[1] Wilkinson-Smith graduated with an LLB (Hons) from Auckland University School of Law in 1993.

In 2004, she joined the independent bar, practicing as both a defense barrister in Auckland and Crown panel prosecutor in Palmerston North until 2016.

[2] During her career, she was involved in several high-profile cases, including defending Chris Kahui, who was acquitted of murder in a High Court trial.

She also served as a member of the Legal Aid Review Panel and as a Visiting Justice at Whanganui Prison.

In 2016, Wilkinson-Smith was appointed Crown solicitor for Whanganui, succeeding Lance Rowe.