At Judy Courtin Legal we work tirelessly for justice and accountability for victims of institutional child abuse.

 

Dr Judy Courtin
B.App.Sci; LLB (Hons);
Dip.Legal Practice;
PhD (Law)

Judy Courtin commenced legal practice later in life. Following the disclosure by one of her nephews about the sex crimes committed against him as an 11-year-old child by Christian brothers, Judy continues to devote her life to this area of work.

In 2015, Judy completed her PhD into sexual assault and the Catholic Church and whether victims were finding justice. Three years later she commenced her legal practice representing victims of institutional abuse.

This practice has grown such that Judy now works with about 25 wonderful people who are all personally committed to fighting for justice for victims of institutional child abuse.

Judy’s philosophy means that her practice is client focussed. As well as entering a legal process, our clients are encouraged to think about what is important for them – that is, what does justice or accountability look like? Further, what it is about a legal claim that might be concerning? This wholistic approach provides additional and valuable support for our clients.

Our clients join a legal team consisting of a lawyer, a paralegal, a support person and an administrative person.

 

Expert support person now
part of our team

Gayle Fulford brings a deep passion for social justice in her Client Support and Advocacy role. 

Her previous trauma-informed counselling and advocacy work supporting clients who have experienced sexual assault and family violence is extensive. Gayle supported survivors from Ballarat and surrounds as they bravely spoke out and provided their submissions to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
It has been an honour for Gayle to walk alongside and learn from First Nations Peoples in many different projects throughout her career.
Gayle is excited to be part of a dedicated and compassionate legal team that works tirelessly towards justice and accountability for their clients.  Gayle will be working alongside the legal teams to help support our clients throughout the legal process.

People Power

“As little as 13 years ago, the Catholic Church ‘got away with murder’.  These were the words of Chrissie Foster in a piece in The Age in 2011.

Just the year before, I had commenced my PhD research into sexual assault and the Catholic Church and in December 2011, I held a rally in Melbourne pushing for legal reform. Here is my speech on the steps of Parliament House. How much has changed.” – Judy Courtin

Also, sex abuse survivor, Steven Woods, and Ann Barker who, at the time was the Labor MLA for Oakleigh, spoke at this rally.

Steven’s speech here
Ann’s speech here

Media

2024
Former Carey students allege historical sex abuse and grooming by teachers.
The Age, 19 January 2024

Go to Media to read this and all media articles.

 

127 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park Victoria 3206 Australia Phone +613 9521 2265
ABN 50 660 590 652 Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Judy Courtin Legal acknowledges the Bunurong Peoples, Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, and extend this acknowledgement to Traditional Owners throughout Australia. We respect the deep and continuing connection the Bunurong Peoples have to these lands and waters, and recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.