Heather McKinnon    

Practice Group Leader, Coffs Harbour

Family Law

For the past 24 years, Heather’s been building 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

• Slater & Gordon since 2008 (practice group leader)
• 2005 - 2008 Crane Butcher McKinnon, Lawyers, Coffs Harbour (partner)
• 1995 - 2005 Fishburn Watson O'Brien, Coffs Harbour (partner)
• 1991 - 1995 Sole practice, Heather McKinnon Solicitor, Coffs Harbour
• 1985 - 1991 Watts McKinnon Miller, Coffs Harbour (partner)
• 1982 - 1985 Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Sydney (solicitor)
• 1989 - 1997 Southern Cross University, NSW (visiting lecturer in law)

Memberships & Associations

• Director - Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators & Mediators. (AIFLAM)
• Chairperson - Regional Committee Family Law Section (Law Council of Australia)
• NSW Women Lawyers Association since 1983
• Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (USA)
• President - Advisory Committee, Board of the National Marine Science Centre.

Professional Qualifications & Admissions

• Arbitrator under Family Law Act Regulations (2001)
• Law Society Accredited Specialist Family Law (1993)
• BA LLB Macquarie University (1983)
• Qualified Independent Children’s Lawyer
• NSW Department of Community Services legal representative

Awards

• 1989 Law Society of New South Wales Lawyer of the Year