Andrea de Silva

Andrea de Silva is a dedicated solicitor at Cathy Stevenson & Associates, based in Melbourne. Her breadth of expertise encompasses a diverse range of legal areas including advocacy, child protection, discrimination and human rights, family law, and wills and estates. Her commitment to advancing equitable practices is also evident through her role as Director and Founder of Andrea de Silva Consulting, providing specialised diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting services. With over two decades of experience, Andrea has held significant roles across academia and legal practice, demonstrating leadership and a strong command in policy advice, stakeholder management, and strategic planning. Her tenure as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Advisor at the Ethical Trade Alliance complements her academic role as an Adjunct Professor at the Australian Centre for Health Law Research, showcasing her analytical acumen and commitment to health law. Andrea's extensive background in public health and medico-legal research includes her tenure as a Professor at Monash University's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, further solidifying her comprehensive understanding of health-related legal frameworks. Her leadership skills have been honed through her executive roles at various organisations such as WorkSafe Victoria, where she served as a Legal Officer and Senior Legislative Services Advisor. Furthermore, her involvement with Women's Legal Service Victoria as a Policy and Advocacy Manager underscores her focus on impactful advocacy in support of vulnerable groups. Andrea's academic credentials are robust, holding a Bachelor of Laws with distinction from Deakin University, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Leo Cussen Centre for Law. She is also nationally accredited in mediation, reflecting her adeptness in dispute resolution. Her career is also marked by her contribution to academia as an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, where she leveraged her expertise in primary research, policy advice, and analytical skills. Her continuous commitment to advancing legal and health research is a testament to her enduring dedication to both education and the legal community.