Karen is a highly experienced lawyer with a well-earned reputation as a strategic, pragmatic and technically superior commercial lawyer and litigator. She has a long and outstanding history of legal practice that has seen her work across a wide range of commercial law areas and multiple jurisdictions (the ACT, NSW and at a Federal level).

 

Karen joined Colquhoun Murphy following her admission in 1987 and quickly accelerated to partnership. Her fast professional rise was recognition of her superior negotiating skills, strong understanding of commercial law and success in commercial transaction and litigation matters.

 

Karen has an invaluable depth of knowledge and wisdom arising from her own business experience as well as legal career. This allows her to create strategic solutions for her clients that meet their goals and protect their interests. It is rare to find a commercial lawyer with skills as a litigator. This combination of experience has enhanced her drafting and negotiation skills. Whether the problem you’re facing is transactional or litigated Karen is ready to assist.

 

Karen and her team are able to advise and act for a wide variety of clients including individuals, industry skills councils, corporations, and national and local businesses in relation to a vast range of legal issues and across many areas of law. She is a valuable and active member of the Canberra business community and the current chairperson of the Kirk Family Foundation. ​

 

Karen is passionate about teaching and training the lawyers in her team. She imparts the wisdom she has gained from years of experience in legal practice and instils a culture within the team of academic rigour, determination and ethical practice. Under her leadership, the team of solicitors at Colquhoun Murphy are recognised as excellent negotiators and litigators with a strong command of the law, willing and able to advocate for clients across multiple jurisdictions and in multiple forums.

 

Together with Mabel Lim, Karen leads a strong and capable team of lawyers, conveyancers and support staff at Colquhoun Murphy. Their focus is to provide the best technical, tailored, strategic and reliable advice and representation to clients when they need it most. 

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Karen is assisted by Naomi McKenzie.