Principal
Nick is widely recognised as one of the leading criminal defence lawyers in New South Wales, having appeared in many of the State’s most high-profile and complex matters. Based in Sydney, he also regularly represents clients in interstate jurisdictions including Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
Nick represents individual and corporate clients and has an exemplary track record of defending persons facing charges across the spectrum of offences. While Nick often represents well known individuals such as celebrities, athletes and company executives, he is also passionate in fighting for the “little guy” and those who face disadvantage in the criminal justice system.
Nick has significant expertise in AVO applications, parole hearings, Crime Commission proceedings and coronial inquests, appearing for defendants, complainants, witnesses and other interested parties.
In addition to his broad criminal and quasi-criminal law practice, Nick has extensive experience in civil litigation and professional disciplinary matters. He has acted in various civil matters that have generated media attention including civil claims brought against the NSW Police Force as well as successful applications for injunctive relief brought in the Supreme Court on behalf of Uber. He has advised and appeared for numerous medical practitioners and solicitors against whom claims of misconduct have been made.
Nick has developed a reputation for his exceptional work ethic, professionalism and advanced legal strategies. In every year between 2016-2023, he has been listed as one of Sydney’s preeminent criminal defence lawyers in the Doyle’s Guide. Nick has also been selected as a finalist for the Lawyers Weekly Criminal Law Partner of the Year Award on multiple occasions. He has been described by the Daily Telegraph as one of Sydney’s top criminal lawyers as well as one of Sydney’s “masters of defence”.
Senior Associate, co-founder
Abbas is an astute and diligent criminal defence lawyer with expertise in large and complex matters. Abbas’ strength lies in his ability to deconstruct prosecution evidence, develop defence case theories, marshal crucial evidence, and strategically litigate to ensure the optimal outcome for his client.
Abbas has extensive experience in criminal law and has instructed barristers (Queen’s Counsel, Senior Counsel and Counsel) in the District Court, Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeal. He has played a crucial role in some of Australia’s most serious and highly publicised criminal prosecutions, including charges of murder, drug supply, drug importations, serious assaults, firearm and serious fraud-related matters. Abbas has also instructed Senior Counsel in interstate jurisdictions, such as Victoria and Queensland. In addition, he appears as advocate on bail applications, sentence proceedings, administrative review hearings and stay applications in various jurisdictions.
Abbas is particularly experienced in advising and appearing for clients charged with political corruption, including charges of misconduct in public office. He has advised clients in relation to investigations and/or prosecutions by the Independent Commission Against Corruption as well as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Abbas has represented clients in relation to investigations and proceedings instituted by the Australian Taxation Office, as well as proceedings instituted by the New South Wales Crime Commission for the recovery of alleged proceeds of crime.
Abbas is also an accredited mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Associate
Bobby is a dedicated solicitor with an array of practical criminal law experience, critical analysis, and real-world problem-solving ability.
He was previously employed as an Associate to her Honour Judge O’Rourke SC in the District Court of New South Wales, where he participated in a range of serious and complex criminal trials, sentence hearings and appeals; dealing with offences such as sexual assault, drug supply, fraud, kidnapping and robbery.
Bobby’s experience in the practice and procedure of the Court allow him to represent his clients with confidence and precision. He has represented clients charged with serious drug and firearm offences, personal violence matters, sexual offences, AVO proceedings, traffic matters, and a number of other indictable and summary offences. Bobby has instructed counsel in the New South Wales and Western Australia District and Supreme Courts and has appeared as an advocate in numerous bail applications, sentence proceedings, defended hearings, and District Court appeals. He also has experience in civil litigation and bringing proceedings against the New South Wales Police Force.
Bobby’s wealth of life experience, communication skills and personability allow him to represent his clients with empathy and determination. He has represented numerous high profile clients and has strategic expertise when dealing with the media.
Bobby has a record of achieving excellent results for his clients, including negotiating with police, charges being dismissed, or no conviction being recorded at sentence.
Solicitor
Olivia is a devoted solicitor whose motivation for every case is underpinned by the empathy she has for her clients as well as a genuine passion for criminal law.
