Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Sydney

Every story has two sides. We defend yours.

Call now on (02) 9696 1361 or email us at info@hugolawgroup.com.au for a consultation with our criminal defence team.

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Helpful, understanding and great guidance every step of the way. Couldn’t fault them and can’t thank them enough. 5/5
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Cannot thank both Adrian and Max at the firm after a long and ongoing case. Not only are they professional but they care, detailed, listened and are brilliant at what they do.
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Wonderful help in a difficult time. Priyanka at Hugo Law Group was very helpful, explained everything clearly and handled my case expertly.
Highly recommend
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Associate Stephanie Beckedahl of Hugo Law worked fiercely on my matters and thanks to her tenacity, skill, flawless preparation and communication, achieved an absolutely exceptional outcome for myself. Stephanie showed such compassion and commitment throughout the process and I am so grateful to you Steph and highly recommend you for anyone requiring an outstanding criminal defence lawyer. Thank you again for everything.
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Professional and dedicated team with no fuss. Adrians guidance and skill boosted my confidence and created a fair outcome.
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Nobody enjoys going to court so it was reassuring to be advised and represented by Mitchell Greig. He is wise, supportive and stands for his clients. His background, legal knowledge and experience, make him relatable both to his client and to the court. Not all heroes wear capes, however, in my mind, Mitchell is certainly worthy. Thank you!
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I was referred to Adrian McKenna at Hugo Law by a friend (solicitor). As I had never been a defendent before I was naturally extremely nervous and scared. As soon as I met Adrian I knew I was in good hands.
Adrian was so professional with his explanations of what to expect. He was also compassionate and listened to me. I asked so many questions. He looked at me and said “let us do our job”, and “follow his directions”.
The Barrister he engaged to my case was excellent. Over weeks and months, with hearings in between, waiting for the court date and the final hearings I was so nervous and asked too many questions again. Again, “let us do our job”. A confidence boost again from Adrian.
The Barrister asked all the right questions which I wanted him to ask. He and Adrian provided all the facts and statements that were vital to the Magistrates decisions.
We got the best outcome, no convictions.
I thank Adrian and his team for their patience, guidance, advice, and compassion through my heartbreaking ordeal. His advice “let us do our job” was the best advice leading to the best result.
I would highly recommend Adrian at HugoLaw. He gets the job done!
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I had a 6 year criminal case that was abit outthere.Hugo law Groups excellent in both professionalism and experience was beyond what i was expecting!My experience was exceptionally great. A very well organized firm, experienced and professional. Customer service was excellent and the lawyer Rebecca Kriesler and counsel Caitlin Akthar of Forbs chambers on my case, were beyond amazing and i got the outcome that i wanted! They worked
very well together and were very thorough and very experienced.Rebecca knows what she is talking about. All in all, I had a positive experience and I highly recommend Hugo law 10 stars 🌟 for me .
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Very professional and efficient lawyers. I highly recommend Mitchell Greig to help you with your case. Mitchell worked tirelessly to defend me and helped me achieve a positive result. I am very grateful. Five stars.
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Hugo Law Group (Canberra) – Result driven and professional service of the highest standard. We were so grateful to work with Stephanie Beckedahl on a recent matter. Stephanie was an amazing lawyer, we cannot thank enough for her great support, knowledge and determination.
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For the past two years my family has engaged Tom Taylor at Hugo Law for a matter which frankly should never have entered our lives. Unfortunately it did and we needed a high quality advocate who could give us balanced honest advice and support. Tom was amazing. Highly credentialled of course, but more than that, he was honest, down to earth and he approached our issue with a level of tenacity which was reassuring. He, and Hugo Law, were a godsend in a very stressful time. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Tom and his team are professional, brilliant and, most importantly, human.
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Jack a young upcoming lawyer took on two cases of mine. He handled the process extremely professional in the difficult situation. Enabling me and working directly with ADACAS staff to assist with the case and reports required.

Max took over one of the legal disagreement of mine. He was highly professional, understanding and compassionate. Max is highly educated, informed with current legislation and provides a welcoming environment. He is honest about recommendations.

Dealing with complex disabilities both staff member were accommodating to myself, my needs and my support animal.

