- Position:
- Managing Principal Solicitor
- Qualification:
- LLB, BA
- Area of law:
- Disciplinary proceedings and prosecutions, Administrative decision making and review, Interpretation and development of legislation, Public sector governance and integrity, Civil litigation and dispute resolution (including personal injury), Royal commissions and inquiries
Maria has a broad prosecutions, investigations and administrative law practice representing government departments and statutory authorities. Her practices include regulatory prosecutions, administrative appeals and statutory interpretation across a diverse range of legislation.
Maria also has experience in Royal Commissions and Inquiries representing State departments and Ministers, as well as being involved in large scale document production and advice and reviewing interim and final reports.
She has provided specialised expert legal advice to statutory authority and local government clients for over 19 years. Maria has extensive experience conducting prosecutions and civil proceedings in various jurisdictions undertaking all aspects of the proceeding including advocacy. Maria has excellent communication skills and has established a reputation as a trusted legal advisor who is responsive to client needs and provides high levels of service excellence. As a former in-house lawyer, Maria understands the challenges faced by government organisations and the importance of receiving clear and practical advice to resolve issues.
Maria delivers legal services that include:
- providing advice regarding statutory authority and authorised officer powers, the exercise of administrative powers, the prospects of success of prosecutions, appeals and administrative reviews
- conducting prosecutions, including drafting charges, court documentation and appearing at court
- drafting regulatory frameworks, procedure manuals, policies, delegations & authorisations, by-laws, permits, search warrants, statutory notices, reasons for decisions and internal precedent documents
- conducting client training sessions
- preparing State witnesses in Royal Commissions and inquiries which involves coordinating and supervising witness preparation tasks with teams of lawyers, drafting complex advices and correspondence, liaising with Counsel, chairing witness conferences, reviewing documents for production and attending hearings
- reviewing documents for production to Commissions and Inquiries, including providing advice
- reviewing interim and final Commission and Inquiry reports and providing advice in relation to adverse findings, legal risk and confidentiality issues.
Prior to joining VGSO, Maria worked as an in-house lawyer at Knox City Council where she was responsible for conducting prosecutions, providing expert legal advice in relation to various Council function and responsibilities and coordinating Council's infringement review processes. Previous roles also include Senior Associate at a commercial law firm representing Council and Water Corporations, Lawyer - Department of Human Services and roles at Crown Solicitor's Office and Police Complaints Authority of South Australia.
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