

Paul Blake, a Partner at KPT Defence Lawyers, has nearly two decades of experience in criminal defence law in Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Arts in British History. His early career included serving as Tipstaff to Justice Virginia Bell at the Supreme Court of NSW, where he gained invaluable insights into the judicial process. Admitted as an Accredited Specialist in criminal law by the Law Society of NSW in 2013, Paul is recognised for his expertise in this field. He has actively contributed to professional regulatory bodies, including the Law Society's Criminal Law Advisory Committee and the Specialist Accreditation Sub-Committee as both a member and examiner. Paul has conducted numerous criminal hearings across Sydney and regional NSW, achieving not guilty verdicts for clients in various complex cases. His advocacy extends to bail applications, sentencing pleas, and mental health diversions. He frequently appears in the District Court of NSW for conviction and sentencing appeals and represents young defendants in the Children’s Court. Paul's experience encompasses a wide array of criminal charges, from domestic assault and drug offences to more severe allegations like manslaughter and sexual assault. He has also handled professional disciplinary matters and complex suspicious death cases in the NSW Coroner's Court. In addition to his criminal defence work, Paul maintains a civil practice focused on cases arising from improperly maintained prosecutions. He represents individuals seeking justice against the State and personal defendants against governmental bodies. His legal acumen extends to advising clients on media law issues, including defamation claims. Outside the courtroom, Paul engages in reading history and biography, enjoys 20th-century fiction and films, and appreciates wine, tennis, and touch rugby.
Member, Law Society Criminal Law Advisory Committee

Partner
KPT Defence Lawyers
Dec 2022 - Present • 3 years 11 months

Solicitor
Self-employed
Jan 2020 - Jan 2022 • 2 years

Member - Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee (Criminal Law)
The Law Society of NSW
Jul 2017 - Jul 2022 • 5 years
Director
Blake Lawyers
Oct 2010 - Present • 16 years 1 month
Solicitor
Sid Hawach & Co
Aug 2009 - Oct 2010 • 1 year 2 months
Solicitor
YPOL Pty Limited t/as Yeldham Price O'Brien Lusk
Jan 2008 - Apr 2009 • 1 year 3 months

Tipstaff to the Hon. Justice Virginia Bell
Supreme Court of New South Wales
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 • 11 months

Bachelor of Laws (LLB - Hons.)
University of Sydney
2003 - 2006

Master’s Degree, history (modern British)
York University
2001 - 2002
Bachelor’s Degree, history
Dalhousie University
1997 - 2000
Bachelor’s Degree, history
University of King's College
1996 - 2000
Accredited Specialist in criminal law
Law Society of NSW
Last checked: 12 Sept 2026 • Checked with Law Society of NSW