Meet The Team

Nick Terry

DIRECTOR

BIO
Nick is a Director of The Defence Lawyers, having established the firm with Leo Hartley in 2019.

Nick graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2010 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce. Nick was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2012 and in the High Court of Australia in 2019.

Nick started his career as the Associate to the Hon. Justice Murphy in the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal). He then commenced practising as a criminal lawyer, working with Mara Barone SC and then Gary Massey – both of whom went on to become Judges of the District Court of Western Australia.

Nick regularly appears as counsel in complex criminal matters. Nick has significant experience in:

Drug trafficking and importation offences
Homicides
Assault offences
Sexual offences
Bail applications
Restraining Orders

Leo Hartley

DIRECTOR

BIO

Leo is a Director of The Defence Lawyers, having established the firm with Nick Terry in 2019.

Leo graduated from Murdoch University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Laws and completed postgraduate studies in Oil and Gas Law at the University of Western Australia in 2011. Leo commenced his legal career in 2012, working at a criminal law firm. He was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2013. He has since gained experience working in both the private sector and government. He is also a nationally accredited mediator.

Leo regularly appears as counsel in complex criminal matters. Leo has significant experience in:

Drug offences
Assault offences
Traffic offences
Bail applications
Confiscation matters
Restraining Orders
Extraordinary Driver’s Licence Applications
Removal of Lifetime Driver’s Licence Disqualification Applications

Alexander Smith

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

BIO

Alex graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2015 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts.

After university, Alex worked as the Usher to his Honour Judge Quail in the District Court of Western Australia. He was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2016. Since being admitted, Alex has practised exclusively in the field of criminal law and related areas at a number of boutique criminal law firms. Alex joined The Defence Lawyers in 2022.

Alex regularly appears on a broad range of criminal matters including appearing as counsel in District Court trials, bail applications, and complex directions hearings.

Alex has significant experience in:

Drug offences
Assault offences
Dishonesty offences
Bail applications

Oliver Heath

LAWYER

BIO

Oliver graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2022 with a double degree of Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Journalism).

He was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2023.

In 2020, Oliver took 18 months away from his studies to work at the District Court of Western Australia as the usher to her Honour Judge Mara Barone SC.

During his studies, Oliver also volunteered as a paralegal at RUAH Legal Services (Mental Health Law Centre) where he gained valuable client communication skills and legal knowledge in areas relating to mental illness.

Oliver has been with The Defence Lawyers since 2021, initially starting out as a law clerk.

Alexander Nilsson - Faulds

LAWYER

BIO

Alex graduated from Curtin University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce.

He was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2023.

During his studies, Alex clerked for a prominent Western Australian criminal barrister, assisting on a number of complex criminal matters.

After University, Alex worked as the Usher to his Honour Judge Massey and the Associate to his Honour Senior Judge Stavrianou in the District Court of Western Australia.

Alex Joined The Defence Lawyers in 2024.

Zoe Botica

PRACTICE MANAGER

BIO
Zoe graduated from Curtin University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours).

Zoe was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2021. She commenced her legal career working at the District Court of Western Australia as the Usher to her Honour Judge Petrusa SC and subsequently as the Associate her Honour Judge Braddock SC and then his Honour Judge Massey.

While working, Zoe undertook further post-graduate research after being nominated for a scholarship by the Dean of Curtin Law School.

Zoe joined The Defence Lawyers as our Practice Manager in 2022.

Zoe ensures the smooth operation of the firm. Her knowledge of the court system and understanding of the law means she is equipped to handle client enquiries efficiently and professionally.

Madison & Cat

ADMIN SUPPORT

Nicky

RECEPTIONIST