Patrice Fitzgerald

Patrice is dedicated to advancing the safety of children and vulnerable groups, having devoted her career to this critical area since her admission to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2006. With over 17 years in safeguarding and child protection, she has worked with a wide array of organisations, from small volunteer-based bodies to large national corporations. Her work has been pivotal in helping these entities comply with their moral and legal responsibilities, manage relations with regulators, and apply recommendations from public inquiries. Patrice's expertise spans various sectors such as education, family services, public housing, councils, and disability services. She is adept at identifying gaps in compliance and facilitating effective change to meet legal obligations. In handling sensitive misconduct complaints involving complex trauma, Patrice brings her extensive investigative skills to the fore. She approaches both historical and current allegations with a forensic and legally sophisticated perspective, fostering trust and rapport to ensure effective reporting and investigation. Her experience in navigating regulatory frameworks, including the Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS) and the NDIS reporting requirements, is extensive. Patrice prioritises understanding her clients' organisational nuances to deliver bespoke, efficient legal advice, reinforcing her role as a trusted partner in safeguarding efforts.