The lawyers Phillip Maynard and Toby Mitchell turn to when they’re in legal hot water
From veteran barristers to international names, these are the criminal lawyers representing Melbourne’s most notorious bikies -both past and present – in the courtroom.
Victoria
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When Melbourne’s most notorious bikies run-in with the law, the city’s elite criminal lawyers know they’re only seconds away from being called.
It’s no secret Melbourne’s outlaw motorcycle world is ruled by crime, but when Victoria’s bikie-busting cops make an appearance, even the biggest names need someone to help them get out of trouble.
This is the list Melbourne’s outlaw motorcyclists have on speed dial when they’re in dire straits.
Damian Sheales
Veteran lawyer Damian Sheales has represented some of the underworld’s most infamous bikie bosses and their foot soldiers for some time.
When he is not speaking for the state’s high-flying jockeys, the barrister is battling it out in the courtroom on behalf of some of Melbourne’s most renowned bikies -both past and present – including former Mongols president Toby Mitchell.
Mr Sheales’ way with words helped Mitchell dodge a jail sentence in April last year, after he was charged with assault for allegedly slapping another man twice in November 2021.
He argued Mitchell only made physical contact with the man once, and submitted the heavily intoxicated man was being a “pest”.
This paired with insufficient evidence and no complaint from the victim contributed to Judge George Georgiou’s decision to sentence Mitchell to a 12-month community corrections order and a $2500 fine.
Mitchell was booted from the Mongols last year – three years after joining the gang and two years after he was appointed the top job.
It’s not known why he left, however sources suggested he either departed on his own terms or was kicked out due to bad blood.
Adam Chernok
In recent years, criminal lawyer Adam Chernok has defended bikie associates as young as 18-years-old, including “baby-faced” teen Yasir Al Qassim.
The teenager was accused of the attempted murder of ex-Mongols bikie Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim, who miraculously survived being shot five times in June last year.
During an earlier bail hearing, Mr Chernok made the bold move of providing a photo of Mr Al Qassim to the magistrate, before calling him “baby-faced”.
“He’s going into the adult system. His appearance alone, as well as his tender age, make him particularly vulnerable in that environment,” he said.
Prosecutors later dropped a string of charges against Al Qassim in June, which related to his alleged involvement in Abdulrahim’s attempted murder.
Rishi Nathwani
Barrister Rishi Nathwani – who practised at the Bar of England and Wales for over 11 years – is described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove” by global legal rankings company Chambers and Partners.
The legal eagle is highly sought after in the underworld, and has represented Mongols strongman Joshua Eddy as well as the ex-girlfriend of a Finks member Athar Almatrah.
The 32-year-old faced court in June after she lured a rival Mongols bikie Rocco Curra into a near-fatal ambush, which involved two gunmen spraying bullets through the windscreen.
Almatrah was allegedly promised $5000 for her involvement in the scheme by a gang rivalling the Mongols.
Mr Nathwani argued that while it was her own “silly actions” that put her in the position, she didn’t anticipate how violent the incident would be.
She was later sentenced to 20 months jail, with a 10 month non-parole period.
Theo Magazis
Bikie turned influencer Toby Mitchell has also sought lawyer Theo Magazis for help with his legal woes, with matters ranging from traffic infringements to unlawful assault.
The former outlaw motorcycle gang member – who spent time at both the Bandidos and Mongols – had a legal win at the hands of Mr Magazis in May last year, when the court overruled a fine against him for driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
Mr Magazis’ clients aren’t the only ones making news headlines, with the lawyer becoming the centre of attention following an unexpected incident in 2016.
During a hearing, Mr Magazis collapsed, forcing the court to clear out as paramedics and security guards rushed to his aid. Less than an hour later, he was back on his feet, talking to clients.
Other well-known clients Mr Magazis has represented in the past include slain drug lord Carl Williams and his wife Roberta.
Dermot Dann KC and Mark Gumbleton
Legal practitioners Dermot Dann and Mark Gumbleton represented Mongols bikies Josh Rider and Aaron Ong respectively late last year, following the murder of fruiterer Paul Virgona.
Family man Mr Virgona died when Rider and Ong shot at his vehicle while they were driving along the EastLink, in a case of mistaken identity.
Mr Dann has covered a string of other high-profile, non-bikie-related cases, and has also represented Richard Pusey.
Meanwhile, Dr Gumbleton’s clientele base includes one of Australia’s most senior bikie bosses Luke Moloney.
Daniel Gurvich KC
Lawyer and author Daniel Gurvich KC makes regular appearances at the County and Supreme Court, and specialises in criminal law.
He’s represented bikies to the likes of Rebels sergeant at arms Phillip Maynard as well as accused murderers like Jaymes Todd who was charged with the rape and murder of Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon.
When Mr Gurvich is not covering criminal law, he is representing governmental agencies such as WorkSafe and the EPA.
He has also co-authored a book titled Bail Law in Victoria.
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