Andrew McGinness

Principal - Andrew McGinness

Accredited Specialist, Criminal Law

The Principal, Andrew McGinness, commenced employment in the area of criminal defence with the Public Defender’s Office in 1984 where, over a ten year period, he attended upon clients charged with the full spectrum of serious criminal offences ranging from dishonesty matters to murder, preparing the cases and briefing and instructing Counsel at Bail Applications, Sentences, Pre-Trial Applications, Jury Trials and Appeals.

Andrew was admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland in 1994, at which time he worked in private practice for 12 years in Brisbane, continuing to undertake work on behalf of clients charged with serious criminal offences, and also traffic and statutory breaches.

During that time Andrew appeared at Mentions, Applications, Bail Applications, Summary Hearings, Committal Hearings, Sentences, whilst also briefing and instructing Counsel in jury trials.

In 2006 Andrew opened and managed a regional office in North Queensland for a law firm, working solely in the area of Criminal Defence. In the following 3½ year period, Andrew continued appearing on behalf of clients as a Solicitor Advocate.

Also in 2006, Andrew was granted Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law, attaining the honour of the highest achiever in the Inaugural Criminal Law Accreditation Course held that year.

In 2009 Andrew and his wife returned to Brisbane where Andrew commenced the law practice, McGinness & Associates, specialising solely in the area of Criminal Defence.

Andrew continues to represent clients as a Solicitor Advocate whilst also briefing and instructing Counsel before the Courts.