The experienced lawyer rose through the ranks from being a general-duties and plain-clothes officer
Kells has appointed Patrick Schmidt, who joined the Illawarra firm from the New South Wales Police Force on 7 January.
Schmidt was previously a senior prosecutor and relieving area prosecutor in the Sydney and specialist courts command. He has vast experience in all types of criminal matters, with up to 80 list mentions and attending five hearings on a daily basis, Kells said.
He also rose through the ranks from being a general-duties and plain-clothes officer of the detective’s office at the Marrickville Local Area Command.
"I am delighted to be given the opportunity of a career switch in becoming a defence lawyer at Kells and excited to be part of the team going forward,” he said. "Having represented the state in all types of criminal cases and my experience as a police officer, I aspired to join a prominent Illawarra law firm with a Sydney presence to apply my knowledge and strategies as a defence lawyer.”
Paul Magagnino said that the firm particularly likes Schmidt’s “strong experience,” enabling the firm to offer clients familiarity with both sides of criminal trial work.
“With Patrick's background and knowledge, our clients will benefit from an experienced advocate who can provide the best representation for them, no matter what their situation or circumstance, and whether they are in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Macarthur or Sydney,” the Kells managing partner said.
Patrick Schmidt
