Alice Cooney

Alice is an accomplished advocate with extensive experience in criminal and public law.

Criminal Law and Inquests

She accepts briefs to defend and prosecute in both criminal and regulatory matters. She has been an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law since 2020.

Before joining the Bar, Alice held senior legal roles and managed teams, including as Principal Solicitor at both the Office of Public Prosecutions and the Environment Protection Authority. She has expertise in disclosure obligations, criminal prosecutions, and complex litigation. From 2021 to 2023, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, she led the implementation of recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants.

Family Law and Intervention Orders

Alice also appears and advises in family law proceedings, with extensive experience in intervention orders and their interaction with Family Court orders.

Workplace Investigations

At the Bar, Alice has advised on workplace investigations and reportable conduct in employment contexts. Alice utilises her experience to conduct investigations with high regard for  procedural fairness.

Employment History and Qualifications

Alice has broad government experience beyond these roles. She was among the first Criminal Division lawyers at the County Court of Victoria and worked in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Branch of the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office. Prior to that, she advised Victoria Police on parole-related matters and served as a specialist family violence lawyer.

Alice holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), and a Master of Laws (Dispute Resolution), with a focus on regulatory frameworks, high-conflict management, and advocacy. 

Alice is also engaged in legal education as an Associate Teaching Fellow at Deakin Law School and an instructor at Leo Cussen Centre for Law.

Alice read with Astrid Haban-Beer and her senior mentor is Neill Hutton SC.