About

Maria accepts instructions to advise and appear in all areas of law. Since being admitted to the NSW Bar, she has developed a diverse practice that includes employment, work health and safety, and inquests. Maria has also been instructed by the NSW Crime Commission as counsel assisting (unled).

Maria has appeared before the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia, the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, the Federal Court of Australia, the NSW Supreme Court, as well as in other State and Inter-State courts and tribunals.

Prior to coming to the bar, Maria worked as a solicitor for the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission, senior solicitor at Legal Aid NSW and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Maria was an associate to the late Peter Zahra SC, Judge and Acting Chief Judge of the NSW District Court.

Maria is a member of the NSW Bar Association and the Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Association.

Qualifications

Maria graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Laws/Science (Psychology), followed by a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Australian National University. Maria later obtained her Master of Laws (Criminal Practice) from the University of Wollongong.

Select cases

Kruger v Thompson [2025] FCAFC 143 (led by D Mahendra for the appellant). Appeal from the primary judgment concerning allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation.

Klein v Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Qld) Inc [2025] FCAFC 189 (led by D Mahendra for the appellant). Appeal from the primary judgment concerning allegations of disability discrimination.

O’Rafferty v R [2024] NSWCCA 189 (led by A Chhabra for the offender). Appeal against sentence concerning a miscarriage of justice caused by the incompetence of counsel.