Your next criminal matter will demand more than knowing the law. It will demand decisions: where to challenge the evidence, how to persuade a prosecutor and what to put before the court. Build your approach at the Criminal Law Conference 2027, with Queensland practitioners whose experience spans prosecution, defence, serious trials and appeals. Examine how to build and challenge a coercive control case, identify weaknesses in serious criminal matters, navigate youth justice reforms and frame sentencing submissions where domestic violence complicates the picture. Focus on the work behind the advocacy: making sound ethical decisions, developing the lawyers you work with and managing a practice with clients facing financial hardship, homelessness and competing pressures. Each session gives you practical considerations to bring to your files, your submissions and your conversations with clients.

Presenters

Nick Dore, Managing Principal, Fisher Dore Lawyers
Nick is the Managing Principal of Fisher Dore Lawyers and a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. He represents clients in complex criminal proceedings involving substantial legal, financial, reputational and professional consequences and regularly appears in courts throughout Queensland. Nick has also contributed to the development and assessment of specialist criminal law expertise through his involvement with the Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Accreditation Committee from 2014 to 2022, including serving as Chair in 2020. Nick was recognised as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026 and a Leading Traffic and DUI Lawyer in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026. He is also recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2027 for Criminal Defence.

Kristy Bell, Director, Bell Criminal Lawyers
Kristy is the Director of Bell Criminal Lawyers and a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. Her practice covers criminal and quasi criminal proceedings, including investigative hearings, commissions of inquiry, coronial inquests, domestic and family violence matters, confiscation proceedings, parole matters and traffic offences. Kristy has worked across different parts of the criminal justice system. Before establishing her firm, she gained experience as a prosecutor and as an Associate in the District Court of Queensland. She is a member of the Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Committee and was appointed Deputy Chair of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council in 2025. Kristy was recognised as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026. She was also recognised as a Leading Traffic and DUI Lawyer in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026.


Cameron Browne, Managing Director, Potts Lawyers
Cameron is the Managing Director of Potts Lawyers and is responsible for day to day operations and client relations. He works out of both Brisbane and Gold Coast offices. Cameron has practised as a criminal lawyer at the firm since 2001 and is a Queensland Law Society accredited specialist. He has been consistently recognised by the Doyle’s Guide as a recommended criminal lawyer and has served as President of the Gold Coast District Law Association. His specialisation is serious crime, white collar offences and criminal law aspects of professional misconduct. His reputation rests on achieving exceptional outcomes through strong communication and strategic, thoughtful lawyering. He has mentored many criminal lawyers during the past two decades and he continues to foster the skills of the lawyers across the practice. Cameron believes that a pro-active approach is required and his services are frequently called upon by clients seeking confidential advice in the early stages of a matter. He sees strong communication as the keystone for developing the trust and confidence which is essential to effective representation in litigation matters.

Patrick Wilson KC, Halsbury Chambers
Patrick is King's Counsel at Halsbury Chambers in Brisbane. He specialises in criminal law and regularly appears in criminal trials, sentences and appeals in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts throughout Queensland. He also appears in inquests, inquiries and other quasi-criminal proceedings. Patrick was appointed King's Counsel in 2025. Patrick represents a diverse range of clients in criminal and regulatory matters, appearing in proceedings ranging from serious indictable offences in the superior courts to summary prosecutions. He also maintains a civil practice and advises in a range of litigation matters. Prior to being called to the Bar, Patrick was a Crown Prosecutor with the Queensland Director of Public Prosecutions and practised as a solicitor with significant experience in commercial, building and construction, and negligence litigation. He was admitted in 2010 and has developed a substantial practice throughout Queensland, including a strong regional presence in South East Queensland

