Avinash Singh is the Principal Lawyer of Astor Legal. He is one of Australia’s most respected and highly sought-after lawyers, having represented some of Australia’s elite sportspeople including Olympians & National Rugby League (NRL) players.

Mr Singh commenced his legal career over ten years ago as a law clerk with some of Australia’s most well-known barristers. There he worked on some of the country’s most prolific cases. He was able to learn first-hand from Senior Counsel & Queens Counsel the techniques used by them to analyse voluminous and complex material and develop successful case strategies. Upon his admission he began honing his advocacy skills in courtrooms throughout New South Wales and has built a reputation as one of the Australia’s most fearsome advocates.

Some of Mr Singh’s most notable and highest profile cases include:

• representing rugby league great Andrew Johns and forcing prosecutors to withdraw all proceedings against him before the first court date;

• persuading the Court to not record a conviction against an Australian Olympian for serious drug charges. Mr Singh was also able to ensure that his client’s name was not published in any media reports;

• a successful appeal to the High Court which transformed the landscape of Evidence law in Australia and resulted in the prosecution being unable to present any evidence against his client;

• representing the son of a prominent overseas government official and obtaining ‘not guilty’ verdicts for multiple sexual assault charges against him;

• obtaining ‘not guilty’ verdicts and a costs order against the DPP for historical sexual assault charges against a prominent lawyer;

• the only acquittal in the greyhound racing ‘live-baiting’ scandal;

• obtaining a ‘not guilty’ verdict at trial for fraud charges totalling in excess of $3 million;

• no jail for a $1 million fraud scheme in the construction industry;

• dozens of acquittals in sexual assault trials, commercial drug trials, complex fraud trials, grievous bodily harm, robbery, dangerous driving occasioning death, proceeds of crime and various other trial matters;

• murder & manslaughter cases which have attracted media attention;

• representing companies and individuals in corporate crime (ie. white collar crime) proceedings and investigations, money laundering, bribery and other forms of corruption.

Mr Avinash Singh is respected by Judges and Magistrates as a persuasive advocate. He has an exceptional record in having clients found ‘not guilty’ as well as avoiding criminal convictions if they choose to plead guilty. Mr Singh is often able to negotiate to have charges dismissed or downgraded when others cannot, making him one of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney.

He has been recognised by the Law Society as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. This is a title that less than 6% of lawyers in Australia have been honoured with, putting him in a truly elite bracket. This achievement was made all the more impressive as he achieved this title before the age of 30. He has since been appointed to the Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee. This is the body that develops & conducts the assessments for lawyers who are applying to be Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law. Mr Singh is the exclusive criminal law expert for a number of organisations including Leaders in Law and Advisory Excellence.

Other members of the profession often seek out his advice on complex legal matters. His success has seen him be recognised in television, radio, online and print media. Journalists regularly contact him for his legal expertise on breaking news and legal developments.

Joseph Harb is the Principal of one of Australia's most trusted criminal law firms – Australian Criminal Defence - www.auscriminaldefence.com.au

Australian Criminal Defence is a firm comprised of some of Sydney's best and relentless criminal defence advocates. The firm has six offices conveniently located in Sydney and they offer free consultations and fixed fees for any criminal law case. Joseph Harb has built a solid reputation amongst Sydney's legal profession for his skill and determination in high profile criminal cases and is well renowned for having serious charges withdrawn. Joseph Harb 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. Joseph 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. Joseph 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 Harb 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 (02) 8815 8151 or 0415 932 866

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.

Michael Moussa is the Principal Lawyer of National Criminal Lawyers® and exclusively specialises in Criminal Law. He is the force and drive of the firm and is responsible for some of Sydney’s most high profile matters.

Michael is both a member of the Law Society and also a member of the Criminal Division of the legal aid panel.

Michael has worked with and managed some of Sydney’s best Criminal Law firms and has obtained outstanding results in what others may describe as some of the most complex of cases.

