Veronica advises a diverse range of clients, including corporations (from startups to ASX-listed), government entities, and individuals across sectors such as space, media, energy and resources, higher education, infrastructure and government. She provides expert guidance on contentious matters including corporate and commercial disputes, consumer law, FOI requests and defamation. With extensive experience in regulatory matters, she assists clients with inquiries, investigations and prosecutions involving bodies such as the ACCC, ASIC and SafeWork SA.
Known for her strategic thinking, Veronica excels in managing complex disputes and legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. She is skilled at engaging stakeholders, understanding their needs, and delivering efficient, innovative, and commercially-focused solutions. Her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes is complemented by her expertise in both litigation and mediation.
Passionate about space, Veronica leads HWLE’s Space Law team, supporting Australia’s growing space industry. She is also a member of the Australian Space Agency’s Space Regulation Advisory Collective, contributing to the development of the nation’s space regulatory framework. As an advocate for innovation, Veronica actively supports startups through the University of South Australia’s Venture Catalyst program and, as a Board member of Women In Innovation, contributes to the Fearless Innovator Grant Program, supporting female-founded businesses.
Expertise
Experience
- US space company Advising in relation to a broad range of Australian regulatory matters.
- Various clients Assisting various clients including ASX listed companies, directors, officers and employees, on dealing directly with government regulatory bodies (including ACCC, ASIC and SafeWork SA) in relation to responding to notices issued by ACCC under section 95ZK of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), investigations and charges for alleged breaches of statutory duties, including negotiating the amendment and withdrawal of charges.
- An ASX listed company Advising in relation to issuing proceedings in the Federal Court for an alleged breach of an employee’s fiduciary and statutory duties as a result of their misappropriation of company funds and successfully obtaining freezing orders to freeze the employee’s assets to secure maximum recovery of those funds.
- Major mainstream and digital national media networks Advising on defamation and contempt proceedings and managing multiple defamation proceedings, including successfully acting for Seven Network in relation to various defamation claims arising from broadcasts throughout Australia.
- Various clients Advising in relation to alleged breaches of the ACL (ie, breaches of warranties in the supply of goods, false representations) and breaches of contract.
- An individual Assisting in a (successful) derivative immunity application to the ACCC arising from alleged cartel conduct including in relation to the interview with the ACCC.
- Various corporates including ASX listed companies Advising on preparing statutory compliance manuals, regulatory reporting guidelines and privilege protocols to trigger and maintain legal professional privilege in subsequent internal and external communications in respect of managing critical incidents.
- Executives of an Indigenous Corporation Advising in Federal Court defamation proceedings involving events in a remote Indigenous community requiring an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous customs and culture.
