Moya O’Brien (OGC 1996) is a respected barrister with a distinguished career in criminal law. Admitted to legal practice in 2004 and called to the Victorian Bar in 2008, she has built a reputation as a highly skilled trial advocate, regularly appearing in jury trials in both the Supreme and County Courts.
In addition to appearing in trials, O’Brien has acted as counsel assisting various tribunals and has represented numerous clients in high-profile inquiries, including the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Her expertise also extends to international criminal law, occupational health and safety, and government inquiries, reflecting her versatility and depth of legal knowledge.
O’Brien is deeply committed to the administration of justice and believes everyone charged with a criminal offence should have access to a fair trial and quality representation. She is a fierce advocate for those that are marginalised or often forgotten by the system. She describes her career highlights to date as assisting with the release of an Australian woman wrongly convicted and imprisoned in Cambodia, and acting for children charged with criminal offending in the Northern Territory.
O’Brien is also deeply committed to the legal profession’s future. She is a passionate mentor to many junior practitioners and plays a leading role in the Victoria Legal Aid Trial Counsel Development Program, where she supports the development of advocacy skills and professional confidence in emerging lawyers.
Her dedication to justice, advocacy, and professional development has made her a respected figure within the Victorian legal community.
At The Geelong College, O’Brien was a Shannon House Prefect and an active participant in debating. She earned Merit Awards in International Studies, History (Revolution), and English, and received a Year 12 Merit Award for her academic achievement. Her leadership and intellectual engagement at the College laid the foundation for her distinguished legal career.
O'Brien was inducted into the OGCA Notables Gallery in 2025.