Maryann Gassert

Profile

Maryann first signed the Bar Roll in November 1995 and practised as a Barrister until October 2002. She then took the opportunity to practice as an in-house lawyer in various Commercial and Government roles. Immediately prior to returning to the Bar, Maryann was the General Counsel at Agriculture Victoria Services P/L. She re-signed the Bar Roll in May 2018.

Maryann has extensive experience practising as a senior in-house lawyer in government and corporate entities, covering all areas of commercial law, governance, administrative law and legislative development, legal policy work, intellectual property law and public private projects. Maryann’s unique experience enables her to provide advice and demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues which are relevant in advising and acting on behalf of government and corporate entities.

In Government, Maryann has worked with Human Services, Housing, Consumer Affairs Victoria, VicRoads, National Transport Commission, Port of Melbourne Corporation, Nurses’ Board of Victoria and Agriculture Victoria Services P/L. She has also worked as Legal Counsel at the publicly listed company Praemium Pty Ltd. 

Her diverse experience advising Departments, Statutory Authorities, Corporations and Boards includes advising on commercial law, construction matters and property law, governance, retirement villages legal issues, statutory interpretation and administrative law, governance, intellectual property law, disciplinary matters and prosecutions, freedom of information, privacy and equal opportunity and discrimination law. 

Maryann is also very experienced in all stages of legislative development, from policy development through to the draft Bill. 

During her time at the Bar, Maryann has practised in all areas of commercial law, including construction law, planning law, intellectual property and contractual and consumer disputes. She has regularly appeared at VCAT in both its original and review jurisdictions. She has appeared in hearings, mediations, compulsory conferences, applications and directions hearings and also provided written legal advice and drafted court documents and submissions.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.