When you’re facing a serious legal issue, especially a criminal charge, the lawyer you choose can make all the difference. But with so many legal practitioners in Queensland, how can you tell who truly has the advanced skills and experience needed to defend your rights?

What Is an Accredited Specialist?

An Accredited Specialist is a lawyer who has been formally recognised by the Queensland Law Society (QLS) for having advanced knowledge, skill, and experience in a specific area of law. It’s one of the most respected professional credentials a Queensland lawyer can achieve.

Unlike general legal practice, specialist accreditation involves a detailed selection and assessment process. To qualify, a lawyer must:

  • Have at least five years of full-time legal experience
  • Practice in their chosen specialty for at least three of those years
  • Complete a challenging assessment that includes written exams, case studies, and interviews
  • Show an ongoing commitment to professional development in that area of law

Only individual lawyers can be accredited. Firms cannot receive accreditation, although they may employ lawyers who hold the specialist title.

Who Oversees Specialist Accreditation?

In Queensland, the program is managed by the Queensland Law Society, which sets and upholds professional standards across the legal profession. Specialist accreditation is available across several areas of law, including criminal law, family law, property law, succession law, and personal injury law. Accreditation is designed to give clients confidence that they are receiving legal advice from a lawyer who has been independently assessed as having advanced expertise.

What Is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist?

A criminal law accredited specialist is a lawyer who has demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in Queensland’s criminal justice system. This includes a deep understanding of legislation, criminal procedure, evidence, and advocacy.

At Rana Lawyers, we are proud to have Shane McDowell recognised by the Queensland Law Society as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. Shane has met the QLS’s strict assessment criteria and brings this expertise to every case he handles. Very few lawyers in Queensland hold this title. It’s a rare and valuable credential that reflects years of dedicated legal practice and formal testing.

Why Does Specialist Accreditation Matter?

Choosing an accredited specialist gives you confidence that your lawyer has been tested, recognised, and approved by legal peers for their advanced ability. When your future is at risk, this level of trust and assurance is invaluable.

Here’s why working with an accredited criminal law specialist matters:

Proven Expertise

The accreditation process includes a series of written and practical assessments that test legal reasoning, case strategy, and technical knowledge. It’s not awarded lightly.

Up-to-Date Knowledge

Specialists are required to stay informed about changes in legislation, legal precedents, and practice procedures. You can trust that you’re receiving advice that reflects current legal standards.

Stronger Strategy

From police interviews and bail applications to plea negotiations and trials, accredited specialists bring a higher level of preparation and strategic thinking to every stage of a matter.

Recognised by the Profession

Accredited specialists are respected by peers, prosecutors, and the courts. Their status carries weight and often helps in negotiations or when presenting in court.

What Types of Cases Does an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist Handle?

If you’ve been charged with a serious criminal offence, it’s worth engaging someone who has the proven skill to handle complex legal matters. A criminal law accredited specialist can help with cases such as:

At Rana Lawyers, Shane represents clients in all of these areas and more. He regularly appears in the Magistrates, District, and Supreme Courts across Queensland, advocating for the best possible outcome in every case.

Can a Law Firm Be an Accredited Specialist?

No. Under the Queensland Law Society guidelines, only individuals can hold specialist accreditation. Firms cannot advertise themselves as accredited specialists. However, a firm may state that it employs a lawyer who is an accredited specialist in a specific area of law.

Accreditation vs Experience — What's the Difference?

While many experienced lawyers do excellent work, not all of them have undergone the rigorous assessment required to become accredited. Experience can be hard to measure from the outside, but accreditation is an independent and verifiable credential.

It shows that the lawyer has gone through additional testing and has demonstrated a high standard of legal ability within their specialty. If you’re comparing lawyers for a serious criminal matter, accreditation can give you extra peace of mind.

Interested In Our Accredited Criminal Law Specialist?

Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when facing a criminal charge. An Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law brings proven knowledge, tested skill, and real confidence to your defence.

At Rana Lawyers, we are proud that Shane McDowell holds this respected title. His expertise sets us apart and gives our clients access to some of the highest legal standards available in Queensland.