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Experience

Kathleen has a broad practice spanning trial and appellate work in commercial, public law and common law matters.
Since 2016 she has been recognised annually in Doyles “Best Barristers” Guide.

The 2022 Chambers and Partners review for Kathleen states: “Kathleen Foley SC handles both complex commercial and significant public law matters, her experience in the latter sphere including numerous High Court appearances. In the commercial space, she is especially noted for her involvement - on both plaintiff and defendant sides - in cases concerning the conduct of individual executives. In addition to praising her "very strong government practice" and noting that she is "strong in both public and commercial law," interviewees characterise her as "an intelligent, intuitive barrister who runs her trials confidently, doesn't take a backward step and will be a leader of the Bar."

Kathleen also has an active public interest litigation practice.

Prior to coming to the Victorian Bar, Kathleen was employed as an Associate in the litigation group of the New York office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. She passed the New York Bar exam in 2006, having completed her Master of Laws at Harvard Law School. From 2004 to 2005, Kathleen was Associate to Justice Hayne of the High Court of Australia.
In November 2020 Kathleen was appointed to the Victorian Law Reform Commission as a part-time commissioner. As a member of the VLRC, Kathleen is working on a reference concerning the use of AI in Victoria’s courts and tribunals.