Amy Sheggerud-Woods

Senior Associate

Commercial Litigation

Insolvency Law & Litigation

I grew up on a farm in Northwood, North Dakota, USA. You can't see the Black Hills from there, but rather endless fields of wheat, barley, sugar beets, beans, and flax. North Dakota is a down-to-earth place where you can purchase quite innovative products developed from the crops grown there (for example, chocolate-covered soy nuts, which are much better than tofu).

After high school, I attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota (where the Jesse James gang was defeated in the late 1800's). In 1992, I graduated with honours with a Bachelor of Arts, double-majoring in English and Speech/Theatre.

After all that studying, I escaped to England for a working holiday. I met an Aussie there, who convinced me to be his mate and go with him to Australia. (15 years later, we're still married, and we're still here).

I completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at Monash University in 2001. I was admitted to practice in August, 2003, and I am a member of the commercial litigation team at Wisewould Mahony. I am currently enrolled in the Insolvency Education Program endorsed by the Insolvency Practitioners' Association of Australia.

In my professional experience, I have acted for Plaintiffs and Defendants in a broad variety of commercial law matters, including contractual disputes, property matters, and insolvency (both corporate and personal). On another dimension, I have also handled numerous claims and defences in wills and estate litigation. My work has involved cases in the Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates' Court, Federal Court, Federal Magistrates' Court, Family Court and VCAT.

I attempt to identify at an early stage of a proceeding the relevant facts, applicable law, and evidence required to prove the case. My advices to clients take into account the strengths and weaknesses of their cases, so that they have the opportunity to consider the possible outcomes of the litigation and the impact it may have upon them. I believe that this approach enables clients to make informed decisions to aim to achieve the most commercial results in the circumstances.

I am a member of the following professional organisations:

• Law Institute of Victoria;
• Victorian Women Lawyers;
• International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation.