The Best Criminal Defense Firms in Adelaide That Make Prosecutors Sweat
Australia doesn’t play games with criminal charges. Medium to serious offences can mean anything between 2 years of being locked up or a lifetime of imprisonment.
That’s only if you’re proven guilty, of course. So the question is, how do you protect your future when charged with a criminal offence?
It starts with one simple step: exercise your right to remain silent until you can speak with an elite firm.
Not any lawyer will do. (These are the best in traffic law, but we don’t recommend them for criminal defence because specialty matters.) To spare you the extra stress of reading through listings, we only included Adelaide’s best in this review.
WOODS & CO LAWYERS PTY LTD
Address: Level 4/185 Victoria Square
Contact Details: +61 8 8311 3111
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
| Google review score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Experience | 4.5/5 |
| Track Record | 4.5/5 |
| Communication Skills | 4.6/5 |
| Reputation | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.5/5 |
Woods & Co Lawyers is no stranger to the courtroom. Practising for 23-plus years, they’ve handled a wealth of criminal cases, minor and high-profile alike.
Michael Woods himself, the firm’s principal, brings decades of broad experience. His background spans defence, investigation, and prosecution, thanks to a 15-year stint with the South Australian police.
What’s more, representation stays consistent, as their attorneys appear in all South Australian Courts. That means you’ll get the same team from start to finish.
A potential deal-breaker is size; Woods & Co Lawyers has fewer practitioners compared to other entries.
The firm being in high demand could also be a drawback for those who need urgent counsel.
Communication is a strong point, thankfully. Associates (like Vivian Ngo) have a knack for responding fast and easing stressed clients.
Ongoing advice post-trial is provided as well, and that’s a plus in our books.
They actually cared
I chose this Law Firm because it’s the only one I could find at the time with a 5 star google review in Adelaide. From the ladies at the front desk, to Ben Chehade who was my solicitor. That’s exactly what I got.. a 5 star service. A reasonabe price that was fairly administered, and a team that gave me the feeling that they actually cared. That was my experience anyway. Thank you Woods and Co Lawyers.. In particular.. Thank you Ben
Joel Murphy, Google Review
Very Satisfactory Advice
I hired Ben Chehade from Woods & Co Laywers recently to handle a small criminal case. I received the best possible outcome, I was charged a very reasonable price with payment options, and received very satisfactory advice and service. It made me feel very confident, and now that it’s all over and done with, I feel incredible relief. Highly recommended, and thank you Ben for all your support once again.
RoseRed, Google Review
Williams Barristers and Solicitors
Address: 90 George St
Contact Details: +61 8 8451 9040
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
| Google review score | 4.9/5 |
| Facebook review score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
| Experience | 4/5 |
| Track Record | 4.5/5 |
| Communication Skills | 4/5 |
| Reputation | 4.6/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.5/5 |
Industry recognition gives Williams Barristers and Solicitors extra gravitas. Doyles, for instance, backed up their criminal law services for 8 straight years.
The attorneys themselves aren’t short on prestige, starting with Mark Williams and Natalia Olson. Both have been in practice for more than a decade.
What’s reassuring is that they remain sharp in keeping clients informed and out of trouble. Based on our research, most of the firm’s clients walked away with favourable outcomes and were updated regularly through email.
There’s a 24-hour legal advice service too, which is handy for emergencies.
Not everyone, however, is pleased with how they handle queries. Most find the team’s phone support professional, but a few deem their style too straightforward.
Folks after criminal defence-only outfits might also find them “too broad,” as Williams also takes on inheritance matters (which these wills and estates lawyers specialise in).
Couldn’t Ask for More
Mark and the team at Williams and legal have been such a grand support to me in my efforts to resolve a deceased estate with duel executors. I couldn’t ask for more and couldn’t recommend them more highly. The best level of service and care I could ask for in the difficult situation I was faced with. Thank you kindly and well deserved 5 stars!
Rhys Davis, Google Review
Highly Professional Service
Rebecca Lucas and the team at Willaims were exceptional in providing a considered, caring and highly professional service. I was given control of the decision making at every step in the process, which was both empowering and healing. Thank you for assisting me in achieving a positive outcome.
Lucy Cirocco, Google Review
Stanley & Co. Lawyers
Address: 93 Carrington St
Contact Details: +61 8 7001 6135
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
| Google review score | 4.7/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Experience | 4/5 |
| Track Record | 4.4/5 |
| Communication Skills | 4.5/5 |
| Reputation | 4.6/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.6/5 |
The 2016-founded Stanley & Co. Lawyers separate themselves from the pack by offering fixed rates across all services. That’s a rarity among Australian firms.
