Our People

Robert Stary – Principal, L.L.B., Accredited Criminal Law Specialist

Rob is the Principal of the firm with 30 years' experience as a Criminal Defence Lawyer, 25 years of which have been at Principal or Partnership level.

Rob graduated from University of Melbourne in 1980 and worked with Victoria Legal Aid 1981 to 1984. Rob was an employee then a Partner with Slater & Gordon from 1984 to 1995, and commenced private practice in 1995. Rob became an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist in 1995.

Robert has been a past Chairman of the Western Suburbs Legal Service, established in 1979 with Peter Gordon and others, and Chairman at Footscray Community Legal Centre; and also past Chairman of the Westadd Alcohol and Drug Agency. Rob has been a recipient of the Law Institute Human Rights Award and is a Patron of the Spirit of Eureka Committee.

In December 2008 Rob featured in The Age Melbourne Top 100 feature magazine to recognise Melbourne's highest achievers - the people who have made a significant contribution to public life.

On 26 February 2011, The Australian newspaper included a feature articles on Rob:
'"As someone who has defended a rogues' gallery of terror suspects and underworld figures, lawyer Rob Stary knows that people are quick to cast him as the bad guy... " Click here to view the entire article

At the professional level Rob has been equally active having been Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria (2002 to 2003) and President of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association. In 2005 Rob was awarded the Law Institutes Paul Baker Human Rights Award.

Rob holds the honorary title of Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Business and Law at Victoria University. This 3 year appointment was conferred in 2010.

Rob has represented:

• Jack Thomas in a terrorism trial in Supreme Court of Victoria, and control order in the High Court;
• Melbourne 13 (Muslim Terrorist Suspects) in the Supreme Court of Victoria;
• Tamil Tigers in the Supreme Court of Victoria;
• G20 protestors;
• S11 protestors - World Economic Forum, Melbourne 2000;
• Anti-logging protestors, East Gippsland Otway Ranges;
• Trade Unions in Desalination Plant Mediation in 2010;

And 000's of other persons charged with criminal offences.

Grace Morgan - L.L.B.

Grace holds a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University. She joined the then Robert Stary & Associates in 2006, having previously worked for Slater & Gordon Lawyers.

Grace has extensive experience in running complex trials, and has acted on behalf of defendants charged with terrorism, homicide and drug allegations. Grace has balanced this role with regular appearances in the Magistrates Court on behalf of clients facing summary criminal offences and driving charges.

Grace has a particular passion for the plight of asylum seekers and throughout the policy of mandatory detention, spent much time visiting refugees in immigration detention and assisting with applications for temporary and permanent residency. She has a nuanced understanding of the difficulties faced by refugee and migrant communities.

Grace’s Reflections:

• The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” is one which requires an enquiring and open mind. The job of a good criminal defence lawyer is to give this concept meaning and substance.
• The armoury of the prosecution tends to label and dehumanise those charged with criminal offences. I believe that whatever the allegation, the key to effective representation is listening to and understanding your client as a person.

Darcy Dempsey: B.A., L.L.B., MA (Int’l Studies), GDLP

Darcy holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Professional Practice from Monash University. She also holds a Masters in International Studies from the University of Sydney.

Darcy joined Robert Stary Lawyers in March 2011, having previously worked with the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service in Alice Springs as a Criminal Defence Lawyer and as an Associate in the County Court of Victoria. Darcy has also previously worked in the public sector as a policy adviser in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.     

Darcy has extensive advocacy experience in a wide range of criminal law matters, particularly assaults, burglary and drink and drug driving. She is experienced in running hearings, pleas and appeals with daily attendance in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court. Darcy has a particular interest in humanitarian and human rights issues and addressing the over representation of Aboriginals band offenders with mental health conditions in the justice system.

Darcy’s Reflections:

• Access to robust and competent representation should be available to everyone who finds themself caught up in the justice system. Access to justice also requires understanding - it is the role of a criminal defence lawyer to provide their clients with not only advise but understanding.
• The importance of the principle of innocent until proven guilty should underpin the way in which the justice system is run, it often falls to defence lawyers to ensure that this is done.
• The over representation of individuals with drug and alcohol problems and those with mental health issues needs to be addressed. The sign of a good society is the way in which we treat our most vulnerable members - this should not be revoked for those charged with a crime.

Matthew Goldberg - B.A., LL.B.

Matthew obtained a Bachelor of Arts (English and Politics) and Bachelor of Laws from Monash University. Matthew commenced with Robert Stary Lawyers in 2009.

Matthew is a committee member of Reprieve Australia. He has completed a volunteer internship at the Louisiana Capital Assistance Centre (USA), where he assisted in the legal defence of indigent people facing the death penalty.

Matthew is also a member of the Castan Centre for Human Rights and the Criminal Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria.

Matthew’s Reflections:

• We should all have access to a transparent system of law.
• We support our clients in pursuit of justice.
• We will strive for a fair result.

Andrew Zingler - L.L.B, BA (Media and Communication)

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communication) from Melbourne University. He joined Robert Stary Lawyers in 2011, having previously practiced at Galbally Rolfe Barristers and Solicitors, also in the Criminal Jurisdiction.

Andrew is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria, and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Andrew has extensive experience running complex criminal matters, particularly in the Commonwealth Jurisdiction.

Andrew has gained experience working on both major indictable and summary matters, which include Drug-related matters, Sexual Offences, and White-Collar Crime. Andrew has worked on a wide variety of matters which relate to violent crime.

Andrew’s Reflections:

• The right to liberty is the most significant human right which the Australian Government is empowered to take away, and I believe that it is every person’s right to have legal representation of the highest calibre in the defence of that right.

Simon Moodie - BE, BA, PhD, MBA, JD

Simon graduated in law with a Juris Doctor degree from Melbourne University. Prior to studying law, Simon had a successful career as a senior manager and consultant in a range of private and government businesses.

Simon joined Robert Stary Lawyers in early 2011 after voluntary work with Fitzroy Legal Service and with the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission in Alice Springs.

Simon’s reflections:

• I find criminal law a fascinating and vital area. It involves a mix of people who come from all walks of life and whose interactions with the criminal justice system cover a broad range of offences
• The legal system can be very confusing and this, combined with the extensive power of the state, means that many defendants are at a considerable disadvantage. Our role is to offset this inherent disadvantage for our clients