Carlin practices principally in criminal and quasi-criminal matters, including professional disciplinary tribunal proceedings, regulatory matters and coronial inquests.
Carlin has a wide-ranging practice in all manner of criminal offences, particularly serious indictable crime. He often appears (both unled and with a leader) in criminal trials, pleas, bail applications and committals. He is frequently briefed to draft written cases, provide merits advice and appear in criminal appeals.
Carlin also frequently appears in disciplinary proceedings for sporting professionals, health practitioners, teachers, lawyers and accounants. Specific to sports law proceedings, he appears for both athletes and sporting associations/organisations. This includes proceedings in the AFL Tribunal, Racing Victoria Appeals Tribunal, VCAT and the AAT. He also appears for both health professionals in prosecutions commenced by AHPRA or for the Medical Board, Nursing and Midwifery Board and Psychology Board.
Carlin appears in Coronial Inquests and Royal Commissions (most recently the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants).
Carlin is a Preferred Trial Barrister for Victoria Legal Aid. He is member of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association (ANZSLA) and the Victorian Bar Sports Law Committee. He is appointed by Tennis Victoria, Tennis Australia and Basketball Victoria as a sitting member of the disciplinary panel.
Carlin graduated with first class honours in his Bachelor of Laws degree. He was awarded a scholarship to study at Stetson University College of Law in Florida, USA, where he completed juris doctor studies and training in trial advocacy.
Carlin read with Jason Gullaci SC and his senior mentor was Richard Maidment KC (now Judge of the County Court of Victoria).