Catherine Parkes accepts briefs in criminal law, family law, quasi-criminal law, disciplinary and regulatory matters, and inquests and inquiries.

Catherine has 25 years’ experience appearing for both the prosecution and defence in a diverse range of matters in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court in Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria.

From 2017 to 2026, Catherine served as a Crown Prosecutor for Victoria, advising on and appearing in numerous serious, complex and high-profile criminal proceedings.

Catherine was a member of the Therapeutic Treatment Board between 2018 and 2024, where she was responsible for the provision of advice and decision-making in relation to Therapeutic Treatment Orders under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.

Prior to signing the Bar Roll, Catherine practised as a solicitor in various roles in criminal law, policy and advocacy.

Catherine is a member of the Criminal Bar Association, the Family Law Bar Association and the Women Barristers’ Association.