Blaxland Law

26/05/2026

Blaxland Law is proud to announce a significant victory for our client in Ahmed Ismail v State of New South Wales [2026] NSWDC 156, handed down on Friday, 22 May 2026. The full decision can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/g68mDQ57.

This matter has been hard fought since its commencement in 2021. After years of litigation, the Court found in favor of our client in a claim for malicious prosecution against the State of New South Wales.

Malicious prosecution claims are notoriously difficult to establish. A critical feature of this case was the extensive forensic investigation undertaken by our office over several years. Through targeted GIPA/iAsk requests, detailed analysis of COPS event audits, and an extensive subpoena process directed to the Commissioner of Police and other agencies, we were able to forensically examine the police's conduct at every stage of the investigation in granular detail. This material ultimately demonstrated that the officer in charge possessed information establishing that the alleged offending could not have occurred and failed to disclose that information to our client during the prosecution. The uncovering of this evidence was central to exposing the lack of proper foundation for the proceedings and to establishing the elements of the tort.

Using our evidence, the Court carefully examined the conduct of the investigation and prosecution, ultimately finding that the case against our client regarding the telecommunication offences should not have been brought. The judgment serves as an important reminder that NSW Police have ongoing duties of disclosure to defendants in criminal proceedings; the powers of the State must be exercised responsibly; and individuals are entitled to protection from unjustified prosecution.

This result reflects Blaxland Law’s longstanding experience in civil claims against the State involving wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution. We remain committed to holding authorities accountable and securing meaningful outcomes for individuals who have been wronged.

We congratulate our client on this result.

27/08/2025

𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧

Last week, Blaxland Law Senior Associate Ryan Gregory secured a great result for our client in a matter that raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability.

Our client was charged with:
• Negligent driving
• Failing to stop when directed by a Police Officer

The incident began when our client turned slowly into a street where a pedestrian—later revealed to be an off-duty Police Officer—was distracted by his phone and failed to look before crossing. After a brief verbal exchange, the pedestrian struck our client’s car and claimed to be a police officer. Concerned by the aggression and lack of uniform, our client left the scene.

Nearly a week later, the same officer arrived at our client’s home and arrested him. Despite our client’s explanation, he was taken to the station and held in custody for several hours.

🔍 The prosecution relied on the 12-page witness statement from the officer, but crucial CCTV footage—obtained by the defence, not police—told a very different story.

The footage showed:
• The officer never looked to his right before crossing
• Our client’s vehicle was moving slowly and cautiously
• No evidence of harsh braking or dangerous driving

✅ Our client was acquitted of negligent driving and failing to stop. The court accepted that his driving was not negligent and that he had a reasonable excuse for not stopping.
Our client now intends to commence proceedings against the NSW Police Force for false imprisonment arising from the wrongful arrest.

👏 Congratulations to Ryan Gregory for his meticulous preparation and strong advocacy. This case is a reminder of the importance of truth, evidence, and fair process.
📍 203/349 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW
📞 0412 664 241
🌐 www.blaxlandlaw.com.au

Blaxland Law specialises in Criminal Law, Civil Claims and Family Law. We also have expertise with clients seeking damages against the NSW Police Force. Based in North Sydney we are perfectly situated to meet your legal needs.

19/08/2025

𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗱

Last week, we proudly shared the outcome of a major trial—our client was acquitted of all charges after a long and high-profile legal battle. It was a testament to the strength of our team and the integrity of the justice system.

But today, we need to talk about what didn’t happen.

From the moment of arrest, the case was covered extensively by outlets like the Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald—headlines, commentary, and speculation filled the news cycle. Yet when the Court returned not guilty verdicts on every count, the media fell silent. No follow-up. No correction. No balance.

This isn’t just disappointing—it’s dangerous.

Media outlets have a duty to report the outcome of a case with the same prominence as the allegations. Anything less undermines the presumption of innocence and chips away at public trust in our legal system.

At Blaxland Law, we believe justice must be reflected not only in verdicts—but in the final public narrative.

📍 203/349 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW
📞 0412 664 241
🌐 www.blaxlandlaw.com.au

Blaxland Law specialises in Criminal Law, Civil Claims and Family Law. We also have expertise with clients seeking damages against the NSW Police Force. Based in North Sydney we are perfectly situated to meet your legal needs.

