Presenters

Arjun Chhabra, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
Arjun specialises in appellate and judicial review matters. He has appeared in the High Court of Australia and regularly appears in State and Federal appellate courts. He practices in criminal law, public/administrative law, and family law. Arjun focuses on issues of statutory construction, the limits of judicial and public power, and the admissibility of evidence. He has authored several papers as well as the seminal evidence law text, Exclusionary Provisions in the Uniform Evidence Law, published by Thomson Reuters. Prior to joining the Bar, Arjun worked at various criminal law firms and commercial law firms in Australia, China, and the Middle East, including Baker & McKenzie, Clyde & Co, Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) and the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT).


Chanel Beesley, Barrister, Commercial Bank Chambers
Chanel is a dedicated criminal barrister with a strong commitment to justice and advocacy, particularly for disadvantaged communities. She was called to the Bar in 2025, bringing with her nearly a decade of frontline criminal law experience across both private and Legally aided matters. Chanel began her legal career volunteering with the Aboriginal Legal Service, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Aboriginal clients within the criminal justice system. She went on to work with the prominent regional firm Ritchie Lawyers in Coffs Harbour, where she gained valuable experience in a wide range of criminal matters. Following this, Chanel joined Legal Aid NSW in Coffs Harbour, first as a criminal solicitor and later as the Crime Practice Manager. In this senior role, she advised on and appeared in complex indictable and summary matters, representing clients in the Local and District Courts of New South Wales. Her practice has included serious drug offences, violence-related charges, matters involving vulnerable child defendants and complex sexual matters. Chanel is known for her strategic thinking, courtroom advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her clients. Her practice at the Bar continues to focus on criminal defence, where she brings her extensive experience, regional insight, and deep sense of justice to every matter she undertakes.