Highly recommend Hugo Law group!
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Highly recommend Mitchell Greig. He made the experience seamless, relieved the stress of the situation and was very informative through the whole process.
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Absolutely outstanding! Thomas is a brilliant lawyer who took my husband’s case level 3 drink drive. Thomas worked tirelessly on our case and achieved the best possible outcome in our case. I couldn’t be happier with his strategic approach expertise, dedication, and exceptional results. Thank you for your service Thomas. Highly recommend!”
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Twice now Adrian in Hugo Law group Canberra you have done extremely well in keeping my husband out of jail. Words cannot express how grateful we are for helping us again with my husband case. Thank you so much also to the barrister who was with Adrian on the court day, you fought very well for our case and we came out triumph. Thank you thank you thank you so much for seeing us through what was a very stressful time for us. We will highly recommend you to anyone in need of a good fighting lawyer and a law firm. Hugo Law group Canberra thank you again.
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I am very grateful to Stephanie and the entire Hugo Law Group. My son’s case was handled with compassion, skill and efficiency. Stephanie was amazing in the court arena, never intimidated by the magistrate, always willing to argue the client’s point of view with truth and fairness.
She achieved the result I hoped for
and I am so pleased that the Hugo Law Group was recommended to me. They really do adhere to their motto of there being two sides to every story.
With appreciation and gratitude
Sue Mitchell
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Thank you, Thomas, for your exceptional work and for helping me navigate through a challenging legal matter with ease and confidence. Thank you for the hard work and dedication.
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I am so glad we chose Hugo Law to assist us, in what was a very stressful time for me and the family. Jack and the team were professional and always kept us up-to-date with any information we needed. I would like to thank Jack and the team for all the support and advice they provided. I highly recommend Hugo Law, their services are absolutely amazing.
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I had such a lovely, positive experience with this law firm. Sinead was so helpful and friendly while helping me with legal advice. Her positive attitude and excellent legal advice in regards to my situation was such a stress reliever for me. I cannot recommend Mckenna Taylor as a criminal defence law firm more.
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I recently finished a court matter a few weeks ago where, Adrian and the group at Hugo law were very helpful, informative and insightful in helping my family and me throughout it all.

The whole time I felt supported and well informed about what would happen and what our desired outcome was. Adrian was also very knowledgeable and was always on hand with good advice about anything I had questions about.

Overall, my experience was one of profound professionalism and excellent service.

Thank you Adrian and the team at Hugo Law.

– Luci
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Adrian and the team at Hugo Law Group have been exceptional throughout the duration of my case. Adrian and his team have saved me from one of the most difficult times of my life. I am forever grateful for what they have done for me. Thank you.
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I recently had my case handled by Jack Johnson. The level of professionalism and the way he handled my case, helped me through the whole process via communicating with me and getting everything sorted was simply amazing. I would highly recommend using Hugo Law Group and Jack for your criminal matter. You will be extremely satisfied with the service they provide.
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I am very confused by the one star reviews against this firm. I had an excellent experience and would highly recommend.

The other reviews appear to be fake and from a competing law firm as all accounts only have one other review (being the other firm) and were made at the same time. Very damaging and should be legal.

If you have any doubt, just give the team a call and talk to them yourself!
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I cannot recommend this crew enough i dealt with Tom and i just cannot believe how non stressful he made this nightmare of mine, Tom and the teams professionalism was second to none, they went the extra mile and ensured the my case was heard and most importantly the truth came out.

They are your Number 1 criminal lawyers to go to nothing is ever to complex for these guys they will always find a way to defend you and your situation.
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Priyanka walked in our shoes, professionally. Would recommend her and her law firm without a doubt. Many thanks 🙏🏾
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I made contact with Max and told him of my situation and Max told me that he would help me out. Max advised me that he would aim for the best possible outcome for me in my situation.

At the end of the day, Max achieved the best possible outcome for me.

Max was very professional in his dealings regarding my situation from beginning to end, everything was explained to me and Max followed through.

I would highly recommend Max to anyone & I would gladly use Max again if I needed him.
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Adrian and the team are very informed, professional and I would highly recommend. I couldn’t speak better of the team.

