Your Criminal Defence Team

Carol is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and founding partner of Hugo Law Group. She has been consistently recognised in the Doyles Guide as one of Australia’s preeminent criminal lawyers.

Carol appears in the superior and appellate courts in some of the most notorious criminal cases. She works tirelessly on matters representing clients charged with murder, serious sex offences, complex frauds, tax evasions, drug manufacture, supply and importation, and terrorism offences. She also appears in complex hearings, sentence proceedings and bail applications.

She was nominated for Criminal Law Partner of the Year in the 2022 Lawyers Weekly Awards.

Carol recognises the need to always think two steps ahead and to ensure her clients are making the right decisions early on. She is best known for her persuasive advocacy, strategic thinking and determination to win every case. She understands the need to help her clients navigate their way through what is often one of the most challenging times in their life. Her clients feel supported and confident having her on their team.

Adrian has worked exclusively in private practice in criminal law through his legal career. With more than a decade of experience he is a renowned expert in the field. Clients have sought out Adrian’s experience and specialised skills for some of Canberra’s most high profile and complex murder, fraud and sexual assault matters. He is a founding partner of Hugo Law Group. 

Adrian was previously an Associate to a judge of the ACT Supreme Court and worked on the defence team of Radovan Karadzic, President of the Former Bosnian-Serb Republic, at the Yugoslavia International War Crimes Tribunal. 

Adrian has been recognised as a preeminent lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide for Canberra Criminal Defence Lawyers. He is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, a member of the ACT Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee and a regular commentator on legal reform issues. He is entrusted with representing clients facing charges amongst the most serious in the criminal calendar.

Karen Espiner is a NSW Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and founding partner at Hugo Law Group. She was named Criminal Law Partner of the Year in the 2020 Lawyers Weekly Awards.

Since 2016 she has been consistently recognised by other lawyers in the Doyle’s Guide as one of the best criminal lawyers in both Sydney and Australia. In 2023 she moved to WA to lead the opening of the Perth office and currently practices in both WA and NSW.

Much of Karen’s practice is devoted to representing clients who have been charged with serious criminal offences including murder, sexual assault, drug supply/manufacture, serious assaults, fraud and corporate offences. She appears in complicated Local/Magistrates Court matters for clients whose professional reputations are at risk. She also has a significant appellate practice, providing advice and representation to clients seeking to appeal their conviction and/or sentence to the Court of Criminal Appeal (NSW) or Court of Appeal (WA).

Recognising the value of professional collaboration and teamwork, she works closely with other lawyers in the firm to ensure her clients receive the highest level of service. Known for her meticulous preparation and persuasive advocacy, she is well respected by other lawyers, barristers and Judges.

Tom is widely regarded as one of the most talented and successful criminal defence lawyers in Canberra and the surrounding regions. He has earnt the respect of clients, lawyers and judges through years of dedicated practice to this niche area of the law. 

With years of experience in criminal defence firms in Sydney and country NSW and through his time in the Australian Army he knows the right time to bring an aggressive approach. He has a reputation for winning the unwinnable matters and is the unquestionable lawyer of choice for clients facing a serious matter.  

Tom has a unique talent in making real connections with his clients and earning their trust. He has an impressive combination of street smarts and a fighting spirit that makes him the perfect fit for hearings and trials.

Before joining the legal profession he worked in sports management and as a professional lifeguard in Australia and Japan. Tom has been repeatedly voted as a preeminent lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide for Canberra Criminal Defence Lawyers.

Helen is an experienced advocate who brings compassion, positivity and a sharp legal mind to every matter.

In 2023 Helen was recognised by members of the profession as a Recommended Lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide Leading Lawyers Listings for Criminal Lawyers in Sydney

Whether appearing in bail applications, sentence matters, defended hearings or other applications in the Children’s Court or Local Court, conviction and severity appeals in the District Court, or high-profile trial and sentence matters for State and Commonwealth offences, Helen is a detail-focused, empathetic, energised and tenacious advocate. She has a wide range of legal experience from Local Court traffic matters to complex murder trials in the Supreme Court.

Helen ensures her clients understand the nature of their charges, providing them with clear information to help them make informed choices about how to progress their matter. She is known for her succinct and effective advocacy, common-sense approach to analysing evidence and thorough preparation in support of each and every case.

Stephanie started her criminal law career in NSW. Since then, she has practiced exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer in both NSW and the ACT, appearing in court on an almost daily basis. 

She is an experienced and highly skilled solicitor-advocate who is regularly called on to appear in complex criminal hearings, as well as to instruct barristers in District/Supreme Court trials involving charges such as sexual assault, drug trafficking and fraud. 

In 2023 Stephanie was recognised by members of the profession as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in the 2023 Doyle’s Guide – Canberra and was nominated as a Finalist for the Criminal Law 30 under 30 Awards.

Stephanie is a fierce advocate who works doggedly for her clients both inside and out of the courtroom. Keen to always achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients, she has a history of success running contested hearings, particularly in matters where she is advancing technical and legal arguments. She tailors her approach for every client, understanding that each case is unique and each client has different needs and expectations .

Damien provides representation and advice in all areas of State and Commonwealth criminal law. As a confident and proficient advocate, Damien has demonstrated success acting in a diverse range of matters including murder and offences of violence, terrorism offences, sexual assault, drug offences, fraud and white-collar crime.

