Rebecca Kriesler

A driven and empathetic advocate, Rebecca accepts briefs in all areas of criminal law, including in appellate matters, as well as police torts, post-sentence proceedings, and inquests and inquiries. Before coming to the Bar, Rebecca worked widely in criminal law across metropolitan and regional New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Rebecca commenced her career working at a leading New South Wales criminal defence firm and at the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She then took up a position as a Senior Lawyer at the North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency, where she appeared as trial counsel in matters in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory while maintaining a complex indictable and summary practice. Rebecca’s experience has involved significant work in regional and remote communities and she has appeared in a broad range of matters, including jury trials, bail applications, appeals, sentences and contested hearings.

Rebecca has extensive experience representing vulnerable clients, including those experiencing mental illness, cognitive impairment, social disadvantage, and complex personal circumstances. She has particular expertise in dealing with allegations of sexual offending and is experienced in working sensitively and effectively with vulnerable witnesses and complainants.

Rebecca previously worked as Associate to Judge Weinstein SC (as his Honour then was), where she developed a strong foundation in criminal procedure and appellate advocacy. Through his Honour’s involvement in the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program, Rebecca gained early exposure to matters involving child complainants and witnesses, an area in which she has since developed significant experience.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) from the Australian National University. Her honours thesis examined the operation of the Uniform Evidence Law in sexual assault proceedings

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Criminal Law – Summary, Indictable, Appellate and Children’s Court
  Coronial Inquests and Commissions of Inquiry
  Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Proceedings
  Apprehended Violence Orders
  High Risk Offender Applications and Breach Proceedings
• Family Law
• Intentional Torts matters

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

• Senior Solicitor- North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
• Senior Solicitor – Private Criminal Defence Firm
• Solicitor – NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
• District Court Associate
• Native Title Policy Officer – Attorney Generals Department

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Arts/ Law, Australian National University

PANELS

Rebecca is a panel member of Legal Aid NSW’s Indictable Crime, Summary Crime and Domestic Violence panels.