Judy Heeps B.A.

LL.B - Consultant

Judy has practised extensively in commercial litigation for over 20 years and has been with Marshalls & Dent since completing her law degree and being taken on as an Articled Clerk by the firm in 1986. She heads the Litigation Team which comprises skilled, experienced and knowledgeable solicitors and support staff. Together Judy and the Team ensure the allocation of appropriate resources and skills to support each client and its needs so as to achieve the best litigation results for each client.

Commercial Litigation: Judy has been involved in many and varied disputes over the years of practice. This includes contractual disputes over such things as the payment of money, the quality of work performed and/or goods supplied, the breakdown of business relationships involving partnerships and companies as well as individuals, sale of property and leasing disputes, and the breach of terms of agreements, to mention but a few examples. Of significance Judy was involved as the instructing solicitor in the High Court decision Melway Publishing Pty Ltd – v – Robert Hicks Pty Ltd. Her success in this key trade practices case for Melway Publishing came after many years through the litigation process. Judy has also acted for one of the company directors in the HIH Royal Commission and has been involved in some extensive taxation litigation. She has also dealt in litigation involving with insurance claims, negligence claims in particular professional negligence claims, building and construction, franchising litigation, trade practices litigation including actions for misleading and deceptive conduct/unconscionable conduct and misuse of market power - not to mention general debt collection, enforcement action including bankruptcy and insolvency work.

Employment Law: Judy has extensive experience in employment law disputes at all levels of the State and Federal Courts, as well as the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. She is skilled at handling unfair dismissal claims for both employer and employee, dealing with sexual harassment /discrimination claims, health & occupational safety matters including the defence of workcover prosecutions, EPA prosecutions, and litigation over breaches of employment contracts and statutory and common law duties. Judy also believes in ensuring her client adopt preventive approaches to avoid litigation and disputes in this area and she regularly assists her clients in reviewing and re-structuring their human resources departments, which includes reviewing and drafting their documentation including employment contracts ad company workplace policies and systems.

Media/Intellectual Property: Judy’s litigation practice also covers media being an area in which the firm operates significantly. Her involvement in this area covers a broad spectrum - including copyright disputes, defamation and intellectual property disputes, both nationally and internationally. Judy is also involved in the preparation and/or review of IP documents such as confidentiality agreements and deeds of assignment and licensing agreements.  Judy offers a solid support for the Media, Entertainment and Technology division of the firm and their clients.

Mediation: Judy’s skills in negotiation and thorough knowledge of the Mediation process has resulted in the successful resolution of countless matters - from small disputes to multi-million dollar claims involving numerous parties.

Contact Details
Phone:           +61 3 9670 5000
Fax:                +61 3 9642 0409
Email:             jheeps@mdlaw.com.au