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Elizabeth McKinnon, Criminal Barrister | Criminal Lawyer

Elizabeth McKinnon, Criminal Barrister | Criminal Lawyer

5.0(111 reviews)See reviews ↓·Melbourne

About the company

Elizabeth McKinnon is a criminal barrister based in Melbourne. She has specialised in criminal defence law for more than 19 years. She holds a B.A. LL.B (MELB), having completed her law degree at the University of Melbourne Law School. She has been awarded an Indictable Crime Certificate and is on the Victoria Legal Aid Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister List. She works mainly in Victorian Criminal Courts, including the Magistrates' Court of Victoria, County Court of Victoria and Supreme Court of Victoria, and also represents accused people in other States and Territories in serious criminal cases.

She represents people charged with a criminal offence by Victoria Police or the Australian Federal Police. Her areas of practice include sex offences, bail applications, stalking charges, assault charges, murder and manslaughter, drug offences, and fraud and theft. Appointments are available on the phone, video or in person. All appointments and emails are confidential.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Elizabeth McKinnon, Criminal Barrister | Criminal Lawyer attracts consistent praise from clients who describe a barrister pairing deep legal knowledge with genuine personal care. Reviewers frequently point to that she accepted matters after other firms had been unable to help, and that charges were ultimately withdrawn in their cases. The way she keeps people informed is a theme running through the accounts, with clients recalling calls returned when promised, including into the evening, and check-ins arranged around court preparation. Those commenting describe being guided through a complicated criminal process and feeling reassured rather than isolated.

Her courtroom work is portrayed as strategic and thorough, with one account of a matter resolved on the day it was heard. Team members feature as part of the support clients received, and individuals note that relatives were looked after alongside the person facing proceedings. The tone across accounts is of someone who invests personally in each case and explains every stage clearly. Criminal law, trial advocacy and legal representation recur throughout, together with guidance through the stress of the justice system and a steady presence from first contact to resolution. Clients also describe feeling at ease discussing sensitive matters with her.

BarristerSolicitorLegal servicesTrial attorney
Elizabeth McKinnon, Criminal Barrister | Criminal Lawyer — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

MJ
Michael John Sunderland7 August 2026

It’s hard to know what a lawyer is like until after you’ve already paid them money. And for a good lawyer that can sometimes be a large sum. So, there’s a leap of faith involved on the clients end. I’m writing this to smooth that for anyone considering hiring Elizabeth. The outcome was what I needed: all charges withdrawn. The way it happened was masterful. There are subtleties, and smoothing, and relationship development, and a way to achieve an outcome that I don’t understand and didn’t need to because she did it for me. She also genuinely cares and I felt and appreciated that. I’m so glad I hired her, so glad with the outcome, and also glad to have someone in my corner for legal advice in the future if needed. Thanks, Elizabeth.

ML
Meg Landry10 June 2026

I highly recommend Elizabeth. She helped me during a very stressful time in my life and got the perfect outcome. Thank you so much for your help.

NL
Nicole Long20 May 2026

From the moment I entered Elizabeth McKinnon's office, I felt scared, but her exceptional hospitality and professionalism quickly reassured me that everything was going to be fine. Elizabeth listened intently, affirming her commitment to my case and providing me with the confidence I needed. Her integrity and passion for truth were evident throughout my experience, as she prioritized my interests and offered unwavering support. Elizabeth’s expertise and genuine compassion set her apart, making her not just a barrister but a true advocate. The entire team at her practice is remarkable, combining professionalism with personal care. If you seek a barrister who is honest, knowledgeable, and truly invested in your case, I wholeheartedly recommend Elizabeth McKinnon. Thank you, Elizabeth, for everything; your support made all the difference.

JB
jp burri30 April 2026

Can highly recommend Elizabeth, she has shown empathy and support and made time to meet. Her knowledge and vast experience helped achieve the best outcome.

DM
Dalaney Myers20 April 2026

Elizabeth is one of the most capable women in her area of expertise . She goes above and beyond making you feel welcome and informing you about things . Her nature makes you as the client feel at ease about problems which is very reassuring.

KH
Kate Hutchinson10 November 2025

I’m so grateful to Elizabeth McKinnon, my barrister, for her exceptional representation over my case. Elizabeth was composed, strategic, and persuasive — her professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding. Thanks to her expertise and strong advocacy, the IVO that had been filed against me was successfully dismissed. She presented my case with clarity and confidence, and I felt completely supported every step of the way. I can’t thank her enough for helping me achieve justice and peace of mind. Highly recommend Elizabeth McKinnon to anyone seeking a skilled and compassionate barrister who truly fights for what’s right.

WX
Wenmiao Xin3 October 2025

Elizabeth is truly the best barrister I could have ever asked for. She is not only highly professional and skilled, but also deeply understanding and compassionate towards my emotions and my situation. Throughout this incredibly stressful time, she provided unwavering support and guidance, helping me navigate a very complex legal process. Thanks to her expertise, all of my charges were successfully withdrawn, and I finally feel like I’ve come out of a ten-month nightmare. You can trust Elizabeth completely, her knowledge, dedication, and care are absolutely exceptional. I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me.

Criminal lawyers in Melbourne compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 10 businesses in this category in Melbourne are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1Josh Smith Legal★ 5,0248Yes
2Hofman Carroll Criminal Law★ 5,0207No
3Elizabeth McKinnon, Criminal Barrister | Criminal Lawyer (this page)★ 5,0111Yes
4Seda Kilic Criminal Lawyers - Criminal Defence Lawyers Melbourne & Geelong★ 5,070Yes
5DSA Crime - Criminal Lawyers Melbourne★ 5,023Yes
Contact
+61452100888legaldefence.com.auFoley's List, 205 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Working hours
Monday00:00–24:00
Tuesday00:00–24:00
Wednesday00:00–24:00
Thursday00:00–24:00
Friday00:00–24:00
Saturday00:00–24:00
Sunday00:00–24:00