Aaron Kernaghan

Aaron Kernaghan is a Legal Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in criminal law, currently serving as Special Counsel for Criminal Law Litigation. Admitted to practice before the High Court of Australia and the NSW Supreme Court, he is a member of both the NSW Law Society and the Law Institute of Victoria. Based in Sydney, Aaron has a well-rounded understanding of criminal litigation, gained from his unique experience working as both a prosecutor and a defence lawyer. This dual perspective allows him to navigate legal practice and procedure effectively while appreciating the specific needs of defendants. Aaron has substantial experience in appeals before the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal and the High Court of Australia, as well as trials in the Supreme, District, and Local Courts. His expertise includes conducting complex investigations, reviewing conduct matters, and facilitating negotiation and dispute resolution within the criminal law context. Throughout his career, Aaron has acted as counsel in high-profile cases, including the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He represented individuals accused of serious crimes, institutions involved, and survivor groups, demonstrating his capacity to handle sensitive and multifaceted legal matters. Notably, Aaron led the defence in Australia’s first case where a person was found not guilty by reason of mental impairment on a Commonwealth terrorism charge. He also successfully challenged a Commonwealth expert opinion relating to terrorism evidence in the same matter. Aaron’s practice encompasses a broad range of criminal offences, including serious charges such as murder, sexual assault, fraud, theft, housebreaking, domestic violence, and offences involving drugs and firearms. His extensive experience over more than two decades has resulted in a strong track record of successful outcomes for his clients.