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Kate Eastman AM SC

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (1990) - University of NSW
Master of Laws (Distinction) (1991) - University College London
Master of Laws (1997) - University of Technology Sydney
Diploma of International Human Rights Law (1999) - European University Institute, Florence, Italy
Doctor of Laws (Honoris causa) (2022) - University of Technology Sydney

Shortlist

Admitted to the Bar 1998

Appointed Senior Counsel 2012

Experience

Kate has over 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution and advocacy in a wide
range of employment disputes, sexual harassment, disability, all forms of
discrimination and vilification law. She also practises in the areas of public law,
education and health law, including class actions. She is a recognised expert in
human rights law.

She appears in the High Court, Federal Court, Federal Circuit Court, Fair Work
Commission, Industrial Relations Commission and State/Territory tribunals in
trials and appeals in matters arising under the Fair Work Act and all
Commonwealth/State/Territory discrimination laws. She is instructed by
individuals, Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and agencies, for
multi-national and Australian ASX 200 corporations, partnerships and small
businesses in a range of matters including internal compliance audits, internal
grievance and disciplinary procedures, law reform, development of policies and
procedures, training, strategy, advisory work and litigation.

Kate regularly appears in mediations in a wide range of complex and multi-party
disputes. She also acts as an independent investigator, facilitator and mediator.

Kate is also an experienced teacher. She has been a Senior Fellow of the Faculty
of Law, Monash University where she has taught a range of post-graduate
international and Australian human rights law courses. She has taught short
courses on human rights in Myanmar and Uganda.

Kate is Head of Chambers at New Chambers.

Principal Areas of Practice

  • Arbitrators / Mediators
  • Commercial Law See all +Close -
    • Administrative Law
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Communications
    • International Law
    • Partnership disputes
    • Restraint of trade
  • Common Law See all +Close -
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Industrial/Employment See all +Close -
    • Civil and Human Rights
    • Disciplinary Proceedings
    • Government Inquiries
    • Health Law
    • Restraint of trade
    • Work, Health and Safety Prosecutions
  • Inquests and Inquiries See all +Close -
    • Commissions of Inquiry
  • Public and Administrative Law See all +Close -
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Appellate
    • Constitutional Law
    • Disciplinary Proceedings
    • Health Law
    • Judicial review and administrative law
    • Merits review
    • Public law
  • Mediator

Sectors

Defence, Government, Healthcare, Transport and Infrastructure, Technology, Media & Telecommunications,

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News from Eastman

2026 Bar Council

Congratulations to Kate Eastman AM SC and Catherine Gleeson SC on their re-election to the 2026 NSW Bar Association Bar Council. A well-deserved acknowledgement…

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2025 Best Lawyers

The 2025 Best Lawyers edition has been announced and New Chambers has 18 of our members recognised. The Lawyer of the Year awards for…

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Best Lawyers 2024

The Best Lawyers for 2024 have just been announced and New Chambers is delighted to have 19 of its members listed. This year we…

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2023 Bar Council

The New South Wales Bar Association Bar Council for 2023 election results have been announced. New Chambers congratulates Kate Eastman AM SC and Catherine…

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Best Lawyers 2023

The recently announced Best Lawyers for 2023 included 19 of our New Chambers barristers. This year we had an extra 4 barristers newly listed…

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2022 Bar Council

The New South Wales Bar Association have recently announced the Bar Council members for 2022. Kate Eastman AM SC and Catherine Gleeson from New…

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2021 Bar Council

The New South Wales Bar Association recently announced the results for the election of the 2021 Bar Council. Kate Eastman SC and Catherine Gleeson…

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2020 Bar Council

Congratulations to Kate Eastman SC, Catherine Gleeson and Sonia Tame who have been elected to New South Wales Bar Association Bar Council for 2020.

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Best Lawyers 2020

The following members of New Chambers have been recognised in the 12th edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia.   Alternative Dispute Resolution David Jackson…

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