Our People

Sam Norton - Partner, LL.B., B.A., Accredited Criminal Law Specialist

Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics Major) and a Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University and was admitted to practice in 2001, and in 2008 obtained specialist accreditation in Criminal Law.

Sam is a member of Criminal and Human Rights section of the Law Institute, as well as a member of the Australian Lawyers Alliance. He is also a Solicitor Volunteer at the North Melbourne Legal Service.

Sam became a Partner in Robert Stary Lawyers in July 2010, having joined the firm in the latter part of 2006. Sam previously worked for Radford Legal in Stawell and St Arnaud, Lucas and Marshman in Horsham and a number of Government positions in London.

Sam’s Reflections:

• Practicing Criminal Law provides an opportunity to assist people when coming up against the exercise of power by the state. It is vital that all people in our community are afforded quality legal representation, and that is never more important than in Criminal Law.
• This area of law gives me exposure to the broadest possible cross section of our community and a chance to help members across that spectrum. That is something that no other area of practice can offer, and of which I am grateful.

Clare Morris - B.A, L.L.B

Clare graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Laws in 2007 and Bachelor of Arts from University of Melbourne in 2003.

During her studies Clare received the Lexus Nexus Award in 2004 for outstanding achievement in first year law and the Oxford University Press Award in 2005 for highest achiever in Jurisprudence.

Clare was an Associate to Her Honour Judge Lawson from 2008 to 2010 and joined Robert Stary Lawyers in September 2010.

Clare’s Reflections:

• I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to combine my keen sense of social justice with my passion for the law.
• As a criminal lawyer, I aim to provide fair and vigorous legal representation to all members of the community.
• I strive to help make the law accessible to all of my clients and to aid in facilitating a fair hearing and a just result.

Amanda Burnnard - L.L.B (Hons), BA

Amanda graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Italian). While at University Amanda was awarded the Sir Charles Lowe Prize as the highest ranked student in Legal Ethics.

Amanda joined Robert Stary Lawyers in March 2011 with a strong background in indictable crime working at the Office of Public Prosecutions. Amanda also volunteers at the Western Suburbs Legal Service at Newport.

Amanda's academic article: "The Right to a Fair Trial: Young Offenders and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities" was published in "Current Issues in Criminal Justice" in 2008

Amanda’s Reflections:

• I am passionate about criminal law because for me it is about people, their lives and their stories.
• Criminal law is a vibrant, always changing and always challenging area of law.
• I aim to make a real difference to my clients by guiding them through the criminal justice system and striving to achieve the best possible outcome given all of  the circumstances

Tim Schocker - B.A, LL.B (Hons)

Tim holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Philosophy) from the University of Melbourne. He has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at The College of Law.

Prior to joining Robert Stary Lawyers in 2010, Tim worked as an intern on the defence team in the trial of Radovan Karadzic at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Tim has previously held volunteer positions with the North Melbourne Legal Service and the Public Interest Law Clearing House.

Tim’s Reflections:

• All people charged with a criminal offence have a right to have their side of the story heard. I enjoy the challenge of giving my clients a voice within the criminal justice system and helping them through a difficult and stressful time in their lives.
• It is inspiring to work with a team of lawyers so committed to providing the highest quality representation to people from all sections of the community.
• I aim to approach my job with a sound knowledge of the law and an open mind about the facts.

Lucien Richter - BLGE., GDLP.

Louis holds a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Australian National University.  He has also studied Architecture and Arts at Melbourne and Monash Universities.

Louis joined Robert Stary Lawyers in January 2011, having previously volunteered at Sunshine Youth Legal Centre, after a diverse career as a musician and media analyst.  

Louis has a particular interest in matters involving forensic and expert evidence, and has participated in a number of trials including serious driving matters, drug matters, sexual assault matters and violent crimes.

Louis’s Reflections:

• Everyone in our society benefits from the presumption of innocence, not only those charged with criminal offences.
• It is everyone’s right to have someone to put their case for them as powerfully as they would themselves, had they the necessary expertise.