As the year comes to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on 2024-the victories, challenges, and moments that defined our work. Before we get into it, we'd like to wish our readers and clients a prosperous New Year!
Without further ado... Inspired by the Spotify Wrapped phenomenon, here's O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors version of a year in review!
697,000 Minutes of Pro Bono Work in Alice Springs
This year, our team of dedicated lawyers took on an incredible pro bono undertaking. Together, we completed 697,000* minutes to pro bono work in Alice Springs, standing up for justice where it's needed most!
Read more about the experience here.
Top Artist of 2024
Sidnie Sarang shone in the Australian Story episode Betrayal | Hannah Grundy, sharing insights into her client's harrowing case of online abuse.
Read more about the sensational case here.
Biggest Media Apologies
Three major publications-Sky News, The Australian, and The Daily Telegraph-issued apologies to our clients, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group.
Firm's Biggest Award
We were honoured to have received the Law Society NSW Pro Bono Service Award.
Find out more about the award.
Solicitor's Biggest Award
Congratulations to Peter O'Brien, recipient of the 2024 Law Council of Australia President's Award!
Find out more about the award.
Acquittals for Protestors
Three Legal Observers from the Rising Tide People's Blockade had all charges acquitted, a win for peaceful activism.
Our Top Activities
Represented the key witness in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
- Reached the finals with our firm's soccer team!
- Peter O'Brien received both the Law Faculty Alumni Award and the UTS Chancellor's Award for Excellence on the same night.
- Shared insights in the Law Society Journal on legal support for political activists.
- Gained 37 new 5-star Google reviews!
Top TV Show Moments
Our media appearances kept us in the spotlight in 2024,
including:
- Peter O'Brien on Bench TV discussing the William Spedding case.
- Stewart O'Connell on Channel 7 addressing the Bruce Lehrmann case.
- Peter on SBS's Trial by Media.
- Sidnie Sarang on Australian Story.
- Peter on 60 Minutes Australia exploring Stephen 'Shorty' Jamieson's case.
Most Downloaded Stats
In 2024, we took on:
- 215 Civil Settlements
- 323 Criminal Cases
- 28 Defamation Claims
566 New Matters across all practice areas in 2024.d