Hawker van Dissel Law

Toorak, VIC | Adelaide, SA

About us

Hawker van Dissel Law is a progressive legal practice focused on criminal law, committed to defending clients and protecting their rights. With extensive experience and strong professional connections to expert barristers and forensic specialists, the firm delivers personalised, high-quality representation tailored to each client’s unique situation. Known for being client-centred and cost-conscious, Hawker van Dissel Law provides clear, supportive guidance to achieve the best possible outcomes without unnecessary expense. Sarah van Dissel, with a BA, LLB, and GDLP, leads the criminal law practice. She has solid experience appearing across all courts in South Australia and Victoria, including Magistrates’, Youth and Children’s, District/County, and Supreme Courts, handling both summary and indictable offences. Beyond criminal defence, Sarah also assists clients with guardianship and administration as well as insolvency matters, demonstrating a versatile legal expertise. The firm covers a broad range of criminal law matters such as assault, drug offences, fraud, sexual offences, and serious indictable offences including murder and manslaughter. They also handle bail applications, intervention orders, and traffic-related offences, offering comprehensive support across the criminal justice spectrum. In addition to criminal law, collaborators at Hawker van Dissel Law include Simon Holding of InkBlack Legal, who brings expertise in building and construction law, commercial disputes, and probate matters, complementing the firm’s service offering. Hawker van Dissel Law’s approach is built on diligence, problem-solving, and a passion for supporting clients through legal challenges, ensuring each individual receives focused and effective representation. Clients seeking practical legal assistance in criminal and related areas are encouraged to contact the firm for tailored advice and support.

Practice areas

Criminal Law

Domestic Violence

Driving Offences

Specialisations

Criminal Law

At Hawker van Dissel Law, criminal defence is the heart of the practice. Whether you are facing charges for the first time or navigating a complex, high-stakes matter, Hawker van Dissel Law provides clear, strategic, and compassionate representation tailored to your circumstances. Hawker van Dissel appear for all matters; adults and youths, in all courts in South Australia and Victoria acting for you on the most serious indictable offences through to summary proceedings. We act for you on the full spectrum of criminal law matters for both adults and children, including Murder, Manslaughter, Firearms offences, Assault, Rape and sexual offences, Theft and dishonesty offences, Drug possession and trafficking matters and Serious traffic offences (and NHVR matters). No matter the nature or severity of the charge, clients receive the same standard of focused, individualised defence. Beyond representation at trial, Sarah will provide urgent arrest advice, helping clients understand their rights from the first moment of contact with police. We are experienced in making bail applications and conducting bail reviews and regularly appear in contested intervention order proceedings for both respondents and protected persons. For those already serving a sentence, the firm assists with parole appeals, ensuring clients have skilled advocacy at every stage of the criminal justice process. Hawker van Dissel Law's approach to criminal defence is built on preparation, candour, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. With strong professional relationships with expert barristers and forensic specialists, the firm is equipped to handle matters of any complexity - without unnecessary cost or delay.

Estate Planning

At Hawker van Dissel Law, the team offers comprehensive expertise in guardianship and administration matters, helping clients navigate the complexities of legal decision-making for themselves or their loved ones. They provide guidance on establishing guardianship arrangements and managing administration orders, ensuring that clients’ rights and interests are protected in accordance with the law. The firm also assists with the drafting and execution of wills, powers of attorney, and advanced care directives. Their approach ensures that clients’ wishes regarding estate distribution, financial management, and personal care are clearly documented and legally enforceable, providing peace of mind for individuals and their families.