Vanessa was admitted to practice in 2018 and called to the Bar in September 2023.

Vanessa accepts briefs in all areas of law, with a particular focus on criminal law (prosecution and defence briefs) and proceeds of crime.

Immediately prior to her call to the Bar, Vanessa practised as a Criminal Assets Litigation lawyer with the Australian Federal Police.  There she worked within the Criminal Assets Taskforce.  Vanessa conducted proceedings for the restraint and forfeiture of property suspected to be the proceeds of crime in the NSW Supreme Court. Alongside agency partners, Vanessa assessed referrals as well as conducting the preparation of evidence at various stages of litigation and was also involved in the preparation of compulsory examinations.

As a solicitor, Vanessa prosecuted Federal Offences as an A/Senior Federal Prosecutor at the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.  In her work at the Commonwealth DPP, Vanessa gained significant experience dealing with Commonwealth drug importation, cybercrime, and child abuse material offences.  She instructed in trials and appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal as well as appearing as solicitor advocate in sentence proceedings, bail hearings and severity appeals.  She also gained experience defending matters, spending some time as a defence solicitor with Hanna Legal.

She is well regarded for her ability to assess evidence, as well as her skill in successfully negotiating with parties to resolve matters by way of appropriate pleas or settlements.

Vanessa holds Bachelors degrees in Laws (Honours) and International Studies from Macquarie University.