Admitted as Solicitor

2007

Called to the Bar NSW

2016

Called to the Bar New York

2013

Zaina Shahnawaz practices primarily in environmental crime. She features in “Lifting the Bar” as leading female junior counsel in planning and environment law. Zaina conducts regulatory prosecutions, appears in public interest immunity challenges and does general criminal defence work.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Arts from University of Sydney and a Master of Laws (Environmental Law) from New York University.

Previous work includes with Independent Diplomat, an NGO providing diplomatic representation to Pacific Island nations on climate change, 596 Acres, a not-for-profit focusing on urban renewal, and prosecution roles for the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the Environment Protection Authority, National Parks and Wildlife and the Commonwealth DPP.

Zaina is a former author of Environmental Law and Responsibilities Service published by Thomson Reuters.

Providing Guidance In

Criminal Law

Appellate, Criminal Law, Environmental Criminal Law, Prosecutions, Regulatory Prosecutions

Public & Administrative Law

Administrative Law, Judicial Review

Member of

Commonwealth DPP Counsel Panel, Criminal Law
Legal Aid NSW Indictable Criminal Law Barrister Panel
Legal Aid NSW Summary Crime Panel
NSW Bar Association – Climate Change Committee

SYDNEY

Black Chambers
Wallamulla, Gadigal Country
Suite 204, Level 2
185 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

More

Zaina volunteers as a pro bono barrister and in the Refugee Law Project.