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. He has never lost a murder trial, including several cases where the prosecution was ordered to pay the legal costs of his clients following their acquittals. 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 from 2016-2022, 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 of the practice and procedures of the Court allow him to represent his clients with confidence and precision. He has represented clients charged with serious drug offences, personal violence matters, AVO proceedings, driving and traffic matters, and a number of other indictable and summary offences. Bobby has instructed counsel in the New South Wales and Western Australian 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 has had success 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 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 junior solicitor who works primarily with senior associate, Abbas Soukie, on a range of serious and complex matters. Her approach to work is underpinned by the empathy she has for her clients and a genuine passion for criminal law.
Since commencing at Hanna Legal, Olivia has worked with counsel and senior counsel, assisting in the preparation of several complex sexual assault trials in the District Court. This is an area of law which she feels particularly passionate about. Olivia also regularly appears in a range of Local Court matters across Sydney.
Prior to working as a solicitor, Olivia was employed as a paralegal in the community legal sector, assisting in a duty service at the Downing Centre Local Court. It was there that Olivia exercised her skill and further developed her passion for criminal law.
Olivia completed her undergraduate degree obtaining a Bachelor of Arts and Business at The University of New South Wales before completing a postgraduate Bachelor of Laws graduating with Honors from the University of Notre Dame. Olivia focused her postgraduate thesis on sexual assault laws which contributes to her breadth of knowledge.
Managing Paralegal
Rola has extensive experience preparing 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 her Practical Legal Training at the College of Law and has completed a Bachelor of Laws with a major in Criminology at Macquarie University. She is awaiting admissions to become a solicitor in the coming months.
Senior Paralegal
Smrithi is a highly detail-oriented paralegal with strong written communication skills.
She has significant experience assisting our solicitors with bail applications and sentence matters. Her empathetic and understanding nature ensures that our clients feel comfortable and confident throughout their experience.
Smrithi is fluent in English and Tamil and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws at the University of New South Wales.
Senior Paralegal
Lucy is a motivated and challenge-seeking paralegal with strong time-management and communication skills.
She has provided important assistance in a variety of matters in both criminal and civil practice areas.
Lucy is fluent in English and Korean and is currently studying a Bachelor of Law and Commerce (Marketing) at the University of New South Wales.
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.
Paralegal
Flynn is a dedicated paralegal with a passion for justice and a meticulous eye for detail, committed to supporting our clients and solicitors in every step of the legal process.
Flynn is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney. His legal journey began with a deep-seated belief in the importance of upholding the law and ensuring fairness for all. He strives to provide unwavering support to our clients.
Flynn works closely with our solicitors to assist in case management, document preparation, and trial preparation. Whether it’s researching precedents, drafting legal documents, or liaising with clients, his goal is to contribute to the success of each case and help our clients navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence.
Flynn is proud to be part of a team that is committed to advocating for justice and defending the rights of our clients.
Paralegal
Eva is a hardworking and motivated paralegal with strong time-management and secretarial skills, providing essential support to our large team.
Eva has a strong passion for criminal law and provides assistance to our solicitors in a variety of criminal matters, commencing from the moment of arrest up until the conclusion of the matter.
Eva is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Applied Psychology) at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
Paralegal
At Hanna Legal, our clients’ needs come first. Nour embodies this well by prioritising clear communication, empathy, and attention to detail to ensure that every client receives personalised support tailored to their case.
Prior to starting at Hanna Legal, Nour was employed as the President of a Student Union, whereby he was extensively involved in social justice initiatives and continually advocated for First Nations people and people from minority groups, working to platform their voices.
Nour is a current Juris-Doctor student at the University of Sydney, fluent in both English and Arabic. His experience in advocacy, union work and his charm propel him to be an effective and conscious paralegal.
Paralegal
Mariam is a dedicated and detail-oriented paralegal. Fluent in both English and Arabic, she possesses the invaluable ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Having pursued a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of New South Wales, Mariam has developed a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to justice, Mariam leverages her linguistic fluency and paralegal expertise to advocate for clients. Her empathetic nature fosters trust and reassurance, guiding clients through challenging legal processes with compassion and understanding.
Equipped with a diverse skill set, including analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and effective communication, Mariam is dedicated to serving the needs of clients with integrity and empathy.
Paralegal
Haidar is a committed paralegal who is dedicated to the field of criminal law. His passion and eye for detail drive him to excel in his role, where he assists solicitors in high profile criminal matters often involving substantive and complex evidence.
Haidar has particular experience in reviewing briefs of evidence in various criminal law matters, including, murder, assault and drug related matters, where attention to detail can be the key to our client’s success.
Haidar is fluent in English and Arabic and is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University.
