Brett Barratt

Brett Barratt is a Partner at the firm and holds the distinction of being an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law through the Law Institute of Victoria. His expertise is acknowledged by the institute's Specialisation Board for his profound understanding of criminal law and procedure. Brett has been an integral part of James Dowsley & Associates since 2013, where he also serves as Deputy Chair of the Law Institute of Victoria's Criminal Law Section and is an Executive Committee member. His experience spans a broad range of cases in the Magistrates' Court, County Court, and Supreme Court, where he frequently instructs counsel in complex indictable matters, including those reviewed by the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia. Brett is adept at defending clients charged with diverse criminal offences such as homicide, sexual offences, drug offences, and financial crimes, alongside handling family violence and personal safety intervention orders. Brett is committed to safeguarding his clients' rights and ensures every case is meticulously prepared for court proceedings. His dedication to social justice and defending the rights of accused individuals is evident in his successful track record, having secured acquittals at trial and overturned convictions on appeal. Brett's legal journey commenced after his education at La Trobe University, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Leo Cussen Centre for Law. His earlier roles with the firm included positions as a Solicitor and Legal Assistant, building his expertise over the years. His commitment during his law studies included valuable placements with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the NT Legal Aid Commission, enriching his understanding of public interest law.