Mary Ann grew up in Victoria and attended university in Victoria, Vancouver and Ottawa. Called to the bar in 1993, she began her litigation career at a large firm in Vancouver, BC. After moving back to Victoria in 1995, she continued practicing law with a large firm before co-founding MacKenzie Smith Lawyers – a firm established with former opposing counsel, Malcolm J. C. Smith. After eight successful years in partnership, Mary Ann established MacKenzie Law, bringing her experience, common sense and integrity to the new practice.