Bill Potts

Director- Criminal Lawyer Brisbane and Gold Coast

Our founding director brings to Potts Lawyers a breadth of criminal law experience derived from a successful career spanning almost three decades. His professional values are the touchstone which now guides his team of eight criminal law advocates.

“I am here to defend my clients to the very best of my ability. That requires me to listen and give considered, strategic advice. In court, I am determined to fight for the best possible outcome for every client, whether that be a battler or a major corporation.”

Bill sees his role as that of ally, navigating a path for his clients through the enormous stress of a criminal investigation or prosecution. That role takes him all round the country and to all courts from the Magistrates to the High Courts, defending clients charged with the most serious of offences. A sample of his cases are listed in the media section of this website.

What that means for all clients of Potts Lawyers is access to the strongest possible defence and the retinue of skills essential to effective representation,

“the art of advocacy isn’t limited to the courtroom but extends beyond that… to effective negotiation based on the insight which only experience can bring.”

Bill instils in his team a philosophy of client service, a strong work ethic, a passion for winning and an appreciation of the finer points of criminal law advocacy. He does this by working closely with his team, leading by example and adding his touch wherever and whenever it is needed.

When Bill isn’t involved in work or busy with one of his community organisations, he can usually be found reading or listening to his extensive music collection. He collects outlandish ties to match his courtroom banter.

And as for his leadership and reputation for delivering results; they are at your service… when we make a stand for you.

Cameron Browne

Director, Criminal Lawyer Brisbane and Gold Coast

Director Cameron Browne has practised exclusively in criminal defence for over decade, dealing with serious crime, white collar offences and traffic law. He hails originally from regional Queensland, so he welcomes the opportunity to travel to country courts.

He has developed an extensive client base in that time, whilst forging a reputation as a strong communicator and resolute tactician.

“I tend to approach every new matter in the same way. I focus on explaining every step of the process, so that my clients can make informed decisions about the conduct of their case based on all the options. I aim to provide a steadying hand in what is for most a very stressful time.”

Cameron handles complex criminal law matters; those serious crimes and white collar offences which require an eye to detail and a strategic approach. His analytical approach is aimed at securing an optimal result for his clients in spite of the adversities which are part and parcel of such matters.

This means that he adopts a pro-active stance to the resolution of criminal law matters. His services are frequently called upon by clients seeking confidential advice in the early stages of a matter.

“I find that with proper advice early on some problems can be nipped in the bud or at least the consequences can be less serious than might otherwise be the case.”

He has a strong interest in the ethical dimensions of legal practice and the development of client service delivery standards.

In his spare time, Cameron is an avid reader and sports fan.

Rob Franklin

CEO & Director, Criminal Lawyer Brisbane and Gold Coast

Director Rob Franklin is the CEO of Potts Lawyers.

Rob has practised for almost three decades, principally in the areas of commercial litigation and law firm management.

An adjunct assistant professor at Bond University Law Faculty, Rob has also for many years lectured in corporate law, business associations, contract, legal ethics and trust accounting. He enjoys serving on a Queensland Law Society Committee and has a special interest in legal ethics. He is also a mediator.

He consults on complex white collar offences, risk management and civil litigation.

As CEO Rob is responsible for the day to day management of the practice and as client care officer, he seeks to ensure that our services meet our clients’ needs and expectations. Rob believes that the success of any law firm depends on its ability to deliver consistently high standards of service. In criminal and civil litigation, that starts with listening to the client and maintaining a strong communication bond throughout the matter.

“Clients are looking for a dialogue with their lawyer. That involves a free exchange of information and the building of clear expectations.”

One of the areas he thinks lawyers can improve on is communication on costs.

“Clients want to know what their matter will cost and we meet that need by providing fixed fee quotations for each stage of the matter.”

Out of the office, he enjoys cruising in his restored Kombi and dreams of resurrecting his surfing career.

Karen Short

Criminal Lawyer Brisbane and Gold Coast

Karen has worked as part of Bill Potts’ legal team for 17 years and as a solicitor for the past 7 years. In that time, she has played an integral role in the development and maintenance of the standards of service which have underscored the practice’s growth and success.

Karen is focussed on ensuring not just that every client is kept up to date on the progress of their matter but that each case is thoroughly prepared. She will not present anything less than comprehensive representations to the court in pleas on behalf of clients and will leave no stone unturned in preparing matters for hearing.

“I’m a great believer in the 5 P’s…Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance”

Karen has experience across the full range of criminal law, traffic law and white collar offences. She understands that being involved in a Court proceeding can be very stressful both for the client and their family.

“Communication is an important part of what we do. Clients need to be informed at every stage of their matter…where the case is up to, what will happen next and how much it will cost.”

When Karen is not working she relaxes with family and friends and enjoys reading, movies and cooking. She endeavours to keep fit and healthy as a member of the firm’s netball team combined with regular visits to the gym and yoga classes.