13/08/2025

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Despina Papaioannou has been admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW—and officially joins our team of solicitors at Blaxland Law.

Despina’s journey with us began years ago when she was introduced to Lisa by her high school legal studies teacher—a close friend who saw her potential early on. She started as a work experience student and quickly became an integral part of our team.

Balancing busy days at the firm with a full-time university schedule, Despina showed extraordinary commitment, focus, and drive. Her admission is a testament to her hard work and passion for justice.

We celebrated this milestone with ch*****ne, cake, and a beautiful lunch at Shell House—surrounded by the team who’ve watched her grow into the exceptional solicitor she is today.

Congratulations, Despina. We’re so proud to have you on this journey with us.

📍 203/349 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW
📞 0412 664 241
🌐 www.blaxlandlaw.com.au

11/08/2025

🔥 Case Win: Full Acquittal for Former Comanchero Sergeant-at-Arms
Blaxland Law solicitor Hannah Dempsey has achieved a remarkable result in the trial of Ian Clissold, a former Comanchero sergeant-at-arms. Mr Clissold faced serious allegations, including:
- Three counts of sexual in*******se without consent
- Intentionally choking a person with recklessness
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
From the outset our client maintained his innocence. The matter proceeded to a three-week trial, culminating on 1 August 2025 with a complete acquittal on all charges.

Hannah Dempsey’s meticulous preparation was instrumental. She subpoenaed hundreds of pages of medical records and prior court documents, uncovering inconsistencies in the complainants’ accounts. These materials formed the foundation for rigorous cross-examination by our barrister, exposing serious flaws in the Crown’s case.

This was a high-stakes, high-profile matter—and a testament to the power of thorough preparation, strategic litigation, and fearless advocacy.
👏 Congratulations to Hannah Dempsey and our team for delivering justice in a complex and challenging case.
📍 203/349 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW
📞 0412 664 241
🌐 www.blaxlandlaw.com.au


https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/penrith-press/former-comanchero-bikie-ian-clissold-fights-assault-rape-charges-in-sydney-court/news-story/bca5f25a171e105d7b9abf62f869dc2c

10/08/2025

We’re incredibly grateful for this heartfelt review from a recent client.

At Blaxland Law, we know that facing criminal charges can be one of the most terrifying experiences a person can go through. That’s why we fight with everything we have—for truth, for justice, and for the people behind the cases. This Google review reminds us why we do what we do.

💬 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Absolutely amazing law firm.

Blaxland Law is truly outstanding. Lisa and her incredible team went above and beyond for me during one of the hardest times of my life. I was facing a long time in jail over an allegation that was 100% false — but Lisa never gave up on me.

She worked tirelessly with my barrister and dug deep to uncover the evidence that proved my innocence. She fought for my freedom like it was her own. The dedication, passion, and strength Lisa brought to my case is something I’ll never forget.

What meant the most was how she worked closely not just with me, but also with my wife — keeping us informed, supported, and hopeful through every step. She treated us like real people, not just another case.

Because of Lisa and her team, I have my life back. If you're ever in a legal fight and need someone who won’t stop until justice is served, Lisa is that person.

Highly recommended — more than 5 stars if I could."

To every client who has trusted us with their future—thank you. We don’t take it lightly.

If you or someone you care about needs strong, compassionate legal representation in NSW, we’re here to help.

📞 0412664241
🌐 www.blaxlandlaw.com.au

Blaxland Law specialises in Criminal Law, Civil Claims and Family Law. We also have expertise with clients seeking damages against the NSW Police Force. Based in North Sydney we are perfectly situated to meet your legal needs.

16/02/2025

Lisa Munro and Blaxland Law acted for Ms Donlan who pleaded guilty to stabbing her neighbour. The court accepted our client's explanation for the offending, that she perceived she was about to be sexually assaulted, and released her from custody on the day of sentence.

A respected dog trainer who filmed herself admitting to stabbing her neighbour after a bloody altercation in Sydney’s eastern suburbs acted out of “excessive self-defence”, a court has been told.

23/12/2023

Blaxland Law has had some exciting updates to round out a fabulous 2023. We look forward to introducing the new Blaxland Law to you in 2024; same exceptional people, same unparalleled service, exciting new look. www.blaxlandlaw.com.au