Olivia has instructed Junior and Senior Counsel in District and Supreme Court trials, sentence hearings, bail hearings, and appeals. She has represented clients charged with a range of serious and complex matters including murder, sexual assault, drug supply, drug importation, personal violence, and traffic offences across New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria.
Olivia has also represented clients in discrete matters before the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, New South Wales Crime Commission, and instructed Counsel in matters prosecuted by the Western Australia Corruption and Crime Commission. She has also appeared before the New South Wales Children’s Court, and the Court of Criminal Appeal.
As an advocate, Olivia has appeared in sentence proceedings, bail applications, and defended hearings in the Local Court of New South Wales and has achieved favourable outcomes including no criminal conviction on sentence and the withdrawal of charges at hearing.
Olivia completed her undergraduate degree at The University of New South Wales before completing postgraduate law, with Honors, at the University of Notre Dame. Olivia focused her postgraduate thesis on sexual assault consent laws. Prior to working as a solicitor, Olivia was employed in the community legal sector assisting in a duty service at the Downing Centre Local Court.
Solicitor
Rola has extensive experience preparing and assisting in cases for serious sentence proceedings, as well as preparing and assisting counsel in trials. She has assisted in complex matters including serious sexual assault and drug related matters as well as complex civil proceedings.
Rola listens to each client intently and utilizes her excellent written communication skills to draft high quality material, allowing the Court to better understand the individual circumstances of each client. Her empathy and motivation bring comfort and reassurance to our clients and their families, by whom she is well regarded.
Prior to working at Hanna Legal, Rola was employed at a respected corporate law firm in the insurance team, with a well-established blue chip client base, working on matters relating to workers compensation.
Rola is fluent in English and Arabic and has completed a Bachelor of Laws with a major in Criminology at Macquarie University.
Senior Paralegal
Jade is a driven and dedicated paralegal with a keen interest in criminal defence.
Jade has extensive experience assisting solicitors in sentencing matters, bail applications and trial preparation. She regularly communicates with counsel, the Courts and clients and their family members. She has a strong attention to detail, an analytical mindset, and the ability to problem-solve, making her an invaluable asset to the Hanna Legal team.
Jade is also fluent in English and Spanish. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
Senior Paralegal
Elise is a diligent and dedicated paralegal committed to delivering excellence.
She primarily works with our principal, Nick Hanna, and utilises her strong attention to detail, critical analysis and her drafting and legal research skills to assist with the meticulous preparation of matters.
Elise has extensive experience assisting in both criminal and civil matters, having worked on a variety of complex and multi-layered cases, including those involving allegations of sexual assault, commercial drug supply, and break and enter with an intent to commit a serious indictable offence. She has also worked on various professional disciplinary matters involving concurrent and related criminal proceedings.
Her genuine passion for defence advocacy is evidenced in her unwavering commitment to our clients’ legal needs, as well as her ability to problem solve and propose creative solutions.
Elise graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communications majoring in Journalism at the University of Technology Sydney. She is currently completing her practical legal training at the College of Law.
Paralegal
Isabella is a dedicated and empathetic criminal defence paralegal who is passionate about supporting clients through the criminal justice process.
Isabella assists our solicitors with case management, sentencing proceedings, defended hearings and trials, and regularly liaises with clients, counsel, prosecutors and court staff. Isabella has experience assisting in complex criminal matters, including a recent District Court sexual assault trial that resulted in a not guilty verdict.
Known for her diligence, strong work ethic and compassionate approach, she is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. She is also currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University.
Paralegal
Cassie is a dedicated Paralegal at Hanna Legal with a strong passion for criminal law.
She supports our solicitors across a broad range of legal and administrative matters, ensuring clients receive clear communication and support throughout their legal proceedings. She has experience assisting with the preparation of District Court sentencing matters, as well as a variety of summary and indictable offences.
Cassie is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Criminology) at Macquarie University, with a profound commitment to developing her career in criminal law and advocating for individuals navigating the justice system.
Paralegal
Smera is a client-centered paralegal who has experience supporting clients through the legal system.
Smera attends primarily to administrative duties – organising conferences, liasing with third parties and assisting solicitors with their practice.
She is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney.
