Barrister Michael Fokkes dies

A 49-year-old Sydney barrister who was highly sought after for complex criminal trials before his career was beset by scandal has died.

A suspended Sydney barrister once highly sought after for serious criminal charges before his career was beset by scandal has died.

On Monday the NSW Bar Association announced the death of criminal law expert Michael Fokkes, 49, on March 20.

“Michael joined the Aboriginal Legal Service in 2008, moving to the Legal Aid Commission in 2010,” the NSW Bar Association’s InBrief dispatch stated.

“He was called to the Bar in 2017, where he was a member of Samuel Griffith Chambers until 2022.”

Mr Fokkes was once highly sought after for serious criminal trials, once representing a former client of television personality Steve “Commando” Willis who was accused of stalking him.

On the day of his death, Mr Fokkes was listed in Burwood Local Court regarding an apprehended violence order.

However, Mr Fokkes’ career hit a speed hump in 2022 when his practising certificate was cancelled in May 2022, and a renewal subsequently refused in July that year.

He departed Samuel Griffiths Chambers in the same year.

Burwood Local Court.

On the day of his death, Mr Fokkes was listed in Burwood Local Court regarding an apprehended violence order imposed for his father’s protection after an incident in late 2024 which also resulted in criminal charges.

The matter was adjourned that day after the court was informed Mr Fokkes was then in hospital.

Mr Fokkes was accused of threatening to kill his elderly mother while armed with a steak knife in November, and subsequently charged with being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, intimidation, and contravening an apprehended domestic violence order.

When he was refused police bail, he was bounced between three magistrates at Burwood Local Court before one was able to hear his bail application, with one saying she was excluded due to appearing opposite him as a Crown prosecutor in past trials.

At the time, police prosecutor Sgt Boyd strongly opposed Mr Fokkes’ bail, saying the safety risk to the complainants was an important consideration.

“The starting position is jail for the breach of an AVO – and the breach is more serious because of the accused’s profession, this is someone the court would hold to a higher standard particularly with compliance with court orders and AVOs,” Sgt Boyd said.

Mr Fokkes was granted bail and ordered to abstain from contacting his parents, consuming drugs or drinking alcohol, report to police once a week, and attend his general practitioner for a mental health care plan.

The matter was adjourned for a week to March 27, where it is expected the charges will be formally withdrawn.

In a statement, police confirmed Burwood Police Area Command are conducting enquiries into Mr Fokkes’ death.

Mr Fokkes is survived by his parents.