Lawyer Bryan Wrench describes accompanying clients to court as ‘runway nobody wants to walk’

Top criminal lawyer Bryan Wrench has made a habit of appearing on TV news bulletins and in the pages of The Daily Telegraph helping clients run past camera crews outside court. And he’s said it’s something you don’t want to do.

• Who is the lawyer seen on TV news most weeks?

EXCLUSIVE: It’s a catwalk nobody ever wants to walk down. That’s how criminal lawyer Bryan Wrench describes the parade of clients he accompanies to and from court every day.

If a Sydney celebrity or socialite finds themselves on the wrong side of the state’s legal system, chances are you’ll find Mr Wrench at their side as they make their appearance before a magistrate.

The 31-year-old has made a habit of appearing on TV news bulletins and in the pages of The Daily Telegraph, helping clients run the gauntlet past camera crews outside court.

Criminal lawyer Bryan Wrench poses for a portrait in Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

MORE NEWS

‘Ugly’ Eels roll on as NRL finals loom large

Revealed: Shock failures from 61 NSW aged care homes

Wild 24km chase after woman crashes Mustang, steals cop car

Most recently, Mr Wrench’s clients have included actor John Jarratt, singer Shannon Noll and socialite Shari-Lea Hitchcock.

And, more often than not, Mr Wrench is right there with them as they make their way to court.

“It’s the runway which nobody wants to walk down,” he said.

“It’s certainly a very different catwalk down that runway and nothing can prepare you for it.”

If Mr Wrench appears well acquainted in the ways of media management, it could be his training.

Mr Wrench has had some high profile clients including actor John Jarratt. Picture: AAP Image/Peter Rae

Shannon Noll when he was facing drug supply charges. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

While still a student at Sydney Boys’ High, Mr Wrench was offered work experience with high-profile criminal lawyer Chris Murphy — who also was not averse to having his picture taken with famous clients.

Mr Wrench, then aged just 15, spent his school holidays at Murphy’s Lawyers then worked there while studying law at Macquarie University.

He now oversees the firm’s cases in court.

Another one of his recent clients was socialite Shari-Lea Hitchcock. Picture: Monique Harmer

Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Mr Wrench said part of the job he enjoys is the special bond formed between criminal lawyers and clients in the pressure cooker environment of NSW’s courts.

“You care about the client, you care about the result and you care about the craft, that’s why you’re willing to put in the hours,’’ he said.

“You learn so much about the clients, but also about yourself. Because the system doesn’t just test them, it tests you as well.”