More About Doogue & O'Brien
Doogue O'Brien Testimonials
"I don't think I could have coped if I lost my trial. The preparation you put in was amazing."
Gary F
"I was proud that we stood up and fought the charges. I would have lost everything if I had been found guilty."
Peter L
"Your compassion during my time of need was outstanding. Many thanks."
Cameron A
"Lots of people kept telling me I should plead guilty except for your firm. You were right."
Lee W
"Everyone was judging me except for you. That support really helped me get through a terrible time."
John A
Criminal Law Specialists
Criminal Law Specialists
Criminal Law Specialists are recognised as being the top criminal lawyers by the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV). Only Accredited Specialist Criminal Lawyers can display this logo. Doogue & O'Brien have three specialist criminal lawyers, as both Bill Doogue, Conor O'Brien and Brent Casey have achieved this milestone.
LIV Accredited Specialist Criminal Lawyers need to meet the following prerequisites and criteria:
- Current Practising Certificate.
- Five years full-time practice or equivalent.
- A substantial involvement in the area of criminal law specialisation during the three years prior to application. At least 25% of normal full time practice.
- References from other professionals.
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of knowledge.
- Capacity to apply that knowledge in practice as top criminal lawyers.
Varying forms of assessment are employed to reflect the characteristics of legal practice and provide candidates different ways to demonstrate their expertise as top criminal lawyers.
- Formal written examination - the application of legal knowledge and procedures
- Assignments based on mock files
- Drafting exercises
- Simulated interviews or practical advocacy exercises
- Examples of candidates’ work
- Senior members of the profession, academics and Victorian Bar members draft assessment tasks and mark examination papers, in the form of Advisory Committees - maintaining the elements of peer review.
Accreditation is for a period of three years, after which a Specialist Criminal Lawyer must apply to the Specialisation Board for re-accreditation. Re-accreditation is conditional on the continued 25% minimum involvement in the area of practice at the required level and compliance with continuing professional development standards.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential to the continued high standing of Specialist Accreditation. Accredited Specialist Criminal Lawyers must satisfy the criteria of the CPD Scheme as well as the extra CPD requirements of the Accredited Specialisation Scheme. Accredited Specialists must complete a total of 12 hours (12 CPD Scheme units) per year to maintain their accreditation as a top criminal lawyer.
