Mary Crabb

Background

About Mary Crabb

I am admitted as a practitioner of the High Court of Australia and an officer of the Supreme Court of Queensland. I have an extensive educational background (an Applied Science Degree in Medical & Applied Biotechnology, a Master's Degree in Ethics & Legal Studies, a Juris Doctor with Distinction and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice). Plus, I am the recipient of the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence for both years of my enrolment in the Juris Doctor program at Griffith University — 2021 and 2022. The highlight of my JD degree was the writing of my paper on the Djokovic cases of January 2022 which saw tennis star Novak Djokovic deported a day prior to the start of the 2022 Australian Open. These cases were heard in the Federal Circuit Court and the Federal Court of Australia. The paper discusses the doctrine of separation of powers and considers how the judicial arm of government can protect human rights via common law and equity. Whilst doing my PLT coursework, I undertook a law internship with Everyday Justice, an arm of Mills Oakley. They provide pro bono assistance to clients. Their goal is to help eliminate barriers to access to justice for the 'missing middle' — those whom don't qualify for legal aid, yet cannot afford private representation. This is a large portion of the community and a marvellous initiative. Between finishing my PLT coursework and being admitted, I was part of Mills Oakley's Corporate Advisory team in Brisbane. There I worked as an LA for Intellectual Property and Private Advisory Special Counsels. In my first year of legal practice, I was employed as a solicitor in civil and commercial litigation matters at Lee Lawyers in Southport. During that year, I continued to do pro bono work as a volunteer at My Community Legal (MCL). MCL is open to members of the public in need of free legal advice on Thursday evenings and located at the Robina Community Centre. During my second year of legal practice, I worked as a solicitor at Informed Legal in Canungra. There I practiced in wills and estates, disputes, commercial, property and conveyancing matters. Recently, I completed the Queensland Law Society's Practice Management Course, and joined Small Myers Hughes' Property Law Team in Southport.