Our People

Andrew Halphen - Senior Associate, B.A., L.L.B (Hons)

Andrew has worked in Criminal law since completing his articles at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

He completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law with Honours from Monash University, graduating in 2003.

Andrew has appeared as a Solicitor Advocate in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts of Victoria. His practice is a broad one including both legally aided and private clients.

He has worked with Robert Stary and Associates and Robert Stary Lawyers since early 2008.

Andrew’s Reflections:

• First and foremost I enjoy criminal law – whether it be giving a client advice, negotiating with prosecutors or appearing at Court...I really enjoy what I do.
• This job also gives me an opportunity to help people achieve the best possible outcome, no matter whom they are or where they come from. To me that’s what justice really is!

Brendan Annear - B.A, L.L.B

Brendan graduated from La Trobe University with degrees in Law and Arts (History) in 2007. He subsequently completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Australian National University.

Brendan joined Robert Stary Lawyers in 2010 following a range of diverse career experiences including with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency; a Volunteer Internship with Louisiana Capital Assistance Centre in New Orleans; a Public Interest Law Internship with Jesuit Social Services Richond; and with the Darebin Community Legal Centre, Preston.

Brendan's Reflections:

• I believe that everyone has the right of access to justice and quality legal representation. This is no more important than in criminal law.
• I aim to ensure all clients fully understand the workings of the criminal justice system and recognise their rights within that system.
• It is my goal that clients are not rendered powerless by the legal system. I aim to ensure all clients' individual stories are put before the Court and afforded the consideration and respect they deserve.

Sandra Wendlandt - BA (Hons), LL.B (Hons), LL.M

Sandra joined Robert Stary Lawyers in 2010, having previously worked in the community sector both in Australia and overseas.

Sandra completed Honours degrees in Arts (Political Science/Development Studies) and Law from the University of Melbourne as well as a Master of Laws (International Criminal Law) from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute/University of Turin, Italy. She also holds a Diploma in Modern Languages (German) from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law.

Humanitarian and human rights issues are of particular interest to Sandra. Prior to joining Robert Stary Lawyers, Sandra worked at the North Melbourne Legal Service as a Project Officer responsible for their community legal education program, in humanitarian affairs at Oxfam Australia and as a research assistant in Beijing, China through AusAID. Sandra has also volunteered extensively for a human rights organisation in Chittagong, Bangladesh and continues to do so.

Sandra is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Victorian Writers’Centre.

Sandra’s Reflections:

• If you are charged with a criminal offence, you have a right to be represented against the power and resources of the State.
• Access to justice is important. It is imperative not just to achieve a sense of justice, but to help clients understand how such justice can be obtained.
• The community as a whole profits from the conduct of a fair legal system.