Stephanie comes to List A with significant experience in commercial and administrative law.
She specialises in planning and environmental matters, land acquisition, land valuation, judicial and merits review and associated declaratory relief.
Stephanie has advised and appeared for clients across both the private and government sectors, taking in all aspects of development. This includes statutory and strategic planning, greenfield planning, infrastructure and development contributions, environmental approvals, cultural and European heritage, liquor and gaming regulation and enforcement matters.
Stephanie’s experience and capability has been acknowledged by her peers and clients, earning her listings as a Doyle’s Guide Rising Star in Planning and Environment for both 2022 and 2023. In 2025, her first year at the Bar, she has been ranked as a Recommended Junior Counsel in Planning and Environment.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Stephanie was a Director at Planning and Property Partners, following a successful career in Minter Ellison’s Environment and Planning group, and in-house at Melbourne Airport. She holds an LLB with first class honours from Monash University, in addition to her Commerce degree (specialising in economics).
Stephanie has also spent multiple years volunteering in sports administration and was president of a Melbourne hockey club for five years. She accepts briefs in sports law and disciplinary matters in addition to her broader commercial and administrative practice.
Some recent cases in which Stephanie has appeared are as follows:
- Dafner-Beach v Yarra Ranges SC [2024] VCAT 1068, led by Adrian Finanzio SC (now Finanzio J);
- Brunswick Land Holding Pty Ltd v Merri-bek CC [2024] VCAT 1117, led by Nick Tweedie SC;
- Moore v Merri-bek CC [2025] VCAT 22, led by Nick Tweedie SC;
- Luxor Corporation v Brimbank CC [2025] VCAT 180, led by Juliet Forsyth SC;
- Premises approval – Cook Country Hotels Pty Ltd at the Huntly Hotel, led by Nick Tweedie SC;
- EGM increase – APD Group Pty Ltd at the Valley Inn Hotel, unled;
- In the matter of 3-5 Dundas Lane, Albert Park (Building Appeals Board), unled; and
- Environmental Effects Statement – Viva Energy Gas Terminal Project, led by Christopher Townshend KC and Barnaby Chessell SC (and with Roshan Chaile).
Stephanie read with Emma Peppler. Her senior mentors are Adrian Finanzio SC (now Finanzio J) and Susan Brennan SC.
*Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation