about BRIDGET GERTZEL
Bridget practises across a range of litigation matters encompassing building and construction, general commercial disputes, employment law and estate litigation.
Bridget began her legal career in consumer law class actions before undertaking a Judge’s Associateship at the County Court of Victoria. Before joining KPA she worked as a litigation lawyer in institutional abuse matters, representing vulnerable clients in mediations and at trial.
Clients and colleagues value Bridget’s practical, considered and compassionate approach to legal practice. She is deeply committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients and is known for her ability to guide them through complex matters with clarity and care.
Bridget is also a voting member of Victorian Women Lawyers, where she coordinates events and supports initiatives that advance women in the profession.
Bridget holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University with First Class Honours.
Areas of Practice
Core Expertise
- Termination of employment
Advises employees and employers on termination options, redundancy processes and unfair dismissal claims.
- Workplace investigations
General protections and adverse action disputes, workplace investigations and misconduct claims.
- Underpayment and contract disputes
Wage underpayment, bonus and incentive disputes, breaches of employment contracts, confidentiality and post‑employment obligations.
- Restraint of trade and deed of release
Enforcement and negotiation of restraints of trade and confidentiality obligations.
- Domestic building disputes
Domestic building disputes involving defects, delay, variations, insurance and payment claims.
- General commercial disputes
Commercial litigation involving contractual and shareholder disputes, misleading or deceptive conduct and other business‑critical conflicts, from early negotiation through to trial.
Areas of Practice
Core Expertise
- Family Law
Separation, parenting orders, property settlement and binding financial agreements.
- Contested Estates
Family provision claims and dispute resolution in contested estate matters.
- Testamentary Trusts
Structuring and advising on trusts established through a will.
- Wills & Estate Planning
Comprehensive wills, testamentary trusts and enduring powers of attorney.
- Probate & Administration
Grants of probate, letters of administration and estate distribution.
- Powers of Attorney
Enduring powers of attorney and medical treatment decision-maker appointments.
Qualifications
Education & Admissions
2023
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Monash University
2023
Bachelor of Arts
Monash University
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Judge’s Associateship
County Court of Victoria
Memberships
Professional Affiliations
Law Institute of Victoria
Member
Wills and Estates Specialist Accreditation
Law Institute of Victoria
Family Law Section
Law Council of Australia
