Justine Kilkenny

Justine joined Maurice Blackburn in 2011 as a legal assistant in the dust diseases department. By the time she was admitted to practice in 2017, she had several years of experience as a paralegal preparing complex asbestos and dust disease claims for terminally ill clients in Victoria, South Australia, and NSW.

Justine now works exclusively in the abuse department, representing survivors of institutional childhood abuse. She is the daughter of a convicted perpetrator and identifies as a survivor of childhood abuse. She understands firsthand the personal impact of her clients’ journey to justice and knows that their claims are about much more than compensation. Justine’s background means that she offers a unique survivor-led legal experience.

Justine is truly honoured to be chosen to be the voice of her clients through their legal journey. She is passionate about advocating for the legal rights of survivors and improving public awareness of risk factors for childhood abuse.

On a personal level, Justine is a homebody at heart and enjoys spending her spare time with her family. She is originally from Queensland and says she has almost fully embraced life in Melbourne, except for the weather.

Memberships:

• Law Institute of Victoria 
• Australian Lawyers Alliance 
• Asbestos Council of Victoria GARDS 
• Blue Knot