Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally

Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally is the leading criminal defence firm in Melbourne. We represent clients in complex, high-stakes matters.

Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialists. www.starylaw.com
Ph: (03) 8622 8200 * Available 24/7

03/09/2026

What most people see is a lawyer standing in court.

What they don't see is the preparation that happens beforehand.

Every criminal matter involves understanding the circumstances, reviewing information, developing a legal strategy and working closely with clients before stepping into the courtroom.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, we know that strong legal representation begins well before a court appearance.

We were proud to be part of the Criminal & Family Law Association - CFLA's Annual Careers Fair today, with Partner Brett...
02/09/2026

We were proud to be part of the Criminal & Family Law Association - CFLA's Annual Careers Fair today, with Partner Brett Barratt and Senior Associate Lucy Massouras representing Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally. ⚖️

It was fantastic to meet so many law students and share an insight into what a career in criminal law can look like beyond the traditional corporate pathway.

Brett and Lucy enjoyed speaking with students about life in criminal defence, the work we do at Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, and the many different pathways available within the profession.

Thank you to the CFLA for bringing together students, practitioners and organisations from across the criminal and family law professions.

We’re proud to support the next generation of lawyers and encourage students to explore the many rewarding opportunities available in criminal law.

August was a month of achievements, celebrations and new beginnings at Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally.Here’s a look bac...
02/09/2026

August was a month of achievements, celebrations and new beginnings at Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from the month:

🎓 Celebrating Louise Conwell

We farewelled our colleague and Partner, Louise Conwell, as she embarked on an exciting new chapter in her legal career with her admission to the Victorian Bar.

Louise has been an integral part of our firm, and we are incredibly proud to see her take this next step. We thank her for her friendship, leadership and outstanding contribution to Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally and wish her every success at the Bar.

🏆 Recognising Paul Galbally & Sam Norton

We were proud to see Partners Paul Galbally and Sam Norton recognised as Leading Criminal Lawyers – White Collar Crime in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide rankings.

The recognition reflects their extensive experience, expertise and longstanding contribution to criminal defence. Congratulations to Sam and Paul on this well-deserved achievement.

🥂 Celebrating our Operations Team

We also took some time to celebrate the incredible people behind the scenes who keep our firm running smoothly.

Our Operations Team enjoyed a long lunch at Oriental Teahouse — a chance to step away from the day-to-day and recognise their hard work, dedication and support throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who made August such a memorable month. We’re looking forward to everything the months ahead will bring.

There are plenty of misconceptions about criminal law, and believing the wrong advice can make an already stressful situ...
01/09/2026

There are plenty of misconceptions about criminal law, and believing the wrong advice can make an already stressful situation even more confusing.

In this carousel, we've addressed three common myths we hear regularly.

Every legal matter is different, and the information shared here is general in nature. If you're unsure about your rights or the legal process, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your options.

Which myth surprised you the most?

Save this post for future reference.

No two days are the same in criminal law.Meet Luke Metherell, Lawyer.From preparing matters to appearing in court, Luke ...
27/08/2026

No two days are the same in criminal law.

Meet Luke Metherell, Lawyer.

From preparing matters to appearing in court, Luke works closely with clients to navigate complex criminal proceedings.

We asked Luke what he values most about practising criminal law:

“It’s the privilege of being trusted to be a relentless champion for someone - particularly when they have a lot to lose. While advocacy is the most professionally fulfilling part of my job, what I value the most personally is the last conversation I have with a client—where they are finally unburdened by upcoming court dates and can begin to focus on the things that truly matter to them.”

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, our lawyers are committed to providing practical advice, strong advocacy and support at every stage of the criminal justice process.

To learn more about Luke and his work in criminal law, visit his profile: https://www.starylaw.com/melbourne/luke-metherell

25/08/2026

Being charged with a criminal offence does not always mean a criminal conviction will follow.

In some circumstances, eligible individuals may be considered for the Criminal Justice Diversion Program, which can allow a matter to be dealt with without recording a criminal conviction if the program is successfully completed.

Diversion is not available in every case, and eligibility depends on a range of factors. Careful preparation and presenting the right material to the court can play an important role in a diversion application.

Want to know more? Read our full guide to the Criminal Justice Diversion Program in Victoria: https://www.starylaw.com/news/criminal-justice-diversion-program-in-victoria

A great afternoon today celebrating our incredible Operations Team! ✨We enjoyed a lovely long lunch at Oriental Teahouse...
21/08/2026

A great afternoon today celebrating our incredible Operations Team! ✨

We enjoyed a lovely long lunch at Oriental Teahouse, taking some time away from the busy day-to-day to recognise the hard work, dedication and support our Operations Team brings to Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally.

Thank you for everything you do to keep the firm running smoothly. It was wonderful to enjoy a day out, while our lovely temp and the lawyers manned the office.

A strong criminal defence is built through preparation, collaboration and experience.While clients may have a primary la...
20/08/2026

A strong criminal defence is built through preparation, collaboration and experience.

While clients may have a primary lawyer representing them, complex criminal matters often involve the work of an entire team – from initial advice and preparation through to court representation.

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, our lawyers work collaboratively to ensure each matter receives careful attention and a considered approach.

Behind every case is a team committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Meet our team: https://www.starylaw.com/our-team

Many people are surprised to learn that police can use certain investigative techniques during an interview. Knowing you...
18/08/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that police can use certain investigative techniques during an interview. Knowing your rights before answering questions is an important part of protecting your legal position.

One of the most important rights in many criminal matters is the right to silence. Understanding when it applies, what it means in practice, and how police interviews are conducted can help you make informed decisions.

Our latest article explores:

🔹whether police can lie during an interview;
🔹what the right to silence means in Victoria;
🔹why obtaining legal advice before participating in a police interview can be important.

Read the full article via the link in our bio or here: https://www.starylaw.com/news/the-right-to-silence-and-its-limits

Congratulations to Partner Sam Norton, who has been recognised as a Leading Criminal Lawyer – White Collar Crime in the ...
17/08/2026

Congratulations to Partner Sam Norton, who has been recognised as a Leading Criminal Lawyer – White Collar Crime in the Doyle's Guide 2026 rankings.

Recognition from Doyle's Guide is a reflection of the standing lawyers have established among their clients and peers, and we are pleased to see Sam recognised for his work in white collar crime.

Sam brings a measured and strategic approach to complex criminal matters, combining detailed preparation with strong advocacy and a clear focus on the interests of his clients.

This recognition is a testament to Sam's experience, professionalism and contribution to the practice of criminal defence.

We are proud to celebrate this achievement and congratulate Sam on his 2026 Doyle's Guide recognition.

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Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

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