Robyn Taft
Special Counsel

Robyn Taft
Special Counsel
Robyn Taft is an experienced senior lawyer with a background in leading commercial, not for profit and government organisations in diverse industries including energy, transport, health, local government and consumer services. A graduate of Melbourne University with a masters degree in law, Robyn’s career history includes in-house counsel roles at Australia Post, United Energy, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and most recently Corporate Counsel at Glen Eira City Council.
During her six years at Glen Eira City Council, Robyn managed a team of six staff and was responsible for the provision of legal advice, governance advice, the Councillor secretariat, tender management and risk management. Robyn was also very involved in the Local Government Lawyer’s group, including the management of a number of annual conferences, and is committed to using her unique expertise to provide legal services to the local government sector and to assisting Councils meet their wide ranging legal and governance obligations.

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AREAS OF PRACTICE

Whilst Robyn’s key area of practice is in local government, as an experienced in-house lawyer, she is experienced in providing advice on a range of corporate matters. She provides a useful resource to the Justitia practice in being able to assist with the commercial aspects of advice provided.

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

Robyn’s expertise includes the provision of advice on the Local Government Act and other relevant legislation, drafting of Council policies and procedures, management of Councillor issues, procurement/contracting activities and commercial negotiations, claims management and liability issues, general legal drafting and dispute resolution.

Most recently Robyn has worked on:

  • Carrying out a review of Councillor Codes of Conduct across Victoria, advising on the best practice principles for a new Code, and then drafting the Code
  • Drafting supporting policies for Councillor Codes that deal with sexual harassment and bullying, fitness for work, and alcohol and drugs
  • Drafting an Equal Opportunity Policy and an Alcohol and Drugs Policy for a large national law firm
  • Drafting a fraud policy for an energy retail marketplace creator.
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Robyn maintains her networks with the local government sector through informal association with the local government lawyers’ group, and is assisting them with their annual conference. Robyn has been a long-standing advocate for people with disabilities and is the public officer for MEDA (Melbourne East Disability Advocacy Inc), an organization which she has also served as a committee member and volunteer lawyer and advocate

Robyn Taft | Special Counsel

03 8621 4500
robyn.taft@justitia.com.au

Education

Bachelor of Laws, University of Melbourne

Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne

Master of Laws, University of Melbourne

Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law, University of Melbourne