Her story

Hannah McNeale is a Senior Legal Officer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Ms McNeale has carriage of complex criminal prosecutions and regularly appears as an advocate in the Children’s, District, and Supreme Courts. With extensive volunteer experience working with disadvantaged communities, Ms McNeale has a passion for equitable access to the law. In recognition of her expertise and dedication to the legal community, Ms McNeale was awarded the 2023 Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year award.

Without mentioning your job title, how would you describe what it is you do now (whether at home, work, in the community, etc.)?

I have carriage of complex criminal prosecutions and regularly appear as an advocate in the Children’s, District, and Supreme Courts.

What are the first three words you think of when you hear the word ‘diversity’?

Vibrant, uplifting, welcome.

What do you think it will take to develop truly diverse thinking within the legal industry?

Opening doors and listening to the needs of minority groups and uplifting those same people to a position of equity so that they might feel supported and welcome to take up positions within the legal profession.

What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

I love the challenges and complexities of the law and legal thinking and feel passionately that the law and subsequent justice system should be accessible to all.