Anastasia Smietanka

Profile

Anastasia is a common law barrister practising primarily in personal injuries, class actions and medical negligence matters.

Anastasia was recognised as Recommended Victorian Junior Counsel in the 2026 rankings of “Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession” for her expertise in Insurance & Personal Injury.

Her practice encompasses advice and appearance work across a broad range of common law claims, with a particular focus on Workcover and TAC personal injury and public liability matters. Anastasia also practises in medical negligence and class actions, including preparation for and the conduct of complex proceedings involving multiple parties and issues of common interest. Her work frequently requires the analysis of extensive documentary material, the careful evaluation of expert evidence and the resolution of difficult questions of liability, causation and loss. She brings a rigorous and considered approach to these challenges, combining detailed preparation with clear, effective advocacy.

She appears both unled and as leading counsel in courts and tribunals across Victoria, representing clients in disputes requiring careful analysis of the evidence, a thorough understanding of the relevant law and clear, effective advocacy.

Prior to joining the Bar, Anastasia was a lawyer at Lander & Rogers.

Anastasia holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Melbourne, together with a Bachelor Degree in Media and Communications and a Diploma of Modern Languages (French) from the University of Melbourne. Anastasia is a fluent French speaker and completed an Honours Thesis in French at the University of Melbourne.

Anastasia is passionate about pro bono work and has sat on a number of boards and committees. In 2014, she co-founded the Animal Law Institute, a community legal centre dedicated to protecting animals and was a director until 2022. In 2015, Anastasia was named an Impact 25 winner by Pro Bono Australia, voted as one of the most influential persons in the not for profit sector.  

Professional Standards Scheme

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.