Michelle comes to the Bar with extensive experience in all aspects of indictable crime having worked predominantly as a solicitor in Criminal Law for 16 years. Michelle accepts briefs to appear and advise for both defence and prosecution in all Criminal Law and quasi- Criminal Law matters such as Occupational Health and Safety, Inquests, Inquiries and Commissions, as well as Disciplinary Proceedings.

Michelle began her career as a criminal defence solicitor at Clarebrough Pica. She has also practiced as a Federal Prosecutor at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) and was a Judge’s Associate in the Criminal Division of the County Court.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Michelle was a Managing Principal Solicitor in the Trial Division at the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) where she led a team of solicitors whilst conducting complex and high- profile indictable prosecutions across all Victorian jurisdictions including homicide, serious driving offences, drugs, fraud, property offences and assault including domestic violence. Her experience also includes Summary Prosecutions, Children’s Court matters, Proceeds of Crime and the Appellate jurisdiction. She has significant experience in providing complex written advice and recommendations on evidentiary and procedural issues and resolution.

Michelle was in the Specialist Sexual Offences Unit at the OPP for seven years. She has particular knowledge of historical and child sex offences and significant experience in witness conferencing and the complex sexual offences regimes including registration. She has regularly appeared in the Magistrates’ and County Courts. 

Michelle has an interest in Alternate Dispute Resolution. She has a Masters of Business Administration and is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS).

Michelle is reading with Barnaby Johnston and her senior mentor is Mark Rochford QC.