Gretel was admitted to the Bar in December 2000. After 3 years in a corporate law firm working as a barrister and solicitor, she became a barrister specialising in criminal law.

Working along side her father, Russell Fairbrother QC, and other top criminal lawyers, Gretel learned the subtle art of advocacy in the challenging Court room environment. She has been involved in a number of murder trials as well as other cases of serious violence, such as sexual violation, kidnapping and aggravated robbery.

Outside of the Criminal law, Gretel is passionate about environmental issues. Before studying law she completed a Science degree focusing on environmental sciences. She took a short break from the criminal law in 2012 to 2014 and went to work for the World Wildlife Fund NZ.

Gretel has also been involved with the SPCA, SAFE, Animal Rights Legal Advocacy Network, The New Zealand Animal Law Association and Oil Free Wellington.