Michael is a renowned criminal lawyer for his advocacy skills and putting the prosecution to vigorous testing. Michael’s courtroom style and demonstrated ability to crack even the most compelling witnesses has led to him being nationally recognised as an outstanding criminal defence lawyer.

Michael has appeared in high profile criminal cases, including Indecent Assault charges, Acts of Indecency charges, Fraud charges, Manslaughter charges, and Abduction charges. Appearing daily in the Local Courts, District Courts, Supreme Court of NSW, and the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, Michael is passionate about ensuring that justice is seen and served for all his clients and gains no better satisfaction than winning his cases, regardless of how small or complex the matter is.

Michael also specialises in Apprehended Domestic Violence Order applications, parole hearings, NSW Crime Commission proceedings and Coronial Inquests. Some of the best advocates of our time, including Supreme Court Judges and Senior Counsel, have mentored Michael’s rise as a criminal lawyer. He is only one of the very limited criminal lawyers in Australia who has completed a Masters in Law (Criminal Practice).

Michael has an Egyptian Australian background and speaks Arabic fluently. He has a large middle eastern clientele in Western Sydney. He has a wealth of experience in complex and serious criminal cases and possesses the skill to digest enormous amounts of material, and issue resolve, whilst formulating the best of case strategies that will result in the dismissal of charges and not guilty verdicts. Michael has conducted a number of presentations for advocacy which has allowed him to be a highly respected courtroom lawyer.

Michael has become an advocate for those mistreated by the police. His passion is helping those who have been made vulnerable and aggrieved by the improper conduct of police during a person’s arrest. He is an advocate who ensures that both the NSW and Federal Police conduct their inquiries within the parameters of the law.

Michael prides himself on providing clear and accurate legal advice, with a careful assessment of each case. He takes pleasure in securing the best possible result for his clients, helping to bring them a step closer to putting their lives back on track. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the criminal field ensuring that all clients are treated fairly during all proceedings. He continues to strive to protect the rights of those who have been accused of criminal offences. Michael is a dedicated, focused, and ambitious Criminal Lawyer who is a defender of the rights of those charged with Criminal and Traffic offences.

If you wish to get in contact with Michael for a FREE consultation for any of your legal issues, contact National Criminal Lawyer’s office on 1800 CRIM LAW and our warm and caring administration team will schedule an appointment that’s suitable for both parties.

Highlights

Elie Srour is a leading practitioner and advocate in the area of criminal law. He is the principal lawyer of Criminal Law Group – www.criminallawgroup.com.au, one of the top Criminal Law firms in Sydney.

For more than a decade, Elie has successfully defended thousands of clients with criminal matters in various locations across NSW. Elie practices exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer. This means his wealth of experience in the area of criminal law gives his clients the leading edge to defend their charges. He is widely respected for his advocacy skills and his ability to persuade the judiciary in his client’s favour, even in the most difficult cases. Elie prides himself on his ability to negotiate charges with the prosecution and advocate on his client’s behalf in Court. He ensures that all clients receive his undivided commitment and personal attention to their legal matter. Irrespective of the seriousness of his client’s case, Elie goes above and beyond to ensure his client’s position is communicated correctly and their voice heard to ensure they are given a fair go. Elie is a fierce advocate who will give you honest and realistic advice. You can rest assured that Elie will give you his undivided personal attention and commitment to your case, negotiate successful outcomes, and provide professional representation for all criminal and traffic charges at any court in NSW. Elie is available to assist with your matter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 274 652 (1300 CRIM LAW).

Mark Kryakos has earned a reputation as a tenacious lawyer with a special interest in fierce advocacy and skilful negotiation.

He has a proven track record of success in complex criminal and family law matters. He has also developed a successful niche in acting for defendants in Safe Work NSW prosecutions.

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.

Being a lawyer is something Katrina always aspired to be. She enjoyed complex problem solving from a very young age, and found that pursuing a career in law gave her endless opportunities to explore different issues and engage in endless learning, while simultaneously helping the community and the legal system.

