William de Mars

Admitted as a legal practitioner in 1993 (NSW, WA and NT) 
Admitted as a barrister in 2018

William has extensive experience as a criminal lawyer both in NSW and interstate, appearing in trials, sentences and appeals.  He also has considerable experience appearing in coronial inquests and native title matters.

Principal areas of Practice

  • Criminal law
  • Appeals
  • Commissions of inquiry and inquests
  • Disciplinary Tribunals
  • Administrative and Public Law

Professional Background

  • Solicitor Advocate (Criminal law) Legal Aid NSW, 2017-2018
  • Solicitor Advocate and Manager, Coronial Inquest Unit, Legal Aid NSW 2010-2017
  • Senior Solicitor (Criminal Law), Inner City Local Courts, Legal Aid NSW 2007-2010
  • Crown / State Prosecutor, DPP of Western Australia 2001-2005
  • Solicitor, Land and Heritage Unit, Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia, 1997-2001
  • Solicitor, Criminal Law, Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, 1994-1996
  • Policy Advisor to Federal Human Rights Commissioner 1991-1993

Criminal Law

Notable matters include:
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  • AG v XX (heard 2017) NSWCCA – instructing solicitor in first matter in Australia under “double jeopardy” legislation (proceedings against an accused after jury acquittal);
  • Appearing as trial counsel in multiple District Court trials and junior counsel in murder prosecution as Crown Prosecutor for WA;
  • Solicitor Advocate for defence in District Court (NSW) trial and sentence matters.
  • Advocate in NSW and the NT for defendants in Supreme Court Bail and Appeal matters

Coronial Law

As Solicitor in Charge of Legal Aid’s Coronial Inquest Unit for seven years, William appeared on behalf of families and other interested parties in numerous coronial inquests, including hospital and other deaths related to medical care, suspicious deaths, deaths in custody, deaths during police operations, deaths occurring in disability care, and workplace deaths. 

Native Title

William has acted as solicitor and junior counsel in long running contested native title proceedings for native title claimants in the Federal Court, including:

  • Daniel v State of Western Australia (2000) 178 ALR 542 (expert evidence in Native Title);
  • Daniel v State of Western Australia [2003] FCA 666 (Native Title determination).

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For further details or enquiries regarding William de Mars' areas of expertise, fees and terms of engagement please contact his Clerk.

CONTACT HERE
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