Practising philanthropist

June 2009

Alumnus Michael Heaton QC (BJuris 1969, LLB 1971) is a senior barrister and mediator, and a donor to the Lawrie McCredie Student Support Program.

Mr Heaton has practised as a barrister for almost 40 years, taking silk in 1999. He specialises in commercial, corporations, property law, trade practices, and constructive trusts. He argues matters from mortgage fraud to professional negligence and farming disputes.

“I don’t think a day goes by without a challenge. I enjoy working with junior counsel and getting the right conclusions to difficult questions,” Mr Heaton said.

Mr Heaton was a student during Lawrie McCredie’s tenure at Monash. Although he wasn’t taught by Lawrie, he remembers him as “a popular teacher” with both staff and students.

The Lawrie McCredie Student Support Program is reflective of Lawrie’s work within the Faculty of Law. The program provides important initiatives, designed to assist students by enhancing their university experience, building community and helping to develop leadership, communication and other highly valued skills.

Mr Heaton said this kind of initiative is vital in a tertiary environment where students might not receive the support they deserve. “Governments seem not to want to invest in human capital despite it being in the country’s future interest. If I can help a little and give back a little, I’m happy to do so,” Mr Heaton said.

“The program gives students the opportunity to reach their potential. Without assistance from the program, that opportunity might be denied to some people.”

Philanthropy has always been a major priority for Mr Heaton.

“I believe in community and contributing – whether in terms of money, time, or assistance on a voluntary basis – and in many ways that’s a corner stone of our society. I feel glad and privileged to be able to contribute, albeit in small ways,” he said.