Caroline Skeoch
Special Counsel
03 8600 6057
cskeoch@aitken.com.au
Caroline Skeoch
Areas of Law: Insolvency, Litigation
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Laws (Monash University)
Caroline is a commercial and regulatory compliance solicitor advocate in the litigation team.
Caroline has extensive experience working for local and state government clients as well as statutory bodies concerning regulatory advice, enforcement, and compliance matters. She has provided advice to various local councils across Victoria regarding their statutory obligations and duties and has conducted prosecution proceedings on their behalf under various legislation including the Building Act, the Planning & Environment Act, the Domestic Animals Act, Food Act, Public Health and Wellbeing Act and various local laws. Caroline has conducted litigation on behalf of the Secretary to the Department of Justice and Regulation under the Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Act 2009. Caroline has also advised a statutory authority in respect of their obligations under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Environment Protection Act 2017 and conducts litigation in the Supreme Court of Victoria on its behalf.
Caroline has diverse general litigation experience working for a wide range of individuals and small to medium sized businesses in commercial matters including complex debt recovery, claims under the Personal Properties Securities Act, shareholder disputes, oppression proceedings, and has litigated such matters in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, the County Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court of Victoria, and the Federal Court of Australia. She also provides general advice to such clients concerning the operation of the Australian Consumer Law.
Caroline has acted on behalf of liquidators and administrators in respect of insolvency proceedings before the Supreme Court of Victoria in relation to voidable transactions claims, breaches of director duties claims, insolvent trading claims and unreasonable director related transactions.
She adopts a professionally courteous approach in communication with opposing parties and remain focused on outcomes so as to cut across the distractions, narrow the issues in dispute and resolve matters in a cost efficient, pragmatic and commercial manner for the benefit of all parties. Caroline is focused on working collaboratively with clients to develop reasonable and commercially sensible outcomes whilst minimising legal, reputational, and ongoing commercial risks.
Caroline is passionate about social justice and public protection issues and enjoys representing clients with these issues in mind, and is particularly passionate about representing women in business and increasing access to justice for disadvantaged women.
Away from the office, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors with her children, trying new coffee shops and scouring thrift stores for vintage vinyl records.