Ruth Champion

Ruth specialises in criminal law and matters related to criminal proceedings.

Ruth appears for the prosecution and defence, and, in both trial and appellate matters.  She appears in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.  She appears in all types of criminal matters including complex and large-scale organised crime and murder.  

Ruth has particular experience in subpoena proceedings including on claims of public interest immunity and legal professional privilege.  She has appeared for the defence, prosecution and police in subpoena proceedings.

Ruth has appeared in matters related to criminal proceedings including on return of search warrant; in proceedings under the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004 (Vic); in supervision order proceedings under the Serious Offenders Act 2018 (Vic); and in proceedings under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (Vic).

From 2014 to 2016 Ruth served as a member of the Criminal Bar Association.

She is presently a member of the executive committee of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences (Victorian Chapter).

Ruth holds an Indictable Crime Certificate, is on the VLA Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister List and is a Lead Counsel in the VLA Trial Counsel Development Program.

Ruth began her legal career at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions where she completed her legal traineeship and worked as a solicitor prior to signing the Bar Roll.

Ruth holds First Class Honours Degrees in both Law and Arts from the University of Melbourne.