Gilshenan and Luton Legal Practice

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Gilshenan and Luton Legal Practice Gilshenan & Luton is a boutique legal practice specialising in criminal law and employment law. Nobody wants or needs legal jargon. How can we help you today?

We are a leading Queensland criminal law and employment law firm. Led by directors Glen Cranny and Craig Pratt, both accredited specialists in criminal law, Gilshenan & Luton is renowned as a law firm which delivers high-quality service and results to its clients. Commencing in 1924 with the practice of John “Jack” Gilshenan, the firm has always been based in Brisbane, whilst serving the needs of clients all over Queensland. In 1958, Leo Luton joined Jack in partnership and Gilshenan & Luton commenced practice by that name. In the decades thereafter, the firm built a strong reputation across many areas of law. At the forefront of our practice though, has always been criminal law and the defence of misconduct allegations. We have been continually involved in many of the largest and most prominent criminal cases, inquests, and commissions of inquiry held in Queensland over many years. In 2008 the firm decided to specialise solely in its core areas of practice – criminal law and misconduct matters. Since that time the firm has only strengthened its reputation as the best criminal law firm in Queensland. In early 2019, Gilshenan & Luton opened an office in Caboolture, to better service our growing north Brisbane and Sunshine Coast client base. In doing so, we acquired the highly regarded practice of Fowler Lawyers, following the appointment of colleague Mr Kurt Fowler to the Magistrates Court of Queensland. We look forward to continuing our work with the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast communities and local members of the legal profession in providing high-quality criminal and professional misconduct legal services. We continue to win peer-judged awards and recommendations for the quality of our work, and regularly receive referrals from Queensland’s leading commercial and litigation firms seeking assistance for clients with criminal law or misconduct issues. Our work extends across many industries, including law enforcement, health, and the legal and financial professions. Our clients include a wide range of corporate and individual interests, including business people, government entities and officials, and individuals looking for representation and service of the highest quality. We have a very deliberate approach to our work; we look for quality rather than quantity. With a focus on a very high standard of service and attention to detail, our lawyers consistently achieve great results for our clients. We use plain English and explain things in a way that clients can readily understand. We don’t dictate – we advise

We provide you with clear and concise advice to enable you to understand your options. We work both for you and with you, to assist you in making decisions throughout your case. Confidentiality and discretion guaranteed

We conduct our work with absolute discretion. Despite our continual involvement with high profile clients and cases, it is not our style to give media interviews or otherwise seek to promote ourselves at the expense of our clients’ privacy. We understand that our clients are often facing the most challenging period of their lives, and our service delivers not just an expert knowledge of the law, but also exceptional care and commitment on a personal level. We can help you – from the smallest traffic issue through to the most serious criminal charge. Criminal Law
Domestic and Family Violence
Corporate Crime
Professional Misconduct
Health Law
Traffic Offences
Coronial Inquests
Workplace Investigations
Government

We're thrilled to see so many outstanding criminal defence lawyers from across Australia recognised in the 2026 Doyle's ...
14/10/2026

We're thrilled to see so many outstanding criminal defence lawyers from across Australia recognised in the 2026 Doyle's Guide National Rankings.

Congratulations to everyone named across the country. The breadth of talent, commitment and advocacy reflected in this year's list speaks to the strength of the criminal defence profession and the important work being undertaken on behalf of clients every day.

We are particularly proud to see Callan Lloyd recognised as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer - Australia, and Craig Pratt and Patrick Quinn recognised as Recommended Criminal Defence Lawyers - Australia.

While individual recognition is always appreciated, these acknowledgements are never achieved in isolation. They reflect the depth, expertise, professionalism and dedication of the entire Gilshenan & Luton team. Every successful outcome is supported by the collective efforts of our lawyers and support staff, whose hard work and commitment to our clients make this recognition possible.

Thank you to our peers for the recognition, and congratulations again to all practitioners recognised in this year's rankings.

From 1 July 2026, Queensland's Reportable Conduct Scheme requires organisations that work with children to investigate a...
11/10/2026

From 1 July 2026, Queensland's Reportable Conduct Scheme requires organisations that work with children to investigate and report allegations of worker misconduct.

Getting the investigation wrong can undermine confidence in the outcome and invite regulatory scrutiny.

This article explains what a compliant investigation involves, the interim and final report requirements, and when to appoint an external investigator: https://dub.sh/zqotLT9

Commissioning one investigation report to serve legal, regulatory, operational and reputational needs at the same time c...
22/09/2026

Commissioning one investigation report to serve legal, regulatory, operational and reputational needs at the same time can put legal professional privilege at risk.

