Zara O'Sullivan

Zara is an Associate in Shine Lawyers’ Personal Injury team. Based in Shine Lawyer’s Darwin branch, Zara represents clients who have been wronged:

• At work

• Due to medical negligence

Zara was drawn to study law through her strong commitment to supporting vulnerable people and challenging systems that have failed to protect them. She began her career as a volunteer paralegal at the Youth Law Centre at Legal Aid ACT, assisting young people with a wide range of legal issues. After her admission, she practised in criminal and domestic violence law before becoming a lawyer in the General Practice, working across family violence and civil law. Whilst holding this position she also served as Jurisdictional Solicitor for Your Story Disability Legal Support, a national project delivered in response to the Disability Royal Commission.

In 2021, Zara moved to the Northern Territory to work with the Domestic Violence Legal Service, where she focused exclusively on domestic violence law.

Zara is known for providing clear, practical advice with a calm, trauma-informed approach. She takes the time to listen, understand her clients’ circumstances, and explain complex legal issues in simplified language.

“For many people, justice is not just about an outcome on paper, it’s about being believed, having their experience acknowledged, and regaining a sense of control and empowerment. Supporting clients through that process, and helping them feel heard and supported, is what motivates me most."

One career highlight for Zara has been her contribution to work that drives broader systemic change. This includes appearing as a witness before a Parliamentary Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Children, participating in community advocacy events, and speaking at a Darwin vigil honouring women lost to domestic violence.

She has also been closely involved in the Prevent.Assist.Respond.Training (PARt) Project since its commencement, including advisory board work and delivering training to Northern Territory Police.

Outside of her legal work, Zara is a volunteer firefighter and an active member of her gym community. She enjoys early morning training sessions, sunrise swims, and spending dry-season weekends camping and hiking across the Northern Territory.

Get in touch today to book a no-obligation consultation with Zara or to find out more about how she can help you to right wrong.