Elizabeth Needham

Elizabeth Needham has worked in diverse areas of practice during a career spanning more than 20 years.

Prior to joining the Independent Bar in 2007, Elizabeth was Principal Legal Officer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, where she acted as counsel in complex commercial and international criminal matters.

Before that, she was the Director of Legal and Prosecution Services with the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. There, she appeared in civil litigation for the Minister, in consumer protection, disciplinary matters and appeals.

Elizabeth has also lectured at Edith Cowan University, teaching crime, family, administrative and evidence law and has worked in a crisis centre in human rights, industrial relations and administrative law.

In her practice, Elizabeth draws upon skills gained across these diverse contexts, including in-depth analysis of issues and available evidence, strong advocacy and empathy. Having appeared as counsel at both ends of the bar table (prosecutor and defence counsel, plaintiff and respondent), Elizabeth considers each matter from all perspectives.