In Medibank v McClure, the Full Federal Court refused Medibank leave to appeal a ruling that three Deloitte reports on its 2022 cyber incident were not privileged, because legal advice was not their dominant purpose.

This article explains what the decision means for organisations planning investigations and how to protect privilege: https://dub.sh/mLJswDM

Great to see so many members of the Queensland legal profession come together recently for the Queensland Law Society's ...
09/09/2026

Great to see so many members of the Queensland legal profession come together recently for the Queensland Law Society's Future Leaders Committee Coffee Catch Up.

Many of our solicitors were pleased to attend, including Caprice Gobie-Smith, who serves on the Future Leaders Committee, along with Craig Pratt and Callan Lloyd, who joined other experienced practitioners in meeting and chatting with the next generation of Queensland lawyers.

It was an excellent opportunity to connect with early career practitioners, hear about their experiences and aspirations, and share perspectives from different stages of practice.

A sincere thank you to the Queensland Law Society, the Future Leaders Committee, and Chair Emma Kearney for organising such a well-attended and engaging event. Initiatives like these play an important role in strengthening professional connections and supporting the future of our profession.

Queensland is proposing major changes to how parole works for prisoners serving life sentences - expanding the restricte...
08/09/2026

Queensland is proposing major changes to how parole works for prisoners serving life sentences - expanding the restricted prisoner regime and introducing reapplication delays of up to 10 years.

The reforms follow an independent review that found the current system didn't give enough weight to community safety and victims' interests.

Here's a breakdown of what's proposed and what it could mean: https://dub.sh/aXLaCZ2

Queensland's reportable conduct scheme has been in effect since 1 July 2026, and it introduces new obligations for any o...
26/08/2026

Queensland's reportable conduct scheme has been in effect since 1 July 2026, and it introduces new obligations for any organisation that cares for, supervises or has authority over children. If your organisation needs to understand how to report and respond to allegations under the scheme, and what protections apply to those who report, this article explains how the scheme works: https://dub.sh/LT161CA

Can a prisoner in Queensland access egg freezing while in custody? The Queensland Court of Appeal says no - and its reas...
14/08/2026

Can a prisoner in Queensland access egg freezing while in custody? The Queensland Court of Appeal says no - and its reasoning offers a useful lesson in how broadly framed statutory prohibitions get interpreted, even against competing human rights arguments.

This article breaks down the Court's reasoning and what it means for decision-makers and agencies: https://dub.sh/Zf7JJpk

Directors are facing growing personal exposure when governance failures occur - and simply attending meetings isn't enou...
14/07/2026

Directors are facing growing personal exposure when governance failures occur - and simply attending meetings isn't enough. Our latest blog looks at core directors' duties under the Corporations Act, what the ASIC v Bekier case means for boards, and how directors should respond when red flags emerge.

Here's what your board needs to know: https://dub.sh/QaBvo9E

We celebrate the recent nomination for Elisha Perez, Graduate Lawyer of the Year. This nomination reflects well-deserved...
13/07/2026

We celebrate the recent nomination for Elisha Perez, Graduate Lawyer of the Year. This nomination reflects well-deserved recognition of Elisha’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Elisha joined Gilshenan & Luton as part of our inaugural 2026 Graduate Program, one of four graduates who helped shape what has been a landmark year for the firm’s investment in the next generation of legal practitioners.

In a relatively short period of time, Elisha has progressed from graduate to admitted solicitor, earned her practising certificate, and made a significant contribution across a range of complex matters. Her enthusiasm for learning, willingness to embrace challenging work, initiative in supporting her colleagues, and commitment to continuous improvement have made a lasting impression on everyone who has worked with her.

Well done Elisha! Wishing you continued success and every opportunity as you take the next steps in your career.

Some lawyers build successful careers. Others quietly build trust, respect and influence across an entire profession. Fo...
13/07/2026

Some lawyers build successful careers. Others quietly build trust, respect and influence across an entire profession. For more than 20 years, Craig Pratt has done exactly that.

Craig is one of Queensland's leading criminal and administrative lawyers, recognised for his work in coronial inquests, commissions of inquiry, professional discipline and complex criminal matters. He is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and has contributed extensively to the profession through Queensland Law Society committees and specialist accreditation programs.

What those achievements don't capture is the person behind them: thoughtful, measured, relentlessly prepared and deeply committed to his clients and colleagues.

His nomination as a finalist for Queensland Law Society Solicitor of the Year (Small Firm) is a fitting recognition of a remarkable career and a reflection of the person he genuinely is.

Congratulations Craig. Very well deserved.

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Level 9, 15 Adelaide Street
Brisbane, QLD
4000

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