Judge Helen O’Sullivan began her career as a Junior Clerk in Toowoomba, prior to returning to school and graduating from a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Following her practice as a Senior Accountant in Perth, Judge O’Sullivan graduated from a part-time Law degree and began practice as a Solicitor in Brisbane. In 1981, she was appointed Director of Continuing Legal Education at the Queensland Law Society, after which she commenced practice as a Barrister at the private bar. In 1991, Judge O’Sullivan was appointed to the District Court bench