Sam Jayasekara

Profile

Sam accepts briefs to prosecute and defend a broad range of criminal matters. She regularly appears (led and unled) in complex committals, and in contested applications and pleas in the County Court. She has particular experience in proceedings involving Commonwealth criminal offences, financial services regulation and voluminous and complex documentary evidence.

Sam also appears in proceeds of crime and confiscation matters, VCAT hearings, and quasi-criminal proceedings such as suppression order applications, public interest immunity claims and applications and reviews under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act and Serious Offenders Act.

Before joining the Bar, Sam was a Senior Federal Prosecutor in the Organised Crime and National Security branch of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the Associate to the Honourable Justice Taylor in the Victorian Court of Appeal. She also advised and acted for a range of government clients at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office and the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office.

Sam completed a Juris Doctor (with Distinction) at the University of New South Wales, graduating in the top 5% of her cohort. She also has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. She has held various casual academic positions and has lectured in Victorian criminal law.

Sam read with Amanda Burnnard. Her senior mentor is Albert Dinelli KC.

Recent cases

• Stefan v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VCAT 375
• Secretary to the Department of Justice and Community Safety v EP (a pseudonym) [2026] VCC 520 
• CDPP v Morgan (a pseudonym) [2025] VCC 524
• Hussain v The King [2024] VSCA 288 (led by Catherine Boston SC)