Adam Dwyer

Criminal Lawyer

Adam has completed Bachelor and Masters degrees in law. He has been awarded postgraduate degrees in Commercial Law and Criminology and has completed a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Justice. He is a former lecturer in Justice Studies at Queensland TAFE and is presently studying towards his Doctor of Laws.

Adam is well placed by virtue of his qualifications to advise and represent corporate clients and individuals in all white collar crime matters. He appears in all courts and Crime Commission hearings.

On the basis of his tertiary qualifications, one might be forgiven for thinking that Adam is an ‘academic’ lawyer. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“It’s hardly surprising that I learned most about the workings of criminal law investigating major crime in Brisbane and prosecuting in the Magistrates Court. I am now well entrenched in private practice and really enjoying my role as a criminal defence advocate in a leading firm.”

Every day, Adam combines these experiences and the perspectives they bring for the benefit of his clients. He plays an important supervisory role in the Brisbane office. Although his playing career is now finished Adam can be found at every Bronco’s home game.

Katherine Grant

Legal Secretary

Katherine is the personal assistant to Director, Cameron Browne and a popular member of the Potts Lawyers team.
With over six years experience in the legal industry, she has a background in family law as well as criminal law.

Katherine’s dedication to getting the job done is what ensures that Cameron’s clients are kept informed of progress on their matter.

“I like to know what is happening on every client’s file so that I can help them to keep up to date with developments.”

Katherine’s strengths lie not just in the implementation of efficient file management systems but her capacity to maintain a cheerful disposition whilst coping with her large workload.

Katherine is a Justice of the Peace.

Julia Jasper

Criminal Lawyer

Julia combines the dual qualifications as a chartered accountant and criminal lawyer in her role as white collar crime lawyer at the firm.

A background working at a management level in major accounting firms, investment banks and public companies both in Australia and London gives her the forensic insights she needs in her daily work at the interface of criminal law and the commercial world.

Add to that the detailed working knowledge she has gained in management positions with confiscations of crime authorities in Western Australia and Queensland over 5 years and you have a criminal law advocate with a skill set which is hard to match.

Julia is therefore well equipped not only to advocate for clients in respect of the most complex of commercial crimes but to consult with Corporations as a risk manager and investigator. She has the capacity to undertake detailed analyses of accounting and other information and apply the skills of a criminal lawyer familiar with relevant legislation and criminal procedures.

“I am very happy to be working in an area of practice which combines all my experience and training. I hope I can add value not only to my personal clients’ cases but to other firms and corporations who might require consultancy services in this specialist and often tricky area of practice.”

Julia enjoys the opportunity to travel and sample other cultures and ways of life.

Kathryn Alley

Legal Secretary

With almost seven years experience working with the criminal law team, Kathryn is one of the senior members of staff. She also has experience in other areas of law.

She is now kept busy providing support to criminal lawyers Michael Purcell and Julia Jasper.

This requires her to manage a wide range and number of matters and maintain communications with all their clients. She takes on responsibility for all aspects of file administration and enjoys the interaction with clients.

Kathryn says that she particularly enjoys developing additional skills in areas such as New South Wales criminal law.

She is the mainstay of the firm’s netball team.

Brigid Taylor

Legal Secretary

Brigid has worked with the Potts’ team for almost 4 years. She has provided secretarial support for Bill Potts, Paul Hamilton and Karen Short.

She has since moved into a legal secretarial role principally supporting Mark Williams.

In this role, Brigid covers a wide range of criminal law matters and has experience working with Legal Aid Office systems. Brigid holds qualifications in advertising and marketing.

“My training in marketing, in particular, has really helped me in my communications with clients.”

Brigid also provides support to the practice’s civil litigation section and has crossover skills to cover that area of law.

Kristy Walker

Legal Secretary

Kristy has worked as part of the team supporting Director Bill Potts for almost two years.

In this time she has become an integral part of a tight knit team which handles a high caseload of serious crime files.

In addition to the preparation of briefs and correspondence, Kristy is also involved directly in day to day communications with clients.

She brings to this role a real eye for detail and a determination to get things right the first time around.

Kristy is also a Justice of the Peace.

Michael Purcell

Criminal Lawyer

Michael was admitted as a barrister in 2003. He also has over two decades experience as a prosecutor in Magistrates Courts throughout the State. He prosecuted over 700 summary trials and committals as well as having carriage of thousands of summary mentions.

For eight years, he was in charge of prosecutions on the Gold Coast and responsible for 15 police prosecutors. Subsequently he joined the Legal Services section of the Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Water Brisbane as a principal lawyer/team leader of their compliance prosecution section. He had a responsibility for the assessing, recommending and carriage of prosecutions and administrative actions for the department throughout the state. This role included close liaison and/or instructions to Crown Law on a variety of matters. Integral to his experience in the police and public sector areas, Michael has produced many legal advices and ministerial briefings, gaining valuable experience in the machinations of the government and its relationship with the legal system.