Emily O’Hagan, Partner, Wallace O’Hagan Lawyers
Emily is a Partner and founding partner of Wallace O'Hagan Lawyers. Admitted in 2010, she has practised exclusively in criminal law and represents clients across all levels of the Queensland criminal justice system, from traffic and summary matters to complex proceedings in the District and Supreme Courts. Emily has extensive experience in criminal defence, domestic violence proceedings, bail applications and professional disciplinary matters. She appears as an advocate and instructs counsel in serious trials and appeals. Her experience includes complex fraud, sexual offences, dangerous driving, people smuggling and proceedings involving Queensland's former vicious lawless association legislation. Emily was recognised as a Recommended Criminal Defence Lawyer in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026. Wallace O'Hagan Lawyers was recognised as a Recommended Criminal Defence Law Firm in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026. Emily holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Psychology degrees with Honours from Griffith University and completed elective studies in criminal law and forensic mental health at Utrecht University

Jaimee-Lee Jessop, Senior Associate, Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors
Jaimee-Lee Jessop is a Senior Associate at Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. Her practice encompasses criminal law and related proceedings, including serious and complex criminal matters. She regularly represents clients in Queensland courts and has experience in both summary and indictable proceedings. Jaimee-Lee is recognised for her expertise in criminal law and has been named a Criminal Law Rising Star by Doyle’s Guide. Her professional recognition also includes the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Award in Criminal Law, and she was a finalist for Queensland Solicitor of the Year, Small Firm, at the 2025 Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards. She is committed to providing clients with clear, considered advice and strong representation throughout the criminal justice process

Maneesha Prakash, Principal Lawyer, Youth Advocacy Centre; DFV Specialist
Maneesha Prakash is the Principal Lawyer at the Youth Advocacy Centre and a specialist Youth Domestic and Family Violence Lawyer. With more than 14 years' experience in legal practice, she is the only lawyer in Queensland whose practice is dedicated exclusively to youth domestic and family violence matters. Maneesha works at the intersection of youth justice, child protection and domestic and family violence systems, supporting and advocating for young people navigating complex legal issues and barriers to safety, justice and support. She is recognised for her expertise in the experiences of young people affected by domestic and family violence, particularly where their needs and voices are overlooked within traditional legal frameworks. Maneesha is an experienced advocate for law reform and systemic change. Her work focuses on improving outcomes for young people, women and culturally diverse communities through legal advocacy, education and policy reform.

Evan O’Hanlon Rose, Senior Associate, Robertson O'Gorman Solicitors
Evan is a Senior Associate at Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors, recognised as a First Tier Criminal Defence Law Firm in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026. He advises and represents clients in criminal defence matters, workplace investigations and professional disciplinary proceedings. Before returning to Robertson O'Gorman Solicitors in 2024, Evan spent approximately 10 years with the Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. As a Senior Crown Prosecutor, he prepared and conducted serious criminal proceedings and regularly appeared as lead counsel in trials, sentences, legal arguments, bail applications and appeals in Queensland's superior courts. He subsequently worked as a Principal Prosecutor with the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor, handling regulatory prosecutions involving workplace death and serious injury. Evan was recognised as a Recommended Criminal Defence Lawyer in Queensland in Doyle's Guide 2026.

Anthony Morris KC, Inns of Court
Anthony Morris KC is King's Counsel practising from Inns of Court in Brisbane. Admitted in 1983 and appointed Queen's Counsel in 1992, he has more than four decades of experience as an advocate in complex commercial, appellate and public law matters.Anthony has appeared in significant proceedings throughout Australia, including appeals before the High Court of Australia. Earlier in his career, he also appeared in matters from Queensland before the Privy Council. He has maintained an involvement in legal education, including as a visiting lecturer in Civil Procedure and tutor in Equity at the University of Queensland. Anthony continues to appear in complex and public interest litigation. In 2026, he appeared in Queensland Supreme Court proceedings concerning corporate whistleblower allegations and access to documents claimed to be privilege.

Stipe Drinovac, Associate, Robertson O'Gorman
Stipe holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science. He was admitted as a lawyer in Queensland in April 2018. He is an experienced advocate, having worked as a legal officer and Crown Prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He has conducted many jury trials himself. He also served as a Principal Prosecutor with the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor. Stipe assists clients at every stage of the criminal justice process.