When facing a criminal charge, choosing an experienced criminal law firm is one of the most important decisions you can make. Many people are surprised to learn that criminal solicitors and barristers perform different roles within Australia’s legal system, and not every criminal case requires a barrister.
At George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers Sydney, our solicitors are highly experienced criminal law advocates who regularly appear in the Local Court and District Court on behalf of our clients. We conduct our own advocacy in the overwhelming majority of criminal matters and have built our reputation over decades by achieving outstanding results through careful preparation, strategic advice and skilled courtroom representation.
Where a matter is particularly complex, proceeds to the Supreme Court, involves an appeal, or where a client specifically requests specialist counsel, we can brief some of Sydney’s most respected barristers and King’s Counsel (KC). Having worked alongside many of the city’s leading criminal barristers for decades, we understand how to select the right advocate when the circumstances require it.
In New South Wales, criminal matters can involve both solicitors and barristers, although many cases are successfully conducted entirely by experienced criminal solicitors.
A criminal solicitor manages every aspect of a client’s case from beginning to end, including:
At George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers, our solicitors are experienced courtroom advocates. We regularly represent clients in the Local Court and District Court and conduct our own hearings, defended matters and sentencing proceedings without the need to engage outside counsel.
A barrister is an independent specialist advocate who is generally briefed for particularly complex legal issues, lengthy jury trials, appeals or Supreme Court proceedings. They may also be engaged when a client prefers to have both a solicitor and barrister representing them.
A King’s Counsel (KC) is one of Australia’s most senior barristers.
King’s Counsel have demonstrated exceptional advocacy skills, extensive legal knowledge and many years of experience appearing in superior courts. They are generally engaged in highly complex or significant legal matters where specialist expertise is beneficial.
Examples include:
While King’s Counsel can be invaluable in certain cases, they are not required for every criminal matter. An experienced criminal solicitor will advise whether engaging King’s Counsel is likely to provide any additional benefit in the circumstances.
Unlike some firms that routinely brief barristers for court appearances, George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers conducts the vast majority of advocacy ourselves.
This means our clients benefit from continuity throughout their matter. The solicitor who has advised them, prepared their case and understands every detail is often the same solicitor who appears in court on their behalf.
There are, however, situations where briefing a barrister or King’s Counsel may be appropriate, including:
When we do brief counsel, it is because we believe it will genuinely assist the client’s case or because the client has specifically requested the involvement of a barrister.
Briefing a barrister involves far more than simply forwarding court documents.
An experienced criminal solicitor prepares a comprehensive brief that enables counsel to quickly understand every aspect of the case.
A typical brief may include:
Because George Sten & Co has already undertaken the detailed preparation of the matter, any barrister engaged receives a carefully organised brief that allows them to focus immediately on the legal issues and courtroom advocacy.
Every criminal case is different.
Having practised criminal law for decades, George Sten & Co has developed strong professional relationships with many of Sydney’s leading criminal barristers and King’s Counsel.
If specialist counsel is required, we carefully consider:
This ensures that where a barrister is engaged, they are well suited to the particular case.
Where a barrister is briefed, our solicitors continue to play a central role throughout the matter.
We remain responsible for:
This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of the defence is thoroughly prepared.
For decades, George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers Sydney has represented clients across all levels of the criminal justice system.
Our solicitors are experienced advocates who regularly appear in the Local Court and District Court, conducting defended hearings, sentencing matters and other criminal proceedings without the need to engage external counsel.
Where a matter requires specialist advocacy—or where a client wishes to engage a barrister—we have longstanding professional relationships with many of Sydney’s most respected barristers and King’s Counsel. We know who to brief, when specialist counsel will add value and how to prepare a case to give our clients the strongest possible representation.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible can make a significant difference to your case.
At George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers Sydney, you will receive advice from solicitors who are dedicated exclusively to criminal law and who regularly appear as advocates in the Local and District Courts. When specialist counsel is appropriate or if you request the involvement of a barrister we can draw upon decades of professional relationships with many of Sydney’s leading barristers and King’s Counsel to ensure you receive exceptional legal representation.
Contact George Sten & Co Criminal Lawyers Sydney today to arrange a confidential consultation and discuss how our experienced criminal defence team can help protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome.
The Criminal Lawyers at George Sten & Co practice exclusively in crime.
Don’t take risk with your freedom or future, Call our Criminal Lawyers for a confidential consultation today! 02 9261 8640