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Experience

Susan is an experienced trial advocate who has over 30 years experience as a barrister and predominantly practices in Family and Criminal Law.

Susan has appeared in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and County Court with extensive experience in complex trials and appeals.

Family Law:

Susan practices in all areas of family law and de facto jurisdictions, including interim defended hearings, mediations and final hearings.

Susan is a member of the Family Law Bar Association, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing the AICD’s Company Directors course.

Criminal Law:

Susan also practices in Criminal Law, her trial work includes homicides, sexual offences, drug trials, frauds including art fraud, and other complex criminal trials.

Susan has examined and cross-examined a variety of experts including forensic pathologists, DNA experts, senior scientists, psychiatrists, psychologists, handwriting, ballistic, voice identification experts and engineers.

She has prepared written cases for and appeared in interlocutory, conviction and sentence appeals.

Previous experience:

During her 30 years at the bar, Susan has held a variety of positions including that of:

• Deputy Chief Counsel to the Office of the Special Investigator (Vic), working with Geoffrey Nettle AC KC (2021-2022)
• A Crown Prosecutor (Vic) (2007 - 2017);
• Senior Crown Prosecutor (UK) (2006 - 2007);
• Sessional Member of VCAT (1999-2007;
• Part-time Member of the Migration Review Tribunal and the Refugee Review Tribunal (1999- 2007),
• Session Member of the Psychologists Registration Board (2003 – 2006)
• Member of the Therapeutic Treatment Board (2017) which is responsible for the treatment of children who engage in sexually abusive behaviours.

Publications:

Susan co-authored a book published by Thompson Reuters in July 2017, titled Criminal Appeals and Reviews in Victoria, along with Professor Chris Corns and Adrian Castle. The chapter on appellate advocacy, which was written by Susan, provides practical advice to legal practitioners on the preparation required to appear in the High Court and Court of Appeal, the appearance itself, and the importance of written submissions as the basis for the oral advocacy.

Cambridge:

In 2017, Susan presented at the 35^th Economic Crime Symposium at Jesus College, Cambridge University on Art Fraud.

In 2018, Susan presented at the 36^th Economic Crime Symposium at Jesus College, Cambridge University on ‘Human Trafficking’, ‘Taxing Crime’ (panel discussion) and ‘Divesting Criminals of ill-gotten gains in a world without financial Borders’.

Electronic briefs:

Susan is trained in the use of electronic briefs.

Membership:

• Family Law Bar Association
• Criminal Bar Association
• Women’s Barristers Association
• Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors