Medlicott's first position was at Dunedin law firm Cook Allan & Co. in 1975; she was made partner in 1980. In 1986 she left to form her own practice. At this time she also founded OWLS, the Otago Women's Law Society. Her legal work has often centred around issues of significance to women, such as Family Court and relationship property issues. She is also frequently appointed by the Family Court to represent children in custody and welfare cases.
