To Brief Sharyn, contact her Clerk: (02) 9267 4955, clerk@sgchambers.com.au
Sharyn Hall is a senior barrister specialising in sexual assault and serious violence matters, and environmental crime. She is renowned for her skill in the cross-examination of complainants, including children and other vulnerable witnesses, an area of practice that demands both forensic precision and exceptional care.
‘The right balance in cross-examining witnesses is to do it in a way where the complainant walks away from court thankful they haven't been re-traumatised, and the accused walks out of court thinking, "Wow, that was great."’
Sharyn has been closely involved in the Child Sexual Assault Offence Evidence Program in New South Wales since its inception. She not only appears regularly in matters conducted under the scheme but also serves as the New South Wales Bar Association representative on the oversight committee responsible for its operation. In this role, she has contributed to the ongoing development of best practice in the questioning of child witnesses and vulnerable complainants.
A highly respected advocacy educator, Sharyn is a board member and senior instructor with the Australian Advocacy Institute. She delivers advanced advocacy training throughout Australia and internationally, working with judges, barristers, solicitors, police and witness intermediaries. Her teaching focuses on the art of persuasion, ethical advocacy, and the effective examination of witnesses across criminal, civil and specialist jurisdictions.
Sharyn has also been actively involved in LGBQTI+ advocacy within the legal profession, having served for two years as the New South Wales Bar Association’s LGBTQI Advocate for Change.
Sharyn is a frequent speaker at professional forums and legal education programs, and on podcasts and panel discussions, particularly on advocacy, vulnerable witnesses, and diversity within the legal profession.
Sharyn was named in Doyles Leading Criminal Law Counsel New South Wales 2025.
Areas of Practice
Criminal law
High Risk Offender (HRO) applications
Coronial inquests
Commissions of inquiry, including Royal Commissions
Regulatory prosecutions, including Land and Environment Court matters
Admissions & Qualifications
Appointed Senior Counsel, 2021
Registered Practitioner of the High Court of Australia, 2008
Barrister, 2007
Solicitor, 1999
LLB, University of Sydney
BA (Hons), University of Sydney
Professional Background
Solicitor, Western Aboriginal Legal Service
Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
Panel Memberships & Appointments
Advocacy Instructor, NSW Bar Association and Australian Advocacy Institute
Past Member, NSW Bar Association's Criminal Law, Legal Aid and Education committees
Presentations and Publications
2026 — Legalwise Criminal Law Summit: Questioning Vulnerable Witnesses
2026 — International Women's Day: 'Balance the Scales' panel discussion with Legal Aid NSW CEO Monique Hitter
2026 — International Advocacy Training Council Annual Conference: 'Clear Heads. Firm Advice. Hard Cases', Penang, Malaysia
2025 — Questioning Vulnerable Witnesses for the ACT Bar Association and ACT Law Society
2025 — Questioning Vulnerable Witnesses for ACT Legal Aid
2025 — Diverse Women In Law 'Walk In My Shoes' keynote speaker
2024 — The Law of Criminal Complicity for Legalwise Conference
2024 — Australian Institute of Judicial Administration Conference: Enhancing safe practices — A National Justice Forum on Sexual Assault
2023 — Legal Aid NSW Conference: What does the Child Sexual Assault Evidence Scheme Mean for me?
2022 — NSW Bar Association CPD program (Newcastle): Cross-Examination
2022 — NSW Bar Association CPD program (Sydney): New Mental Health legislation
2021 — Legal Aid NSW conference: Context Evidence or how does that get in?
2020 — NSW Bar Association CPD: Remote Advocacy
International Advocacy Training
2026 — Singapore Criminal Trial Advocacy Course
2025–2026 — Australian Bar Association Advanced Trial Advocacy Intensive, Criminal Course Director (criminal course instructor 2023 & 2024)
2025–2026 — Australian Advocacy Institute workshops for the Office of Public Prosecutions and Office of the Public Solicitor, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
2024–2025 — The South Eastern Circuit English and Welsh Bar Advanced International Advocacy Course, Keble College Oxford, United Kingdom
In the News
26 June 2026Four members recognised in Doyle's Guide
Recognition
Recommended, Doyle's Guide — Criminal Law 2025 & 2026