Ultimate guide to find the Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney 2024: Who to Look For and How to Choose the Right One

I was first admitted to practice in 2001 having graduated with the equivalent of first class honours at UNSW. While at law school I won the Law Book Company Prize for Criminal Laws and the Minter Ellison Prize for Trial Process making it clear what my future professional career was going to be. Before being admitted, I appeared as a law clerk in most criminal jurisdictions up to the NSW CCA. I lectured at UNSW Law School in the areas of evidence, litigation, and criminal procedure and worked for Stephen Odgers SC on an early edition of Uniform Evidence Law. I was also the foundational editor of the Australian Journal of Human Rights. Since being admitted I have been published on human rights and sexual assault law, and presented CLE papers on practice and procedure at the NSW and Australian Crime Commissions.

Since 2004, I have been in continuous practice as the principal of Katsoolis + Co. Solicitors + Attorneys, a Sydney-based law firm specialising in high level criminal defence. For over twenty years when you engage me you get me and my experience and expertise from the beginning of your case to the end. I have successfully defended every type of crime in the criminal calendar at all court levels including the High Court of Australia and have featured in numerous best criminal lawyer lists in the news media. The firm prides itself on not just following precedent but making it. I hit the ground running with a succession of successfully defended high profile criminal matters particularly murder and large scale drug supply and have made my name as a serious crime specialist ever since. In 2021 and 2022, I was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards in the Sole Practitioner category, the only criminal lawyer to have done so.

I have run matters in just about every court in New South Wales from Bega to Broken Hill. I have also successfully defended criminal matters in every other Australian State and Territory. I have acted in matters in Asia, the United States, and even Sweden (for a client charged with impersonating George Young of Vanda & Young / AC DC).

I have appeared in related jurisdictions such as the Children's Court, the State Parole Authority, the Coroner's Court, the Federal Court, the Mental Health Review Tribunal, as well as in RMS, EPA, Workcover, ASADA, RMS, and ATO prosecutions. I have acted in investigative bodies such as the Crime Commission, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the ICAC. I have also conducted proceedings in family law, employment law, administrative law, personal injury claims (particularly against the State), intellectual property and defamation proceedings. Wherever the litigation is difficult and heavy, I am here to help to achieve absolute wonders for the client. As a testament to my profession repuation and proven track record, I am now acting for third generations of families and routinely accept referrals from the Bench and the profession.

Nick Hanna is widely recognised as one of the leading criminal defence lawyers in New South Wales, having appeared in many of the State’s most high-profile and complex matters. Based in Sydney, he also regularly represents clients in interstate jurisdictions including Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Nick represents individual and corporate clients and has an exemplary track record of defending persons facing charges across the spectrum of offences. He has never lost a murder trial, including several cases where the prosecution was ordered to pay the legal costs of his clients following their acquittals. While Nick often represents well known individuals such as celebrities, athletes and company executives, he is also passionate in fighting for the “little guy” and those who face disadvantage in the criminal justice system. Nick has significant expertise in AVO applications, parole hearings, Crime Commission proceedings and coronial inquests, appearing for defendants, complainants, witnesses and other interested parties.

In addition to his broad criminal and quasi-criminal law practice, Nick has extensive experience in civil litigation and professional disciplinary matters. He has acted in various civil matters that have generated media attention including civil claims brought against the NSW Police Force as well as successful applications for injunctive relief brought in the Supreme Court on behalf of Uber. He has advised and appeared for numerous medical practitioners and solicitors against whom claims of misconduct have been made.

Nick has developed a reputation for his exceptional work ethic, professionalism and advanced legal strategies. In every year from 2016-2022, he has been listed as one of Sydney’s preeminent criminal defence lawyers in the Doyle’s Guide. Nick has also been selected as a finalist for the Lawyers Weekly Criminal Law Partner of the Year Award on multiple occasions. He has been described by the Daily Telegraph as one of Sydney’s top criminal lawyers as well as one of Sydney’s “masters of defence”.

Mark Kryakos, has earned a reputation as a tenacious lawyer with a special interest in fierce advocacy and skilful negotiation. He is confident, charismatic and understanding, with a wealth of expertise in fighting for and achieving results in both general and complex matters.

Mark appears in Criminal and Family Law Courts around Australia on a daily basis, and regularly volunteers his time to causes which he is passionate about. He is a regular presenter at the SAVE Traffic Offenders Program and has also volunteered at the former Nepean Hawkesbury Family Law Service.

Mickaela is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and the founder of Mate Lawyers. After graduating Newcastle University with First Class Honours, Mickaela worked in a boutique criminal defence firm located in Kings Cross. There, Mickaela had carriage of a wide variety of matters, from traffic matters to drug importation and murder.

In 2020, Mickaela started Mate Lawyers with a focus on providing the best result for each client. Mickaela takes an individualised approach, remembering that a criminal matter is likely to be the most stressful experience any of her clients experience in their life. Mickaela supports each client on their journey through the criminal justice system. Although she may be kind and empathetic to clients, Mickaela is known as strong advocate who fearlessly and fiercely represents each one of them. She is skilled at cross-examination, often receiving praise from the judicial officers on her approach to questioning. Mickaela has significant experience in a variety of criminal matters, including

- Sexual assault

- Drug possession, supply and importation

- Assaults, including domestic violence and assaults on police officers.