Katrina’s interest in law first started in high school, where she completed Legal Studies for my HSC. Katrina had an inspiring teacher who always put me to the challenge of justifying my views and answers to legal problems or questions.

In 2012, Katrina commenced her undergraduate Bachelor of Law Degree with Honours at University of Technology Sydney, where she was further inspired by her lecturers and peers to contribute to the legal profession. Some of the lecturers who taught Katrina in university are Counsel she briefs today, and some have become Judges who she appears before.

Upon completing her law degree with Honours, Katrina commenced practical legal training in a boutique criminal defence law firm in the Sydney CBD. As a full time paralegal, Katrina was tasked with not only a support role for the lawyers and principal, but also appearing at Court mentions and assisting Counsel in trials and appeals. Katrina then transitioned into a support role for a renowned barrister at Forbes Chambers who taught her valuable skills to analyse briefs of evidence, draft submissions, prepare for cross-examination of witnesses, and negotiating with the Crown.

Following her role as a barrister’s assistant, Katrina was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW on 27 May 2016 and commenced a full time role as a lawyer with a general practice law firm. While working at this firm, Katrina’s former principal entrusted her with several ticking time bombs of family law cases, which meant she was tasked with learning family law at a fast pace. Katrina remained with this firm for four years and primarily practised in family law, criminal defence law and care and protection law. Katrina was regularly appearing at various Courts and representing clients in mediations throughout this time.

In May 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Katrina decided to open her own law firm, KF Lawyers Australia. Given the uncertainty in the economy, she was worried her firm would not flourish and the business would fail, but luckily that was not the case. With the support of many colleagues, family, friends and clients, Katrina’s firm has continued to grow since it was opened.

Katrina is admitted to practise as an Australian Lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW and in the High Court of Australia. As such, Katrina appears in both State and Commonwealth Courts throughout Australia to represent clients. Katrina is a member of the Law Society of NSW and also a Committee Member of the Defence Lawyers NSW association. She is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, and completed her studies to become an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

Katrina has assisted several clients charged with complex criminal offences, some of which had simultaneous or forthcoming Family Court proceedings for parenting and property disputes. She has represented clients in drug-related matters, domestic violence-related matters, taxation offences, proceeds of crime, traffic matters, fraud, robberies, sexual and indecent assaults, murders and manslaughter, and firearms offences, amongst other matters. Katrina also appears in the Court of Criminal Appeal in NSW for defence appeals and defending clients in Crown appeals.

Katrina equally spends time in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for family law disputes through various States and Territories in Australia. She has appeared for parties involved in litigation between States, blended families, and complex asset pools. Katrina is also involved in complex international family law parenting and financial disputes including Texas, Hawaii, New York, Dubai, the Philippines, China, Lebanon, Italy and Brazil.

Being an experienced advocate in litigation, Katrina appreciates the value of collaboration and mediation to try resolve disputes in a just and efficient manner. With a view to seeking to achieve the best possible outcome in as little time as possible, Katrina is quick to identify areas of dispute and develop a strategy that assists clients in achieving the best possible outcome.

Katrina has been a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards for 2021, 2022 and 2023 in both criminal and family law categories, the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for 2021 and 2022 for both criminal and family law, the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2021 and 2022 .

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”.

Sherleen Chand is the Principal of Criminal Lawyers Sydney She is a highly sought-after criminal defence lawyer who has an outstanding track record of successfully defending clients who are accused of serious and complex crimes; including several notable murder, intent to murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault, multi-million dollar fraud and commercial drug importation, supply and manufacture cases.

Ms Chand is a formidable criminal defence lawyer who is respected by judges, magistrates, police and DPP lawyers alike, and is frequently able to persuade prosecutors to discontinue criminal proceedings altogether, or accept significantly reduced charges in cases where the prosecution evidence is strong.

Ms Chand has extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure which was evident in a recent case where she represented her client involving in a highly complex murder case involving multiple Co-Accused’s. Ms Chand worked closely with the NSW Homicide Squad and negotiated with the team where she was able to successfully secure an induced statement for her client, who was ultimately not charged.

