Ben Kerlin

Ben is an experienced advocate who primarily practises in criminal and quasi-criminal matters, as well as regulatory and enforcement proceedings, inquests, inquiries, government and public law matters.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Ben was a Principal Solicitor Advocate for the Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria, and a Principal Federal Prosecutor with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions where he gained experience in a number of areas including complex drug prosecutions, sex offences, white collar crime and fraud, regulatory offences, crimes against the person, dangerous driving causing death and serious injury, and serious property offences.

Ben has appeared frequently in the Magistrates and County Courts including in contested committal hearings, plea hearings, bail applications, appeals, summary hearings, s.198A and B hearings and trials (led).

Ben is also experienced in Higher Court Appeals, providing advice and drafting of written cases.

Ben spent most of his career at the CDPP, where Ben’s practice included complex organised crime, foreign interference and counter terrorism prosecutions and appeals.  Ben instructed in the AB & EF v CD (Lawyer X) High Court proceedings and managed the subsequent appeals in the Court of Appeal.  Ben has experience providing high level advice and training to government agencies and dealing with sensitive evidence, complex suppression orders and public interest immunity claims.

Ben holds a NV2 security clearance from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.

Ben read with Shaun Ginsbourg and his senior mentor was Rae Sharp KC.