Meneesha Michalka

Meneesha Michalka is a leading criminal lawyer and non-executive director based in Perth, Western Australia. Her legal journey commenced at Herbert Smith Freehills where she honed her skills in insolvency and insurance litigation. In 2005, she transitioned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, serving as a State Prosecutor for a decade. During this period, Meneesha represented the State in various courts, including the Magistrates, District, Supreme and Children's courts, as well as the High Court of Australia. In 2015, she ventured into private practice, leveraging her extensive trial experience to both prosecute and defend a comprehensive range of criminal offences. Beyond her legal practice, Meneesha is a respected board member and non-executive director. She contributes her expertise as a Governor of the University of Notre Dame Australia and sits on the University's Law Advisory Board. Her governance roles extend to being a member of the Medical Board of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Remuneration Tribunal. Her dedication to community service is evident through her presidency of the Perth Centre for Attitudinal Healing, enhancing mental health awareness and support. As Principal of her own practice since 2018, Meneesha continues to influence the legal landscape with her insights and leadership. Her board roles with AHPRA include contributing to significant boards addressing diverse issues, from medical governance to national health concerns. Her involvement extends to the Child and Adolescent Health Service, where she participates as a legal member of the Human Research Ethics Committee, underscoring her commitment to ethical medical practice. Meneesha's career reflects her multifaceted talents in criminal law, corporate governance, and public advocacy. Her legal acumen, complemented by her skills in negotiation, dispute resolution, and public speaking, make her a pivotal figure in both the legal and broader community sectors.