Louise Conwell

Accredited Specialist Criminal Lawyer

Louise Conwell is a highly skilled and experienced criminal lawyer who has dedicated her career to representing clients facing complex and serious criminal offences. Louise completed a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Philosophy) and a Juris Doctor (postgraduate law degree) at the University of Melbourne, alongside a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

As a Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, Louise has earned recognition for her expertise and dedication to the field. Her career milestones include handling high-profile cases and receiving numerous accolades for her work. Louise was also awarded ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in 2024 by Doyles Guide, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to criminal law and her reputation within the legal community.

A Partner at Stary Norton Halphen since 2022, Louise has built a reputation as a tenacious lawyer, committed to upholding the principles of justice and defending the rights of her clients. Her passion for criminal law stems from a deep belief in the fundamental principles of the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. Louise’s drive to become a criminal lawyer was motivated by a desire to represent a diverse range of clients and give a powerful voice to those facing prosecution.

In addition to her role as a partner, Louise has worked as an Associate to a Judge of the County Court of Victoria, where she gained invaluable insight into judicial decision-making. She has also volunteered at several community legal centres, further solidifying her commitment to providing access to justice, particularly for those who may not otherwise afford it.

Her main areas of expertise include serious sexual offences, serious violent offences (including homicides), and drug offences. Louise regularly represents clients in bail applications, committals, pleas, contested hearings and trials. She is particularly experienced in handling complex cases involving family violence, drug-related offences, sexual offences, and violent crimes. She has appeared in numerous courts, including the Children’s Court, Magistrates’ Court, County Court, and Supreme Court, and has appeared in hundreds of cases throughout her career.

Louise is also deeply involved in the legal community, serving on the steering committee for the Rights and Advocacy Project, a collective of lawyers and activists working to advance human rights in Australia. She is also a committee member of Women in Crime, an organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality within the legal profession.

With a career marked by a commitment to justice, excellence in legal practice, and a strong advocacy for her clients, Louise continues to be a trusted and respected figure in criminal law. Her dedication to ensuring that every individual receives a fair trial and effective legal representation remains at the heart of her practice..