Stephen O'Connell

Profile

Stephen has a broad practice encompassing public law, criminal law, wills and estates, and other civil matters.

Trusts, equity and probate

Stephen has a particular interest in trusts, equity and probate matters and during his Juris Doctor studies at Melbourne University received the Ashurst award for Trusts. He is regularly briefed to appear and advise in matters relating to equitable relief, as well as contested probate matters and Part IV applications.

Public Law

Stephen is regularly briefed to advise and appear in public and administrative law matters, including migration law. He has appeared in judicial review proceedings in both the State and Federal courts and in merits review matters in the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Since coming to the Bar, Stephen has also undertaken engagements as the Legal Counsel for the Victorian Parliament’s Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee.

Criminal Law

Stephen also accepts criminal defence briefs. He is regularly briefed to appear in contested matters in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts and has appeared in criminal matters in the County and Supreme Courts.

Stephen has a particular interest in evidence law, statutory interpretation and applying his knowledge of other areas of law in a criminal context. 

Commercial law

Stephen has a general commercial practice and has appeared and advised on a wide variety of matters including contractual disputes, property proceedings and Australian Consumer Law matters.

Stephen read with Myles Tehan and his senior mentor is Ben Ihle KC.