Consults don’t cost a dime either, and the neat part? Callers still get lots of information. Timelines, advice, and pricing, for instance, are discussed in depth.
Accolades further boost their reputation. Last 2025, Lawyers Weekly crowned Rich Stanley (a partner and co-founder) Criminal Partner of the Year.
Some clients, however, were miffed about their cases dragging way longer than expected, so that’s one catch to be wary of.
You might also have to be flexible with your first appointment date due to high demand.
On the upside, Stanley & Co. Lawyers is a well-rounded firm. They can provide advice, negotiate with the prosecution, build a case, and even represent you across every Australian tribunal or court.
Very Personable
It speaks volumes when an ex-associate of a law firm is still willing to refer that firm business. Such was the case here & Nathan more than justified his engagement. Knowledgeable, efficient & very personable. What more can you ask for. Highly recommended. HK
Henry Keogh, Google Review
Professional, Attentive
Ryan Caldwell has been outstanding to work with – professional, attentive, and genuinely caring throughout the entire process. I felt supported every step of the way, and ultimately achieved the result I was hoping for!
I highly recommend Ryan and the team at Stanley & Co. Thanks guys 😊
Emily Lawson, Google Review
D’Angelo Lawyers
Address: 179 Goodwood Rd, Millswood
Contact Details: +61 8 8373 3363
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
| Google review score | 4.9/5 |
| Yelp review score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4.2/5 |
| Experience | 4.8/5 |
| Track Record | 4.6/5 |
| Communication Skills | 4.4/5 |
| Reputation | 4.6/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.6/5 |
Established way back in 1988, D’Angelo Lawyers is another firm with decades to boast.
Breaking down complex legalese into plain English is one of their strengths. Our interviewees describe their style as “easy to understand,” with a handful also praising the non-litigious approach.
Paul D’Angelo himself is tested in criminal law. For 30-plus years, he’s managed minor and severe cases, including driving charges, murder, assault, and sexual offences.
Surprisingly, the firm is generally seen as fair on pricing, even with all the experience and wins.
If only their personnel were as many as others. It’s not a one-man show, yes, but some picks simply have more attorneys.
A dedicated 24-hour emergency service isn’t offered as well, and it’s a feature that’s standard elsewhere.
But hey, that hasn’t stopped Doyles from consistently naming them a leading criminal law firm.
Helpful and Compassionate
I would recommend Jordan if you require legal assistance. He was helpful and compassionate when finalizing my Mum’s estate. He reassured me that everything was on the right path and he responded to all my enquiries promptly.
Sue Sheldrick Home, Google Review
They made the task easy for me
I’d like to recommend Liam at the D Angelo lawyers at Goodwood.
I find paperwork really difficult to do, but the receptionist and the lawyers there were amazing. They made the task easy for me. I recommend them highly.
evie Hassiotis, Google Review
Mangan Ey & Associates
Address: Unit 5/118–130 Halifax St
Contact Details: +61 8 8227 2322
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
| Google review score | 4.7/5 |
| Facebook review score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4.7/5 |
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Track Record | 4.7/5 |
| Communication Skills | 4.5/5 |
| Reputation | 4.6/5 |
| Pricing(A higher score means a better value, not higher fees) | 4.4/5 |
If this list were based on longevity alone, Mangan Ey & Associates would easily top it. They’ve been around since 1982, making them one of the oldest criminal defence firms in Adelaide.
You can also say their specialist focus is a major edge. Criminal cases are this outfit’s main area of expertise, which can’t be said for every pick.
Another boon is their collaborative approach. Managing partner Stephen Ey oversees all cases, and the man has 40 years to his name.
Their impressive record of defending high-profile individuals, mainly those facing complex murder and drug charges, suggests the effectiveness of that approach.
Just make sure to clarify the fees when you call. Many reckon they’re cost-effective, but some found the rates a touch exxy.
We also believe it’s prudent to act fast, as their cred attracts lots of people. You can phone them after-hours for urgent criminal matters, anyway.
Empathetic and Professional
I cannot thank Sean Nottle enough. He was empathetic and professional from start to finish and when he was unavailable he made sure that one of his colleagues would be there to represent me. I was looking at the possibility of doing a 12 month custodial sentence and he was able to get me a bond and disqualification of my licence instead. I can’t recommend these guys enough and I’m so thankful I choose this law firm.
Lisa Manoel, Google Review
High Quality Work
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mangan Ey and Associates, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. The team was professional, attentive, and truly cared about my needs. They provided high-quality work without the outrageous fees I’ve seen elsewhere. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and affordable services!
Mahdi Hussaini, Google Review
