Slades and Parsons

And finally, (for now) we introduce Nitika Ponnachan. Nitika is currently pursuing a double degree in Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Human Rights, at Monash University. Complementing her Law studies, Nitika participates in Monash Law Society’s competitions, and was a quarterfinalist in the General Moot and semi-finalist in the Women’s Moot in 2023. In 2023, she was also a Monash Law Ambassador. She assists our team in various administration and research tasks whilst also gaining valuable experience for the future. Outside of her studies, Nitika enjoys reading, music, and watching sport, and is a big fan of motorsport and cricket. She is also fluent in Malayalam. We look forward to fostering Nitikas experience and growth in the law.

Next, we introduce Catriona Benson. Catriona comes to Slades and Parsons from the Criminal Division of the County Court of Victoria, where she worked as Associate to his Honour Judge Bayles. As his Honour’s first associate, Catriona assisted in establishing chambers practices, legal research, and drafting sentences. She gained experience managing various Court hearings, including Criminal Trials, Pleas and Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act (CMIA) matters. While working as an Associate, Catriona developed a thorough knowledge of Court procedure and the criminal law. Catriona was admitted to practice in March 2023 after completing her Practical Legal Training at the College of Law in 2022. Catriona graduated from Monash University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Human Rights). Catriona has already established herself as a valiant advocate with a forensic attention to detail. We are grateful to have her on our team.

Next, we are very excited to introduce you to Alastair Kennedy. Before joining Slades & Parsons Alastair worked as Associate to his Honour Judge Moglia in the Criminal Division of the County Court. He assisted in the preparation and conduct of a broad range of criminal matters concerning State and Federal offences as well as Appeals and regulatory cases. Alastair attended Monash University on an Excellence Scholarship and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Music. He was admitted to practice in July 2023. He has also volunteered at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service during his studies and more recently has volunteered at Refugee and Immigration Legal Service. Alastair brings a solid foundation of knowledge to his role as solicitor advocate at Slades & Parsons. He has already proven to be a valuable asset to our clients in court and also to the firm. #criminallaw #melbournecrime #criminallawyer

We are excited to introduce you to a host of new staff members that have recently commenced at Slades & Parsons. We commence with Savannah Westwood. Before joining Slades & Parsons, Savannah worked as Associate to Judicial Registrar Freeman in the Criminal Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Savannah graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at Deakin University in 2019. In 2020, Savannah completed a Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales, graduating with specialisations in Human Rights Law and Policy; plus Criminal Justice and Criminology. Savannah was awarded a high distinction for her thesis on whether Victoria adequately protects an accused’s right to a fair trial where they have received prejudicial pre-trial publicity. For this, Savannah was invited to submit an application for the Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s Prize 2019, with only the top four honours graduates with the highest academic record in each faculty being invited to submit an application. These attributes have already proven to serve her clients effectively and advantageously. We look forward to seeing Savannah’s continued success in the field.