigants, judicial review, and matters relating to proceeds of crime and asset confiscation. She has particular expertise in matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 and litigation in the Corrections space, particularly with respect to issues of forensic mental health.

As part of her extensive practice within the Corrections space, Amelia also has an excellent grasp of the unique operational context facing Departmental clients, particularly in relation to issues of Public Interest Immunity and confidentiality, as well as strategic, operational and reputational risk.

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