meet the founder
Holding a Bachelor of Laws and Diploma of Languages from the University of Adelaide, as well as being a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Cassandra has more than a decade of experience in administrative and public law, regulation and compliance, board and executive advisory, and dispute resolution. She has a proven track record in establishing and growing high-performing legal teams, and guiding organisations through periods of growth, change, and regulatory complexity.
cassandra Polese
As a Senior Associate at leading international law firm, MinterEllison, Cassandra was pivotal in exponentially growing the national public law practice, owing to her standing as a trusted advisor to senior executives of the National Disability Insurance Agency. She was personally briefed to manage high-risk litigation cohorts before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, to guide decision-making on issues affecting Scheme sustainability, and to provide general advice on the interpretation and implications of governing statute.
Cassandra regularly conducted her own solicitor advocacy, appearing in merits review proceedings before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and leading conciliations and settlement negotiations. Her pragmatic and solutions-focused approach consistently produced commercially sound and influential outcomes, earning her an esteemed reputation amongst high-profile clients in the general provision of legal services. During her time at MinterEllison, Cassandra also acted for the Minister of Home Affairs and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in merits review proceedings. She also provided specialist administrative law support to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, and advised the Transport Accident Commission in relation to a high-profile claim for misleading or deceptive conduct and unjust enrichment against medical providers.
Following her time in Australian top-tier legal environments (Hall & Wilcox and MinterEllison), Cassandra assumed a Principal Lawyer position at the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. In that role, she advised the CEO, Chair and Commissioners on enforcement and disciplinary action against regulated entities, managed litigation on behalf of the Commission, oversaw and advised on investigations and prosecutions, and provided general legal advice to the business.
Cassandra founded HarperWinston in order to bring together the advantages of the private-practice and in-house models. Having worked in private practice, she recognised the benefit to professional self-development in having a portfolio of clients, as opposed to being a dedicated adviser to just one organisation. At the same time, having been afforded opportunities to step-into the business of her clients and act as in-house counsel, Cassandra quickly learned that in order to properly influence decisions and improve outcomes, lawyers needed to be positioned closer to the operations of their clients and be seen as a trusted extension of the team.
Since founding HarperWinston, Cassandra has become a trusted and highly sought-after adviser to leading organisations, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes for clients including Northern Health, Crown Resorts Limited, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Areas of Practice
areas of practice
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areas of practice
Administrative Law/Public Law
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Dispute Resolution
Board & Governance Advisory
Areas of Practice
At HarperWinston, we offer expert legal services across a wide range of government-related matters. Whether you are dealing with regulatory challenges, navigating compliance requirements, or disputing government decisions, we can help you achieve optimal outcomes. We guide our clients through complex statutory frameworks, ensure adherence to industry standards, and provide representation before administrative bodies and Tribunals.
Administrative Law/Public Law
( 01 )
areas of practice
At HarperWinston, we provide specialist legal advisory services across the regulatory landscape. With experience working for Commonwealth and State regulatory agencies, as well as acting for prominent regulated entities, we have a comprehensive understanding of both regulatory intent, and operational realities. We provide guidance and advice across the complete regulatory lifecycle - from compliance, investigations and breach management,, to disciplinary action and enforcement.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
( 02 )
areas of practice
areas of practice
At HarperWinston, we offer expert legal services across a wide range of government-related matters. Whether you are dealing with regulatory challenges, navigating compliance requirements, or disputing government decisions, we can help you achieve optimal outcomes. We guide our clients through complex statutory frameworks, ensure adherence to industry standards, and provide representation before administrative bodies and Tribunals.
Administrative Law/Public Law
( 01 )
Areas of Practice
At HarperWinston, we provide specialist legal advisory services across the regulatory landscape. With experience working for Commonwealth and State regulatory agencies, as well as acting for prominent regulated entities, we have a comprehensive understanding of both regulatory intent, and operational realities. We provide guidance and advice across the complete regulatory lifecycle - from compliance, investigations and breach management,, to disciplinary action and enforcement.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
( 02 )
Areas of Practice
HarperWinston are distinguished specialists in dispute resolution. As experienced litigators and experts in alternative dispute resolution, we know the importance of achieving outcomes that protect client interests while minimising disruption and cost.
Dispute Resolution
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Areas of Practice
At HarperWinston, we work with boards and executive teams to ensure legal risk is properly considered in business decisions, director and executive duties are appropriately discharged, and governance frameworks are operating effectively.