Stewart O'Connell | O'BRIEN CRIMINAL & CIVIL SOLICITORS

Stewart O'Connell

Stewart O'Connell is a Special Counsel at O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, bringing over 20 years of experience in criminal defence and defamation law to the firm. He holds an LLB and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Stewart has appeared as a barrister in ten jury trials, winning nine, and represented the client who received the highest defamation award in Northern Territory Court history.

He has also negotiated significant compensation settlements in defamation matters against major media organisations, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, 7News, and The Financial Review. Earlier in his career, Stewart spent thirteen years working with the Aboriginal Legal Services and ran the Northern Territory Legal Aid office in Katherine.

In 2000, he received the National Children's and Youth Law Centre's National Award for Aboriginal Youth Lawyer of the Year. He served as the Senior Project Officer on the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory and later represented youth clients in the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.

Stewart has also taught Criminal Law at the Australian National University. Known for his direct, empathetic communication style, Stewart prioritises achieving the best and most efficient outcome for every client, whether through skilled negotiation or vigorous courtroom advocacy.

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against NT Government for Death in Custody of Kumanjayi Dempsey

Civil Law / By Stewart O'Connell / February 26, 2026

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against NT Government in relation to Death in Custody of Kumanjayi Dempsey. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised: This article contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died. MEDIA RELEASE – 25 February 2026 O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has today filed […]

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Commence Civil Proceedings Against NT Government for Death in Custody of Kumanjayi Dempsey Read More »

Fighting for Justice for Kumanjayi Dempsey’s Family

Civil Law / By Stewart O'Connell / January 30, 2026

The start of a new year is often a time for reflection and hope. However, for some families, the holiday period has brought unimaginable grief. At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we continue to do what we do best: standing beside those who have been failed by the institutions meant to protect them, and fighting

Fighting for Justice for Kumanjayi Dempsey’s Family Read More »

Suing Media for Sydney Defamation Claim: Protect Your Reputation

Defamation, Civil Law / By Stewart O'Connell / January 29, 2026

How to pursue a Sydney defamation claim against newspapers, TV stations, and online publishers When a media outlet publishes false information that damages your reputation, you may have grounds for a Sydney defamation claim. Whether it’s a television broadcast, newspaper article, or online story, defamation law in New South Wales provides pathways for individuals to

Suing Media for Sydney Defamation Claim: Protect Your Reputation Read More »

Sky News, The Australian and Daily Telegraph Apologies to our Client, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group

Defamation, Civil Law / By Stewart O'Connell / June 8, 2024

SKY NEWS, THE AUSTRALIAN AND DAILY TELEGRAPH APOLOGY TO ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER DANCE GROUP AND ITS MEMBERS Sky News, The Australian and the Daily Telegraph apologised last night to our clients, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group and its members for using their photograph in an unrelated news report. The three

Sky News, The Australian and Daily Telegraph Apologies to our Client, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group Read More »