More recently, Ms Chand appeared in the regional court as an instructing lawyer in a jury trial for an aggravated sexual assault matter relating to a child. Her client was acquitted on all 10 counts on the indictment.

Ms Chand has also previously appeared for her client who was charged with stabbing of a police office whilst in execution of their duty. The proceedings commenced in local court proceedings where Ms Chand obtained relevant psychiatric materials, prepared the case for trial with a defence of mental illness in a judge alone trial, achieving the outcome of not guilty by reasons of mental illness.

Ms Chand also achieved an outstanding result for her client who was charged with Commercial Drug Supply. Ms Chand negotiated with the Director’s office by way of written representations and was successful in securing a plea negotiation for Drug Possession and matter finalised in the Local Court. Substantial preparation was done by Ms Chand for this plea, where a no criminal conviction was ultimately recorded for her client.

Ms Chand is also vastly experienced in interlocutory matters such as bail applications and committal hearings, having achieved success in cases where clients received advice from others lawyers that positive outcomes were impossible to achieve; including bail in commercial drug cases involving in excess of 300 kilograms, murder allegations and extremely serious multiple sexual assault allegations, and the discharge of defendants at committal hearings despite the prosecution evidence initially appearing to be insurmountable.

Ms Chand achieved success in bail for her client involving in excess of 300 kilograms of drug importation, and was successful in Supreme Court Bail for her client who was extradited from Thailand and charged with extremely serious multiple sexual assault allegations against a child in the Supreme Court which was highly publicised in the media. Ms Chand has also represented her clients in serious cases in the Children Court of cases involving multiple co-accused committing robbery in company. With extensive knowledge in children’s criminal proceedings and substantial case preparation was done by Ms Chand and she was able to avoid a criminal conviction for her client.

She excels at developing and implementing defence strategies that achieve results, and has the ability to digest enormous amounts of material, identify flaws and build defence cases that lead to positive outcomes.

She also has substantial experience in less serious matters that remain in the Local Court, such as many assaults, drug cases, larceny and fraud cases, AVOs and traffic matters such as drink and drug driving, driving whilst disqualified, negligent driving and licence appeals.

Ms Chand’s clients benefit from her experience and expertise, professionalism, dedication and dogged determination, and her formidable courtroom skills. She is an integral member of Sydney’s best criminal defence team.

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.

Ahmad is a senior criminal lawyer and the principal of Faraj Defence Lawyers. Ahmad is a highly accomplished lawyer in New South Wales specialising in both criminal and traffic offences.

Ahmad appears across all courts in New South Wales, including the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court and has a track record of achieving not guilty verdicts and non-convictions across all courts. Ahmad has a high level of experience in defended hearings, sentences, local and supreme court bail and appeals in the District Court of NSW and Court of Criminal Appeal.Ahmad has appeared in some of the most complex cases including:

• Costs applications

• Fraud offences

• Domestic violence offences

• Drug offences

• Sex and child sex offences• Assault offences

• Firearms offences

• Traffic offences

• Dangerous and negligent driving offences

• Murder and manslaughter offences

• Break and enter offences

• Assault police offences

• Damage property offences

• Terrorism offences

Ahmad appears across all courts in New South Wales, including the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court and has a track record of achieving not guilty verdicts and non-convictions across all courts. Ahmad has a high level of experience in defended hearings, sentences, local and supreme court bail and appeals in the District Court of NSW and Court of Criminal Appeal.Ahmad has appeared in some of the most complex cases in New South Wales.

r. Mr. Ahmad Faraj is a senior criminal lawyer and the principal of Faraj Defence Lawyer. Ahmad is a highly accomplished lawyer in New South Wales, specialising in both criminal anAhmad Faraj is a senior criminal lawyer and the principal of Faraj Defence Lawyer. Ahmad is a highly accomplished Mr. Ahmad Faraj is a senior criminal lawyprincipal of Faraj Defence Lawyer. Ahmad is a highly accomplished lawyer in New South Wales, specialising in both criminal and traffic law matters.