Jacqueline Wootton

Jacqui has a track record in assisting clients to resolve disputes and regulatory investigations, and manage reputationally significant legal and compliance risks.

Co-head of the firm’s Australian corporate crime & investigations practice, clients praise Jacqui’s “fantastic global knowledge” and find it "reassuring to have someone local with that exposure and experience available."

Across her disputes and investigations work, many of Jacqui’s matters have a multi-jurisdictional dimension. She has advised on issues arising in countries across Asia, UK, US, Middle East and Africa. She assists clients across a range of regulated sectors addressing contentious and sensitive issues, including in high-profile settings like Royal Commissions, public inquiries and major litigation.

Jacqui is recognised in Chambers’ Asia-Pacific (for white collar crime and corporate investigations expertise), Who’s Who Investigations, Best Lawyers (for litigation) and Doyle’s Guide (for white collar crime, corporate crime and regulatory investigations).

Jacqui’s practice spans both advising on contentious matters, and drawing upon that experience to work with clients on strategies to mitigate legal risks, including through developing compliance frameworks, programs, tools and training, and advising on compliance risks within transactional due diligence.

Jacqui brings to clients globally informed experience in the areas of anti-corruption, trade sanctions, ESG, business & human rights/modern slavery and whistleblowing.

Having worked in both in house legal and compliance roles, Jacqui brings together strategic and practical legal advice, strong project management skills and tailored client service.

Background

Jacqui has worked for 2 years as in house litigation counsel with BHP in The Hague and Melbourne, and also spent 6 months over 2018/2019 as acting VP Ethics & Compliance at BHP, leading the Australian and Group Functions compliance team.

Jacqui is currently the President of Lawright, and is a member of the Law Council’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Committee.

Jacqui holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) degrees from the Australian National University. Jacqui graduated with a University medal in law and received the Supreme Court Judges’ prize.