e-mail Heather McKinnon
For the past 28 years, Heather has built a formidable reputation as one of the leading Family Law authorities in Australia. She provides an innate ability to translate the complexities of the law into simple language and brings vast amounts of compassion, common sense and understanding for those involved in one of life’s most traumatic experiences.
"It is my firm belief that Family Law is all about balance, care and absolute fairness, especially where children are involved." - Heather McKinnon
Expertise
- Family law
- Property relationships matters
- Child support
- Divorce applications
Career History
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Slater & Gordon since 2008 (practice group leader)
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2005 - 2008 Crane Butcher McKinnon, Lawyers, Coffs Harbour (partner)
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1995 - 2005 Fishburn Watson O'Brien, Coffs Harbour (partner)
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1991 - 1995 Sole practice, Heather McKinnon Solicitor, Coffs Harbour
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1985 - 1991 Watts McKinnon Miller, Coffs Harbour (partner)
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1982 - 1985 Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Sydney (solicitor)
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1989 - 1997 Southern Cross University, NSW (visiting lecturer in law)
Memberships & Associations
- Law Society of New South Wales
- Member of the Specialist Accereditation Family Law Advisory Committee
- Past Director - Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators & Mediators. (AIFLAM)
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Chairperson - Regional Committee Family Law Section (Law Council of Australia)
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NSW Women Lawyers Association since 1983
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Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (USA)
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Past President - Advisory Committee, Board of the National Marine Science Centre.
Professional Qualifications & Admissions
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Arbitrator under Family Law Act Regulations (2001)
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Law Society Accredited Specialist Family Law (1993)
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BA LLB Macquarie University (1983)
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Qualified Independent Children’s Lawyer
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NSW Department of Community Services legal representative
Awards
- 1989 Law Society of New South Wales Lawyer of the Year
Client Testimonial
Dear Heather,
It is my pleasure to say a few words about your firm.
Between 2007-2008 I had to face a very difficult time in my life where my ex wanted to stop me from relocating with my daughter to take up a full time job in regional NSW. Heather and her team provided the most professional and supportive advice and direction during my court proceedings. Despite the difficult opposition, a negative family report and unfortunate timing of the move, we were successful in my bid to relocate. The attention given to me, through physical and emotional support, during this very difficult time was one of the few things that helped me survive. So often I found myself crying and barely able to see anything good coming in the future but Heather kept me focused on what needed to be done. Heather bought me through a very dark time in my life. I can honestly say that the best decision I made was walking into Slater and Gordon and asking to see Heather McKinnon. I have and will continue to recommend any woman facing a difficult family law issue to see Heather and her team.
On a personal note Heather, thank you again. I haven't looked back! I am stronger now than I've ever been.
Thanks for everything.
Name withheld by request