

Kris O'Brien is a distinguished senior solicitor at Karim + Nicol Lawyers, proudly serving the Northern Beaches community. With over two decades of expertise in criminal law, he has established a formidable reputation for his dedication and skill. Kris's legal journey commenced with the NSW Police, where he served as a detective focusing on complex murder and fraud investigations. His investigative acumen earned him numerous accolades, highlighting his meticulous approach to law enforcement. Transitioning to the role of police prosecutor, Kris consistently displayed his prowess in handling a wide range of cases across various NSW Local Courts, including Mudgee, Dubbo, Manly, and the Downing Centre. His career further evolved at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where he adeptly managed sentence hearings and appeals in the Local and District Courts. Kris is now an integral part of Karim + Nicol Lawyers, specialising in criminal and traffic defence. His comprehensive background and unwavering commitment to justice make him exceptionally well-equipped to provide superior legal advice and representation. He actively participates on all Legal Aid NSW criminal law panels, ensuring that his clients receive the highest level of advocacy. Kris's journey is further underscored by his academic achievements, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of New England.

Senior Solicitor
Karim + Nicol Lawyers
Jul 2024 - Present • 2 years 4 months

Solicitor
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Apr 2023 - Jun 2024 • 1 year 2 months

Criminal defence solicitor
Karim + Nicol Lawyers
Feb 2021 - Apr 2023 • 2 years 2 months

Police Prosecutor
NSW Police Force
Jul 2015 - Feb 2021 • 5 years 7 months

Police Detective
NSW Police Force
May 2001 - Jul 2015 • 14 years 2 months
Retail Store Manager
Sunglass Hut
Jan 1997 - May 2001 • 4 years 4 months

Bachelor's degree, Law
University of New England
2018
HSC
Northern Beaches Secondary College - Manly Selective Campus
1996
Several awards recognising his meticulous and high quality investigative work
Last checked: 17 Jun 2026 • Checked with Law Society of NSW