Penelope Giles SC

Barrister Murray Chambers

Penelope Giles is an experienced trial lawyer, having worked as a solicitor in private practice for 11 years then full time at the independent bar for over 20 years.

Penelope has appeared as counsel in a number of significant family law cases, as well as complex property and financial litigation in the Family Court involving large trusts, farming properties and complex asset protection. She has written and presented a number of papers on family law topics and is a member of the Senior Members’ Panel of the Family Law Practitioners Association of WA, providing confidential advice and mentoring to other practitioners.

Penelope has appeared as counsel in most major courts and tribunals conducting complex and lengthy litigation. She has acted as counsel in major anti-discrimination cases, including several high-profile harassment cases, a ground-breaking sex discrimination class action and, more recently, cases involving disability discrimination in education. She also practices in industrial law, appearing as counsel in the WAIRC and FWC. She has also acted in some major medical disciplinary cases in the State Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court.

Penelope has been a Commissioner of the District Court, President of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal, and a legal member of the Medical Board. She is active in professional and community affairs, and mentors junior practitioners. She has also tutored in Evidence at the University of Western Australia’s Law School.