Unpaid school fees can place a significant strain on finances, but with the right strategies, your school can manage risks, recover costs, and maintain strong relationships with its families. Unpack key tools for fee recovery, from effective enrolment terms to interest and cost provisions. Learn how to identify liable parties, communicate changes and explore recovery options. Implement a proactive, legally compliant approach to your school’s fee management.

Presenters

Jodie Rodrigues, Associate, Matthews Folbigg Lawyers
Jodie joined the team at Matthews Folbigg in September 2020 as a solicitor in the Insolvency, Restructuring and Debt Recovery team. After completing her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Science at Western Sydney University in 2018 and her Gradate Diploma of Legal Practice through the College of Law in 2019, she was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in July 2019. Prior to joining Matthews Folbigg, Jodie worked at a boutique law firm in the city for six years where she gained experience in a broad range of fields including commercial dispute resolution, debt recovery, insolvency, intellectual property, wills and estates litigation, and family law. Her primary area of practice was commercial litigation which helped to develop her critical commercial thinking and provided a foundational understanding of the needs of commercial clients. Jodie is thoroughly enjoying the challenge presented by her work in the insolvency and restructuring area, and is passionate about maintaining a “human-centred” approach to her work. She works to meet her clients’ needs through fostering enduring relationships, hard work and tenacity, and continuous learning so that she is poised to best serve her clients’ interests.


Dr Steven Middleton, Associate Principal, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
Dr Steven Middleton is an accomplished educational leader with close to 30 years of experience across several leading Independent Schools. Holding a Doctorate in Education from The University of Melbourne, Dr Middleton has a profound commitment to enhancing student and staff well being, promoting academic excellence, and fostering community engagement. As Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, Dr Middleton has been instrumental in leading strategic initiatives that have significantly improved academic results and school culture. Dr Middleton’s leadership style is marked by strategic vision, educational innovation, and a genuine commitment to developing inclusive, supportive school environments. His extensive experience and research focus on leadership and character education make him a respected figure in the educational community. Dr Middleton has both a professional and personal interest in legal matters to pertaining to schools.


Jeffrey Brown, Principal and Chairman, Matthews Folbigg Lawyers
Jeff is the Chairman of Matthews Folbigg Lawyers and Principal in the Insolvency, Restructuring & Debt Recovery Group. He has extensive experience in voluntary administrations, liquidations, receiverships, statutory demands for payment of debt, applications to set aside statutory demands, informal and formal corporate restructures, including those by way of Deed of Company Arrangement and personal insolvency matters, including bankruptcy. Jeff is a member of the Commercial Litigation Advisory Committee for the Law Society’s Specialist Accreditation program. Jeff is a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, specialising in Insolvency. He is a member of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA) and the Commercial Law Association (CLA). Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation.

Legal Perspectives on Business and Finance Essentials for Schools Series

At the heart of every school’s operation lays the difficult task of balancing finances, legal obligations, and stakeholder relationships. Benefit from practical knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of school management, from understanding new funding regulations to managing construction contracts and insurance needs. Gain the tools to proactively address financial and legal challenges, ensuring smoother operations and ensure effective decision-making. Don’t let the risks of financial missteps, compliance issues, and unresolved leadership conflicts derail your school’s commercial success.