Dee Divina

Profile

Dee practises primarily in health law, common law and personal injury, with a particular interest in matters concerning the intersection of law, healthcare and mental health.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Dee was a Senior Associate at a plaintiff personal injury firm, acting in a broad range of matters, including WorkCover, Transport Accident, and public liability claims. She has experience in complex personal injury litigation, including assessment of liability, causation, quantum and medical evidence, as well as advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution. Dee also has experience acting for defendants in personal injury matters, including representing insurers and the Victorian WorkCover Authority. Her experience acting for both plaintiff and defendant provides her with a comprehensive understanding of personal injury litigation and the strategic considerations arising for different parties.

Dee brings a distinctive health-sector perspective to her legal practice, having previously practised as a Registered Nurse in Psychiatry. Her clinical experience provides practical insight into the operation of the healthcare system and the experiences of patients, clinicians and families dealing with mental illness, injury and disability. It also gives her familiarity with medical issues and the interpretation and assessment of complex clinical evidence.

Drawing on her clinical background and legal experience, Dee accepts briefs in health law, medical negligence, professional disciplinary and regulatory matters, including proceedings involving registered health practitioners. This includes proceedings in the Mental Health Tribunal and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, including matters before the Guardianship Division. She accepts briefs in coronial matters and proceedings arising under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997.

Dee is reading with Adam Coote, and her senior mentor is Fiona Ryan SC.

Dee is fluent in Tagalog and conversant in Waray and Ilocano.