Sheetal Balakrishnan

Sheetal has practiced as a lawyer for over 9 years, specialising in social justice issues. She has practiced in NSW, the Northern Territory, the Netherlands and England across criminal law, public international law, administrative law and human rights law.

Sheetal joined PIAC’s Strategic Litigation team in 2021 and co-leads our A Fairer NDIS project where she leverages her specialist knowledge of NDIS policy, laws and regulations. Sheetal represents PIAC clients in the AAT who are seeking review of NDIA decisions. Alongside her casework, she uses her specialist experience to advocate for systemic change to the NDIS through submissions to government inquiries and other law and policy reform. Sheetal has established strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders in the disability sector.

Sheetal also works on PIAC’s Non-Discrimination and Equality project, advising and representing clients in unlawful disability discrimination claims in the Australian Human Rights Commission and Federal Court. Her experience working with people with disabilities extends back to her work as a criminal defence lawyer at the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission from 2014-2018 where she represented adult and youth clients with disability.

Sheetal holds a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Technology Sydney and a Master of Law (First Class) from the University of Cambridge, UK.