The negative reviews appear to be fake and do not represent a true experience with McKenna Taylor.
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Very professional and reliable. Adrian was very organised and kept me informed throughout the whole process. Definitely knew how to tackle this situation. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else other the Adrian and his team and Hugo Law Group Canberra.
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Wonderful, compassionate and skill full team at Hugo.
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Priyanka provided a professional service and got me the best result in the end. Very happy and would recommend her. Thankyou!
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Worked with Thomas Tiffen as my lawyer. Very professional and always quick to respond. Highly recommend.
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I am very grateful to Stephanie and the entire Hugo Law Group. My son’s case was handled with compassion, skill and efficiency. Stephanie was amazing in the court arena, never intimidated by the magistrate, always willing to argue the client’s point of view with truth and fairness.
She achieved the result I hoped for
and I am so pleased that the Hugo Law Group was recommended to me. They really do adhere to their motto of there being two sides to every story.
With appreciation and gratitude
Sue Mitchell
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I would recommend Mitchell Grieg for any matter. Approachable , Professional , honest and will fight for best outcome possible.
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Information provided was clear and when unable to understand it was repeated without prejudice. I was always well informed to what was happening. My Lawyer showed compassion, understanding and was very professional in her duties. She had the ability to listen and not make one feel judged and not respected. Thank you for your help and services.
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Adrian McKenna is a prodigy. Achieved a great result, couldn’t be happier. Down to earth and always reachable. 10/10
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Amazing to deal with – easy and very straight forward. Very helpful. I appreciate it.
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Priyanka provided a professional service and got me the best outcome for my case. I would highly recommend Hugo Law Group and if needed i would use them again.
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Max and the Hugo Law Group team have been nothing short of amazing. Max was unbelievably supportive and compassionate during the entire process and was able to provide timely and informative advice and updates. We would highly recommend Max and the Hugo Law Group to anyone needing some help. Their service was very professional and excellent at all times.
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Adrian not only ensured we were well aware of the situation but he ensured we knew how important it was to follow his direction and that of the overall team that were on the case. At all time he was honest in his approach and his attitude. In the end the outcome was so much better than originally expected which is something we are so ever thankful for. Adrian and Hugo Law come highly recommended.
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Completely professional and personal service provided by Mitchell. Brought a great strategy to achieve a successful outcome. Personable and responsive! Thanks Mitchell at Hugo Law. Jon R
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Adrian !! Where can I start , absolute professional from start to finish , very transparent through the whole ordeal .

I was as stressed as stressed could be and after ringing around for a few lawyers I did not make another call after Adrian .

I was looking at serious charges and after Adrian sorted me out I got minimal sentencing , even from the moment I talked to him on the phone I felt comfortable , cannot Reccomend Adrian enough . Thanks mate
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Had a great experience with both Priyanka and Max. Had open discussions about the details of my case and would highly recommend Hugo Law Group for your criminal law needs.
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Jack did an amazing job on my case and got me the result I wanted. I would highly recommend Hugo Law Group
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I had the pleasure of engaging Hugo Law Group, for Legal counsel. They were very transparent, helpful and reassuring during the entire process. Highly recommend to anyone seeking legal advice. Special Thanks to Tom Taylor!
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Tom Tiffen managed my family violence matter and achieved a great outcome for me. He was highly professional and deeply knowledgeable of the law and the court process while always being sensitive to the distress of my situation.
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Feedback posted on behalf of a family member:-

This is my tribute to send 100% positive feedback for Adrian McKenna at McKenna Taylor, to give heartfelt thanks for helping get part of my life back when found not guilty by the ACT Magistrates Court.

I first started being represented by Adrian in late 2018 after having false criminal charges laid against me by my estranged wife. Adrian McKenna did not judge me, showed me respect whist my prior life was betrayed in front of him as me being violet man, one thing I have always prided myself on that I wasn’t. Adrian supported me completely in my decision to plead not guilty to all charges.

From the very beginning, as I was escorted to interview, Adrian was on point only wanting the facts, he was easy to understand and stuck by me through everything and never once made me feel unsupported. He worked closely with my family in getting prepared and assisted in finding me a Family Lawyer to help me navigate and understand the complexity of the charges laid against me and the impact it would have on me and my 5 children.

My hearing took 4 days and Adrian was nothing short of brilliant, myself and family were taken back by his knowledge and preparation into my case that was masterful and clever to keep it simple that the evidence does not lie.

Adrian McKenna is just put simply an amazing Criminal Lawyer that communicates with conviction and passion in the court room. His intellect and ability to show empathy and then uplift the situation with positivity was noted by my family and appreciated so much throughout the hearing.

Throughout the whole ordeal, Adrian reassured me with honesty, very directly kept me on point that Criminal cases are based on evidence and at no point does Family Court have any place in a Criminal matter. Words that were hard to hear, but now I understand.

