Sandra accepts briefs in all kinds of criminal, quasi-criminal, administrative and employment law matters, and general civil mediations. She also accepts briefs in matters which overlap with crime such as post-sentence supervision and detention order applications, IBAC examinations, immigration matters, coronial inquests, OH&S matters, and matters before disciplinary and regulatory tribunals.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Sandra worked as a solicitor advocate at Stary Norton Halphen, and later at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency in Darwin. She has also worked as a senior lawyer at the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, appearing in private examinations as counsel assisting, and in coercive powers applications before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and providing advice on administrative law matters.
Sandra appears regularly in trials, inquests, committals, contested hearings, and pleas in all jurisdictions. She also regularly provides written advice.
Sandra holds the Victorian Bar Indictable Crime Certificate and is on the Victoria Legal Aid Preferred Trial Barrister List.
As an accredited mediator under the NMAS, she interested in alternative dispute resolution. In 2014 she received a Churchill Fellowship researching restorative justice and diversion.
Sandra holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. She also holds a Master of Laws in international criminal law from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute/University of Turin, Italy.
In 2012, Sandra received the Law Institute of Victoria's ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award for her work on people smuggling.
Sandra is a member of William Forster Chambers, Darwin (visiting counsel), and accepts briefs to appear in the NT.
Sandra read with Anthony Lewis. Her senior mentor is George Georgiou SC (now Judge of the County Court).