Australia's only Legally Qualified Toxicology Expert
Expert toxicology opinion. Legally defensible. Scientifically rigorous.
I translate complex toxicological evidence into clear, defensible expert opinion for legal professionals across family law, criminal law, coronial inquests, and civil litigation. My testimony is grounded in the science — and shaped by an understanding of how courts work.
Dr Michelle
Williams
PHD · JD · MASTER OF CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
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QUALIFICATIONS & MILESTONES
2015 First Australian to complete the Master of Clinical Toxicology, University of Florida
PhD Novel psychoactive substance detection — methods still in use by major Australian laboratories
JD Qualified lawyer — the only toxicologist in Australia who is also legally trained
20+ Years across all aspects of drug testing: collection, laboratory analysis, and expert reporting
SCIENCE
Opinion grounded in peer-reviewed literature and scientific rigour
LAW
A qualified lawyer who understands the rules of evidence and how expert opinion is tested
INDEPENDENCE
not a gun for hire, The answer I give is the correct one - even when its not the convienent one
For legal professionals
Drug and toxicology evidence appears in more legal matters than most practitioners realise. A positive drug test, a blood alcohol reading, a medication level, a post-mortem finding — each carries assumptions that can be wrong, and consequences that can be catastrophic if they go unchallenged.
I help solicitors, barristers, and firms identify where toxicological evidence is weak, where it has been misinterpreted, and where independent expert opinion can change the outcome.
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01 Results are not self-interpreting
A positive test tells you a substance was present. It does not tell you when it was taken, at what level it impaired function, or whether it was therapeutic or recreational. These distinctions are critical.
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02 Laboratory reports have limits
Collection protocols, chain of custody, analytical methods, and reference ranges all affect the validity of a result. I know where to look.
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03 The science changes fast
Medicinal cannabis, novel psychoactive substances, and evolving pharmacokinetic data mean that yesterday's standards may not reflect current scientific understanding. My opinion reflects the current literature.
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04 Early engagement changes strategy
The earlier I review the evidence, the more useful I can be — both in identifying issues and in shaping how you approach disclosure, instructions, and examination.
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Where I provide expert opinion
FAMILY LAW
Drugs & Parenting Matters
Interpreting hair, urine, and oral fluid drug test results in custody and parenting disputes. Assessment of risk, pattern of use, and what the results actually mean for the child's safety.
CRIMINAL LAW
Drink & Drug Driving
Blood alcohol calculation, drug impairment assessment, analysis of testing methodology, and review of police and laboratory procedures for drink and drug driving matters
CIVIL / EMPLOYMENT LAW
Workplace Drug Testing
Medicinal cannabis, workplace testing standards, chain of custody review, and the complex intersection of lawful prescription drug use and safety-critical employment
CIVIL LITIGATION
Medical Devices & Implants
Drug levels in cases of suspected medical device failure, improper manufacture or early wear. Assessment of systemic drug and adverse impacts to the whole of person.
CRIMINAL LAW
Drink Spiking & Consent
Expert assessment of whether alleged spiking is toxicologically consistent witht eh evidence. Pharmacokinetic analysis of timing, dose and behavioural effects.
CORONIAL
Coronial Inquests
Post mortem toxicology interpretation, drug related impairment and cause of death for coronial and civil proceedings
MY COMMITMENT -
— Dr Michelle Williams, Principal Toxicologist
WORKING WITH ME -
Contact me with a brief outline of the matter and the toxicological questions you need answered. I'll confirm whether I can assist and flag any immediate conflicts.
Provide the relevant materials — laboratory reports, medical records, police briefs. I will review and provide a preliminary assessment of the toxicological issues.
I prepare a formal expert report that complies with applicable court rules and expert witness codes, ready for service on the opposing party.
Available for conference with counsel, concurrent expert processes, and to give oral evidence. I am experienced presenting complex science clearly to non-expert audiences.