I also worked with other members of McKenna Taylor and all within the firm were professional and respectful. I strongly recommend Adrian McKenna and McKenna Taylor for your criminal matter. You will be doing yourself a disservice from the beginning if you don’t.
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I recently had the pleasure of hiring the HUGO Law Firm to handle some driving charges I was facing, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. My lawyer, Max Hasler, was outstanding in every way. He was always professional, showing a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to my case.

Max was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly caring. He took the time to listen to my concerns and was always available whenever I needed him. Whether it was a quick phone call or an in-depth discussion about the details of my case, Max made sure I felt supported and informed every step of the way.

The dedication and expertise that Max and the HUGO Law Firm demonstrated have truly made a difference in my life. I highly recommend Max Hasler and the entire team at HUGO Law Firm to anyone in need of legal advice in the ACT. Their professionalism, compassion, and availability are second to none.

Thank you, Max and HUGO Law Firm, for your exceptional service!
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Mitchell Greig at Hugo Law Group – helped us out with a driving while suspended matter and achieved a great result (a dismissal of all charges). He clearly let us know, early, what material we needed to obtain to help our case. He also managed our expectations well given his knowledge of the process.

In Need of Legal Help? Contact Us Today






    Your Team

    If you are accused of a criminal offence, you need a specialist criminal lawyer in your corner. With some of the most highly regarded lawyers in Sydney, our team of criminal lawyers will provide you with comprehensive, honest and strategic advice.

    Carol Younes
    Partner — Sydney

    ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)

    Karen Espiner
    Partner — Perth

    ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)

    Helen Christinson
    Partner — Sydney

    Damien Mahon
    Senior Associate — Northern NSW

    Jordan Portokalli
    Associate — Sydney/Canberra

    Lindsay Stankovic
    Associate — Sydney/Canberra

    Elleni Zacharia
    Senior Lawyer — Sydney

    Isha Fay
    Senior Lawyer — Sydney

    Joshua O’Rahilly-Hadley
    Lawyer — Sydney

    Carol Younes
    Partner — Sydney

    ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)

    Karen Espiner
    Partner — Perth

    ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)

    Helen Christinson
    Partner — Sydney

    Damien Mahon
    Senior Associate — Northern NSW

    Jordan Portokalli
    Associate — Sydney/Canberra

    Lindsay Stankovic
    Associate — Sydney/Canberra

    Elleni Zacharia
    Senior Lawyer — Sydney

    Isha Fay
    Senior Lawyer — Sydney

    Joshua O’Rahilly-Hadley
    Lawyer — Sydney

    Criminal Law Sydney

    As a leading criminal defence law firm in Sydney, NSW, Hugo Law Group is committed to using our expertise and experience to defend your rights.

    Criminal law is a complex area of law with a vast range of charges and offences falling under its purview. With each charge, there are unique complexities and sensitivities to consider.

    Combining our inherent knowledge of criminal law with a tailored approach to each case, we work to understand and defend your side of the story. As a firm of highly regarded criminal law specialists, we leave no stone unturned.

    Being accused of, or charged with, a criminal offence can be a very stressful and emotional experience. Hugo Law Group Sydney acts as a guiding hand during this time, making sure that you are informed of the available options and the steps forward.

    With our criminal defence lawyers Sydney appearing in court daily, we have the experience to guide you through the criminal law system to reach the best outcome possible.

    Enquire Now

    Sydney criminal law experts

    As criminal law specialists in Sydney, we understand that being accused of a crime can be both emotional and overwhelming. With the ability of criminal convictions to have both short and long term consequences to your life, we are committed to providing you with strategic advice on defending the charges or in preparing for sentencing outcomes ranging from fines to imprisonment.

    In the short term, criminal law charges may result in bonds or fines, community service and even the prospect of gaol. In the long term, even the recording of a criminal conviction can hinder travel plans or work prospects.

    Understanding criminal law offence charges on both a human and legal level, we have the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through your best options and stand up for you, whether that be in front of a magistrate, judge or jury.

    This highly specialised approach is immediately evident when engaging a specialist criminal lawyer from Sydney’s Hugo Law Group. Criminal law is a broad area of the law so, to provide the most comprehensive services possible, we have experience in representing clients for all types of criminal offences.

    From assault, dishonesty and firearms offences to murder and manslaughter charges, perjury, robbery and sexual assault offences, we have the knowledge needed to confidently and competently defend your side of the story.

