Most people who come into contact with the criminal law have a very limited understanding of the process. It can be overwhelming, stressful, confronting and high stakes - it can deprive them of their liberty.

Who would I choose to represent me? The answer is an Accredited Specialist – the best of the best.

Matt Ward, aged 27, became an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law in October 2017, and this means he passed several exams/tests judged by his peers, which enables recognition as an expert in the criminal law field.

“It helps people charged with criminal offences to find specific solicitors and it’s a means to test yourself after being admitted as a solicitor,” Matt said.

Matt chose Criminal Law as his speciality as he has always practised in this.

“I was never one of those kids who grew up knowing exactly what job they wanted to do,” he said. “I did law at the University of Wollongong and was lucky enough to get a placement with Graeme Morrison as part of my practical legal training.

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“Also I was fortunate enough to get employed as a paralegal, then as a solicitor. I can’t imagine doing anything else – no two days are ever the same and there is always a lot on the line.”

Matt is a member of NSW Young Lawyers, contributes to written submissions on criminal law reform, and assists UOW students in advocacy competitions.

Morrisons Law specialise in criminal and traffic law – they are the only private law firm in the Illawarra that has three accredited specialists in criminal law. They provide advice and representation to those charged with offences, including charges of drink driving through to murder, and everything in-between. 

“It is often important for people to understand their rights and obligations even before they are charged,” they said. “We represent people in proceedings involving the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS), including licence appeals, traffic infringements and applications to quash disqualification periods.

“We represent people charged with criminal offences by the RSPCA, NSW Police or by other bodies.”

The other solicitors are Graeme Morrison and Justine Hall. Graeme has been a solicitor for over 40 years and an accredited specialist in criminal law for over 20 years. Justine has been a solicitor for 13 years and has been an accredited specialist in criminal law for over eight years.

Graeme initially started the firm many years ago (Leo & Morrison in the early1980s), then went out on his own. He renamed the firm Morrisons in 2016 with the business growing every year.

At 115 Church Street, Wollongong, phone Morrisons Law on 4227 3505 or see morrisonslaw.com.au.