“Rebecca is a whistleblower who exposed serious corporate governance issues within the company. As a practising solicitor, Rebecca has a paramount duty to the administration of justice and, under solicitor practice rules, must avoid any compromise to her integrity and professional independence,” Harmers said.

Harmers previously said current and former employees had approached it about a potential lawsuit against the retail group amid allegations of an undisclosed relationship involving Heraghty, as well as governance and bullying claims.

Super Retail also issued a public statement on Tuesday saying it had received the statement of claim, and it was consistent with the allegations it announced to the ASX in April, save for the fact that only one former employee was now involved.

At that time, Super Retail – which also owns Supercheap Auto, Macpac and BCF – told the ASX that it expected two employees, represented by Harmers, would soon commence court proceedings in a damages claim in the range of $30 to $50 million.

“The group does not accept the claims that are set out in the statement of claim. As previously announced, Super Retail Group will defend these court proceedings in relation to these matters,” the company said this week.

Super Retail is due to announce its full-year results on August 22.

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