- Published:
- Monday 25 May 2015
Attorney-General Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of Jennifer Kanis as a new Director of Victoria Legal Aid, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Virginia Rogers.
Ms Kanis holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Latrobe University and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.
She was a secondary school teacher for six years before becoming a lawyer, serving as a Senior Associate at Holding Redlich from 2005 to 2012 where she specialised in employment, industrial relations and equal opportunity law.
Her legal experience spans proceedings in the Victorian Magistrates’ Court, Supreme Court of Victoria, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Federal Magistrates’ Court, Federal Court and Fair Work Australia.
Ms Kanis was elected to the Melbourne City Council in 2008 and the Parliament of Victoria in 2012 as the Member for Melbourne.
Between 2012 and 2014, Ms Kanis served as the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Justice in the Victorian Parliament.
She has previously served as a Director of Housing Choices Australia and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, as well as a Convenor and Executive Member of Victorian Women Lawyers.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“Ms Kanis brings significant experience to the role from her successful legal career as well as her important work with Melbourne City Council and the Victorian Parliament.”
“Victoria Legal Aid provides a critical service to our community, ensuring access to justice and advocacy for vulnerable Victorians. I look forward to seeing the positive contribution Ms Kanis will make to the organisation.”