Gillian attained a B. Arts (Macquarie University) in 1992, and a B. Laws (Hons I) from the University of Technology (2000). Gillian was called to the NSW Bar in 2006 and was made a Life Member of the NSW Bar Association on 25 May 2023 for “exceptional service to the Bar Association and to the profession of the law”.  Gillian was appointed Senior Counsel in 2023.

Gillian has a broad practice, specialising in commissions, inquests and inquiries (appearing as either Counsel Assisting or for persons named as having a sufficient interest), parenting, adoption and child protection matters, tort claims including medical negligence and historic abuse claims.  Gillian is also regularly briefed to appear for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions on questions of advice and appearing on prosecutions and sentencing.

Gillian has been counsel in a number of significant inquiries including assisting the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, appearing for interested parties in the Professor Dan Howard SC led Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “ICE” and the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

Gillian has appeared in complex parenting and child protection matters including Re Adoption of E F – Anonymised [2020] NSWSC 410, Helen Fischer & Anor v Ashley Thompson and Others (Anonymised) [2019] NSWSC 773, EC v Secretary, NSW Department of Family & Community Services [2019] NSWSC 226, D v C; Re B (No 2) [2018] NSWCA 310, and NU v NSW Secretary of Family and Community Services [2017] NSWCA 221, as well as a number of unreported parenting cases in the FCFCOA, both Division 1 and Division 2.

Gillian is experienced in preparing and running matters to final hearing as well engaging in alternate dispute resolution to achieve the best outcome for her client.

Gillian was a member of the NSW Bar’s Education Committee from 2016 to 2024, the Course Director for the NSW Bar Practice Course from 2016 to May 2023, and the Chair of the Costs and Fees Committee from May 2024 to June 2026.  Gillian has been an advocacy coach for the NSW Bar since 2014 and for the Australian Bar Association since 2024.

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