Damien has successfully defended a large volume of contested matters. He has a strong understanding of the rules of evidence and subjects all material relied upon by the prosecution to a high level of scrutiny.

In sentence matters, Damien has an aptitude for identifying mitigating factors and extenuating circumstances which are favourable to his clients and promote the need for leniency and rehabilitation in place of punishment.

Damien has a genuine passion for criminal defence law. He provides timely, clear and considered advice and works tenaciously to obtain positive results for his clients.

Jordan has a successful history of defending clients charged with a wide range of serious criminal offences. He appears in all criminal jurisdictions in NSW.

Jordan believes that everyone deserves for their voice to be heard and is passionate about hearing his clients’ side of the story.

With Jordan, you can expect a lawyer who will prioritise your case, up to date with all current laws, be accommodating to your stresses, and be present with you every step of the way, from the initial charge phase to the resolution of your case. Jordan takes great pride in his role as a criminal defence lawyer, which is reflected in being awarded a Doyle’s Guide Rising Star in the legal profession

Sian is an experienced and tenacious advocate who brings a thorough and compassionate approach to every case.

Sian has appeared in courts across New South Wales, defending clients on charges ranging from traffic infringements in the Local Court to complex indictable matters. She regularly appears in the Local, District and Supreme Courts as well as instructing Counsel in the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Sian has previously practiced at the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS), appearing daily in courts across Western NSW to defend clients in a fast-paced and challenging environment. She has also practiced in appellate law at Legal Aid and began her career as an Associate in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, working for a Judge with a strong background and workload in criminal law. In combination, these roles have allowed Sian to develop into a well-rounded and experienced criminal defence lawyer.

Rebecca is an experienced and passionate advocate who ensures the best results for client both inside and outside of court.

She regularly appears in the Local, District and Supreme Courts in bail matters, sentences, appeals and defended hearings and has instructed leading barristers in complex indictable matters at trial. She graduated with first class honours from the Australian National University, completing a thesis on navigating sexual assault trials.

Rebecca is empathetic, diligent, and highly attentive to the needs of clients. She brings determination and integrity to every matter she is involved in, ensuring that her clients are always the central focus.

Lindsay understands how daunting it is to be charged with a criminal offence and takes pride in guiding her clients through the process using an empathetic and diligent approach. She provides clear and tailored advice to ensure her clients understand their options and achieve fair and just results.

Lindsay appears regularly in NSW Courts, advocating for her clients in a range of matters including release applications, sentences, defended hearings and applications for Apprehended Violence Orders. She is focused and attentive, working with her clients to ensure the Court understands their circumstances, and the unique aspects of their case. If your matter is complex, Lindsay will engage a leading criminal barrister to ensure you are properly defended.

In 2023 Lindsay’s success as a criminal defence lawyer was recognised with her nomination as a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards in Criminal Law

Prior to joining Hugo Law Group, Lindsay completed an associateship in the District Court and worked in commercial litigation.

Max’s legal career began as an advice worker in the community legal sector. It was in this role that he developed a passion for ensuring that the rights and interests of his clients were properly protected.

Before joining Hugo Law Group Max’s experience in criminal law began in his role as an Associate to a judge of the ACT Supreme Court. Working in that role for 18 months, he has a detailed insight into court process and advocacy. He holds a Juris Doctor at the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Health Science. This gives him the edge in complex criminal matters involving medical evidence.

Max has a keen eye for detail, meticulous research skills, and a paramount focus on achieving the best possible outcome in court. As an advocate he dedicates his practice to ensuring each of his matters is dealt with fairly and impartially.

Mitchell’s journey began as a police officer, where he sharpened his investigative skills and built his experience in taking a meticulous approach to cases.

This foundation forms the bedrock of his legal career, allowing him a unique insight in understanding law enforcement and, in particular, where weaknesses or issues may arise in evidence.

Mitchell also has experience as a prosecutor, working in a number of high-profile and complex matters, and has an academic background that includes psychology. He is able to take an empathetic approach to his clients and understand their perspective.

No matter how serious or complex the matter, Mitchell rigorously advocates for his client’s rights and interests.

Callum’s enthusiasm for the law is fuelled by a desire to protect and defend the rights of each of his clients.

Before joining Hugo Law Group, Callum graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Curtin University. He then worked as an Associate to a District Court Judge. In that role he developed a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of criminal matters and gained valuable insights into court processes and procedures. After finishing his tenure at the District Court, Callum worked as a Lawyer in one of Perth’s most well-regarded private criminal law firms, Seamus Rafferty + Associates. In that role Callum regularly appeared in the Magistrates Court and District Court, managing a busy workload, and further developing his advocacy skills.

As well as being an approachable and persuasive advocate, one of Callum’s main strengths lies in his ability to analyse complex problems and develop a clear and concise case strategy. Callum appears in a range of matters in the Magistrates Court and District Court including serious offences, sentencings, bail applications and traffic matters.

With studies in both criminology and criminal law Thomas has a deep understanding of what makes people tick in this industry. 

With studies in both criminology and criminal law Tom has a deep understanding of what makes people tick in this industry.

He has legal experience that covers a wide variety of criminal and protection matters and so he knows what is important when it comes to your case. He has many years’ management experience in the hospitality industry and his calming presence is a valuable asset to Hugo Law Group. Graduating with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the Australian National University and completing his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the College of Law, Tom has the knowledge and drive necessary to get you the best result possible.