- Weapons and Firearms offences, and prohibition orders

- Robbery matters

- Driving offences, including drink and drug driving

- AVO matters

- Fraud

Mickaela regularly appears in all jurisdictions of NSW. Mickaela predominantly practices in metropolitan Sydney, however has a strong practice in her home town of Newcastle.

Joseph Harb is the Principal of prestigious criminal law firm – Australian Criminal Defence – www.callcriminallawyers.com.au. Mr Harb has a solid reputation across the city for his skill and determination in high profile criminal cases. He is particularly known for the results he has achieved in drug supply and importation matters.

Joseph Harb has navigated a number of highly complex cases involving large quantities of drugs and secured acquittals before judges, juries and local court magistrates alike.

Hundreds of his cases in the local court have resulted in no convictions being recorded. Mr Harb’s eye for detail and his professional reputation with the courts and prosecutors has allowed him to get the best results possible for his clients. He brings a weight of experience to each case and gives nuanced advice to clients needing the best outcome for their matter, whether it be through a trial or negotiated charges for sentence. Mr Harb has particular experience and skill in negotiating facts and charges with police and prosecutors.

Australian Criminal Defence is renowned for the effort they put into pre-trial negotiations and the writing of formal representations to prosecutors for charges to be withdrawn. It is a distinguishing part of their practice and one of the key reasons many clients are drawn to Australian Criminal Defence.

In relation drug offences, Joseph Harb convinced a judge not to record a conviction for a client charged with supplying 560 ecstasy tablets. He also convinced another judge to not record a conviction for a client charged with the possession of 88 pills and the supply of 22 pills charges. Joseph has obtained hundreds of section 10 non-convictions for clients charged with possession of drugs.

Joseph Harb regularly appears before the Local, District, and Supreme Courts of New South Wales on behalf of clients charged with various offences including Murder, Sexual Assault, Fraud. He also has extensive experience in matters involving the NSW Crime Commission in Proceeds of Crime proceedings.

If you have recently been charged with a criminal or drug-related offence, reach out to the team at Australian Criminal Defence for a free consultation to discuss your matter on 0415 932 866.

Daniel practices exclusively in the areas of criminal and traffic law. In 2020, Daniel, along with his co-director Jack Leitner, founded Australian Lawyers and Advocates.

Daniel is an experienced advocate in the courtroom and regularly appears in a variety of courts, from the Children’s and Local Courts through to the District and Supreme Courts of NSW. Daniel has acted for clients in a range of matters, from drug possession and drink driving matters, to large scale frauds, sexual assault and robbery matters. Daniel has extensive experience in Local Court matters, District Court trials, appeals and sentences, Supreme Court bail applications as well as appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal. He is respected and highly regarded by Judges and Magistrates.

Daniel is a passionate and driven advocate for his clients. He has a focused and committed attitude to representing his clients and he recognises that every client’s matter is a significant priority in their lives. Daniel is well regarded by his clients, highlighted by the number of outstanding client reviews he has received.

Carla Velasquez started her career in a specialised Criminal Defence law firm in Sydney. She has appeared in summary and strictly indictable matters since 2012. She works closely with both Junior and Senior Counsel in all criminal offences including both State and Federal offences.

She has appeared in matters in the Court of Criminal Appeal as well as the High Court.

Her favorite area of law in particular is the law surrounding manslaughter and issues of extended joint criminal enterprise and manslaughter by way of unlawful and dangerous act.

She believes that transparency, empathy and thorough communication with clients is the best way to ensure that clients receive legal advice that is accurate, effective and timely.

Ms Velasquez is a member of the Legal Aid complex crime panel reflecting her experience in Criminal Law Practice.

Our previous clients in their reviews often mention that they received outcomes which exceeded their expectations and that Ms Velasquez was passionate, confident and knowledgeable. Over-preparedness is another hallmark of her and her firms’ work.

She was also featured in the Daily Telegraph article “Sydney’s Best Young Criminal Lawyers”.

Kent is a Senior Associate known for his advocacy inside and outside the courtroom. Kent has honed his skills over many years of specialising in criminal defence and his advice to defendants is in demand due to his meticulous and forensic approach. He works hard to ensure that his clients always benefit from thorough preparation and effective execution of his case strategies.

Previously, Kent was employed as a Senior Associate at one of Sydney’s leading criminal law firms and brings this wealth of experience to KPT Defence Lawyers.

Kent has appeared on numerous media platforms, including Channel 7 and 10 News. He has participated in legal podcasts and provided his professional opinion for articles with the profession’s governing body, the Law Society of NSW.

Kent is also experienced in preparing and instructing barristers in complex District and Supreme Court jury and judge-alone trials, and in appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal.

He boasts a proven track record of representing clients successfully in pre-trial applications and forensic procedure applications, often resulting in the dismissal of cases. Kent has extensive knowledge in defending sexual assault allegations and Commonwealth Offences – including drug importation matters, white-collar crime, and child abuse matters.

As a solicitor advocate, he handles appeals of all kinds, from licence appeals in the Local Court to severity and conviction appeals in the District Court.

Kent has also appeared in Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) proceedings. He has acted for numerous public servant defendants within various entities of the New South Wales government.