Michael commenced criminal defence work with Bill Potts mid 2008 and has represented clients in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts. He has had carriage of the defence of serious crimes including murder and serious drug offences. He has also lectured in the Legal Skills program at Bond University.

Craig DoRozario

Litigation Lawyer Brisbane and Gold Coast Profile

Craig is a senior litigation lawyer who was handpicked to manage the day to day operations of the dispute resolution section.

Craig holds bachelor degrees in Business (International Business) and Law as well as a Master of Laws degree majoring in Commercial Law. The focus of Craig’s post graduate study was commercial litigation, insurance disputes and mediation.

In 2000 he joined the predecessor firm of Potts Lawyers, Price & Roobottom, as an articled clerk. In 2002 he was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Queensland. From 2003 to midway through 2008 Craig worked as a litigation lawyer at two of the largest litigation practices in Australia. He attained Senior Associate level and returned to the Gold Coast because he saw an opportunity to be part of a more personable, agile law firm composed of experienced lawyers and truly committed staff.

Craig is confident and articulate and has the technical expertise to handle complex litigation disputes and compensation claims. He has advocated for clients in all levels of Queensland Courts as well as in mediations and settlement conferences.

Craig’s interests include politics and modern art. He is a keen runner and recreational kayaker… presently contemplating the challenge of designing a kayak friendly crab pot.

Paul Hamilton

Criminal Lawyer

Paul completed his secondary education in Mackay and graduated from the University of Queensland in 1998 before returning to Mackay and commencing articles of clerkship with a local law firm. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2000.

Paul's exposure to criminal defence work began shortly following his admission as a solicitor and he has practised exclusively in the criminal law field for the past 8 years, representing clients in the Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court and the Queensland Court of Appeal. He has also appeared in the Australian Crime Commission.

In 2005, he moved to the Gold Coast to join Bill Potts’ criminal law team. In that time he has established himself as a respected member of the Gold Coast legal profession, and is a familiar identity in the Gold Coast criminal courts.

Paul practises in all areas of criminal and traffic law, and in that role travels throughout Queensland.

Paul is a keen golfer and also enjoys a game of cards.

Hayley Behm

Legal Secretary

Hayley has been a mainstay of the practice with 6 years of experience across a wide range of legal practice areas.

She presently performs a personal assistant role, working principally with Litigation Lawyer, Craig DoRozario. In that role, Hayley takes on a high level of responsibility for the day to day administration of dispute resolution and personal injury files.

She is well equipped for that role by her varied experience in everything from legal accounting to commercial law to criminal law.

Hayley brings to her current role a level of commitment which is matched only by her calm efficiency in getting the job done.

Jacqui Hespe

Legal Secretary

Director Bill Potts can operate at the level he does because he has Jacqui in his corner.

Jacqui’s legal career started twenty years ago and her journey has taken her through various roles from partner’s personal assistant to secretary for QC’s.

Her experience has covered most areas of law over two States, although in the past 6 years she has specialised in criminal law, assisting Bill Potts and Karen Short in the administration of a busy practice.

Jacqui is a key player in the Potts Lawyers team. She sets a wonderful example of the importance of the maintenance of the highest standards of service and staying calm under pressure.

Jacqui is a Justice of the Peace.

Winsome Walker

Receptionist

Winsome takes her obligations as the front person for the practice seriously and her experience as a legal receptionist shows every day in her many interactions with clients.

In the past nine years, Win has managed the telephone and reception duties of this busy criminal and litigation practice.

She understands more than most that clients find their experience with the law very stressful and so she works hard to ensure that clients are assisted through the process as much as possible.

Her friendly manner is a genuine reflection of her desire to assist both clients and staff communicate in an efficient and helpful manner.

Mark Williams

Criminal Lawyer

Mark's Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management major) provide the grounding for a wide variety of criminal and quasi-criminal matters. He has also been awarded postgraduate qualifications in summary (Magistrates) prosecutions. Mark has also completed the Bar Practice Course and is qualified to practice as a Barrister; however his passion lies with hands-on dealings with clients and enjoys every moment of it. “I like the problem-solving aspect when helping clients…it’s more rewarding and you don’t get that as a Barrister”.

Mark’s background stems from a variety of major criminal areas, but for the past 8 years has developed a detailed and forensic knowledge of child & adult/indecent/sexual assault matters as well as internet and computer offences. His knowledge of these areas places him in a vital position to provide advice on areas of law that are relatively new, widespread but extremely serious.

“Having investigated major crime - specifically in these areas; I can now combine this with specific experience in prosecutions which results in an extremely efficient and effective lawyer for clients who can rely on trust, experience, persistence and commitment”

Apart from the Supreme Court of Queensland, Mark is also admitted to the High Court of Australia allowing him to appear in all Federal Courts throughout Australia.

Mark is a keen musician and has studied classical & modern music, composition and arrangement. He also appears as a guest judge at the QUT Bar Practice Centre for PLT students studying law and assists in tutoring law students at Griffith University.