    Enquire Now

    Our Expertise

    The Hugo Law Group difference

    Each criminal offence is unique and charges can often feel overwhelming and stressful. To help you understand what you are being accused of and the steps forward, at Hugo Law Group, we work to provide all the information you need and the very best in legal representation.

    Our experience in understanding what is most important for the charges, the necessary burden of proof and the available options is something that should not be discounted. This is your life and your future, and understanding what is happening to you, and how we can best defend you, is crucial.

    Understanding your unique circumstances, combined with our strategic advice, forms the next steps in terms of representation. We are committed to defending your rights and this commitment is unwavering, whether you are wanting to plead guilty or not guilty.

    As experts in the field of criminal law, our Sydney criminal defence lawyer team has the experience and the dedication required to guide you through being charged in the first instance and later, defending that charge in court.

    Criminal law is a vast area of the law, and each criminal offence requires specialist knowledge to properly defend. As experts in criminal offences, this area of the law is second nature to the Hugo Law Group team. We understand what you are being charged with and the strategic advice you require.

    We work exclusively in the area of criminal law and are proud to provide you with the level of service you would demand for a loved one in need. We truly care about defending your side of the story in this inherently complex and demanding area of the law.

    Enquire Now

    Criminal Law FAQs

    Criminal law covers the only area of law where, if the allegation is proved, sentences of imprisonment and other highly punitive penalties or restrictions of liberty can be imposed by courts.

    Criminal law can be contrasted with civil law where a breach may only involve civil fines and other consequences that do not involve a deprivation of liberty.

    A criminal case is typically brought against an individual or company by or on behalf of the state, through police or the director of public prosecutions. In civil law, disputes will often be between parties and these parties can be individuals, companies, organisations and even governments.

    The associated penalties for drug use and drug possession will vary on a case by case basis. This is because sanctions will be dependent on the quantity of drugs, circumstances in which an offence is committed, including where a person is said to fit within a drug trafficking hierarchy and the relevant maximum penalty that applies, whether it is for trafficking, cultivating or another drug offence.

    In some instances where small quantities are found, individuals may receive a police caution or warning. In other instances, being found with small quantities of illegal drugs can result in fines or, in rare cases, a prison sentence.

    WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

    “What truly distinguished Helen, however, was her personable approach. She has an innate ability to connect on a human level, making what could have been a strenuous process feel more manageable. Her empathetic demeanor and genuine interest in my concerns were evident throughout our interactions. This human touch did not detract from her professionalism but rather complemented it, creating a balanced and effective working relationship.

    Helen’s communication skills were exemplary. She consistently kept me informed with clear, concise, and jargon-free updates. Her approachable style and willingness to answer questions, no matter how small, made a significant difference. I always felt heard and understood, which is incredibly valuable in a legal setting.

    In addition to her professional prowess and personable nature, Helen’s commitment to ethical standards and client-focused service was clear. She displayed an unwavering dedication to my case, balancing a strong ethical framework with a deep understanding of my needs and expectations.

    Her performance in court was nothing short of impressive. Helen was not only well-prepared and persuasive but also demonstrated a level of advocacy that combines professional rigor with a relatable, human touch. Her arguments were compelling and well-articulated, a reflection of her overall excellence as a legal practitioner.

    In conclusion, working with Helen Christinson was a remarkable experience. Her blend of professional expertise, personable demeanor, and ease of collaboration made a potentially challenging journey much smoother. I wholeheartedly recommend Helen to anyone in need of top-tier legal representation, underscored by a genuine, approachable, and client-focused approach. Her work truly reflects the high standards and client-centric values of Hugo Law Group.”

    “I contacted Hugo Law Group upon recommendation from a friend and as expected, their professional services and support was exceptional and helped me navigate through a challenging situation. Initially I was referred to Partner Carol Younes who was extremely responsive and helpful with my matter and guided me through the somewhat awkward early steps of the process. Given this was unfamiliar territory for me, having someone knowledgably and experienced to step me through things, what we can do in preparation to appearing at court, and outlining all possible outcomes was refreshing and gave me confidence that I would be in the best position to achieve the right outcome.”

    “Hi Carol, from the bottom of my heart thank you for everything that you have done for me over the last couple of weeks. I was seriously completely lost with everything to do with this matter and you were nothing but sincere and genuine the entire time and for that I wanted to say thank you. I really wouldn’t have been able to attend today without you. Thank you.”

    – K’s Family