Meara O'Brien

Expertise

Meara is a paralegal with skills in legal research, policy development, report drafting and developing strong client relationships. Since joining Terri Janke and Company in 2023, Meara has supported our lawyers assist a range of clients in the arts and GLaM sector in the areas of Intellectual Property, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, including protocol drafting, policy recommendations and research reports with a focus on protecting First Nations cultural heritage. Meara also brings a strong background in environmental law and a keen interest in bush products and biodiversity. Her paralegal skills are complemented by strong analytical capabilities, enabling her to effectively address complex legal issues.

Experience
Meara graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology and Politics) from the University of Sydney, and was awarded the Ashurst Prize in Environmental Law. She has conducted extensive socio-legal research into the intersection of vulnerable persons with the law and has collaborated with First Nations peoples and organisations on legal and interdisciplinary projects. Notably, Meara was involved in a university project where she helped devise a report on developing a First Nations aged care facility in NSW.