Our Team

Principal Lawyer (LLM, LLB, GDLP)

Michael Moussa

Michael Moussa is the Principal Lawyer of National Criminal Lawyers and exclusively specialises in Criminal Law. Michael is both a member of the Law Society and also a member of the Criminal Division of the legal aid panel. Michael has worked with some of the best Criminal Law firms in the Country and has obtained outstanding results in what others may describe as some of the most complex of cases. Michael is a renowned criminal lawyer for his advocacy skills and putting the prosecution to vigorous testing. Michael’s courtroom style and demonstrated ability to crack even the most compelling witnesses has led to him being nationally recognised as a fine criminal defence lawyer.

Michael has appeared in high profile criminal cases, including “manslaughter” charges, “Acts of indecency” “Abduction” charges. Appearing daily in the Local Courts, District Courts, Supreme Court of NSW, and the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, Michael is passionate about ensuring that justice is seen and served for all his clients and gains no better satisfaction than winning his cases, regardless of how small or complex the matter is. Michael is a trial advocate who has appeared before a jury and obtained acquittals in a number of supply drug charges.

Michael also specialises in Apprehended Domestic Violence Order applications, parole hearings, NSW Crime Commission proceedings and Coronial Inquests. Some of the best advocates of our time, including Supreme Court Judges and Senior Counsel, have mentored Michael’s rise as a criminal lawyer. He is only one of the very limited criminal lawyers in Australia who has completed a Masters in Law (Criminal Practice).

Michael has an Egyptian Australian background and speaks Arabic fluently. He has a large middle eastern clientele in western Sydney. He has a wealth of experience in complex and serious criminal cases and possesses the skill to digest enormous amounts of material, and issue resolve, whilst formulating the best of case strategies that will result in the dismissal of charges and not guilty verdicts. Michael has conducted a number of presentations for advocacy which has allowed him to be a highly-respected courtroom lawyer.

Michael has become an advocate for those mistreated by the police. His passion is helping those who have been made vulnerable and aggrieved by the improper conduct of police during a person’s arrest. He is an advocate who ensures that both the NSW and Federal Police conduct their inquiries within the parameters of the law. He gets no greater pleasure than when a client of his is acquitted and the police are forced to pay their legal costs and then damages in a civil court.

Michael prides himself on providing clear and accurate legal advice, with a careful assessment of each case. He takes pleasure in securing the best possible result for his clients, helping to bring them a step closer to putting their lives back on track. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the criminal field ensuring that all clients are treated fairly during all proceedings. He continues to strive to protect the rights of those who have been accused of criminal offences. Michael is a dedicated, focused and ambitious Criminal Lawyer who is a defender of the rights of those charged with Criminal and Traffic offences.

If you wish to get in contact with Michael for a FREE consultation for any of your legal issues, contact National Criminal Lawyer’s office on 02 9893 1889 and our warm and caring administration team will schedule an appointment that’s suitable for both parties.

Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer

Sylvie Houston

Sylvie Houston is an admitted Lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and a current member of the New South Wales Law Society, Central Coast Law Society, Women’s Justice Network, Diverse Women in Law and the Defence Lawyers NSW association.

Sylvie has practised exclusively in criminal law for several years.

As part of Sylvie’s qualifications, she completed 2, five-year bachelor’s degrees in just 3 years at the University of New England. She graduated with distinctions in her Bachelor of Laws and high distinctions in her Bachelor of Criminology. She also undertook a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at The College of Law.

After school, Sylvie joined the police force, in a bid to make a difference in the community, since she grew up in Mt Druitt the police were never far away.

Since then, Sylvie’s qualifications both in Law and Criminology have resulted in her acquiring excellent research skills having an admiration for criminal defence law, which she uses every day to ensure no stone is left unturned in a client’s matter and that all possible legal arguments and defences are thoroughly explored.

Sylvie is well versed in drafting legal pleadings and letters of correspondence and all other legal applications necessary to ensure a client’s case is given the very best legal representation for the best possible outcome.

Sylvie strives to be a fierce advocate in all criminal law-related matters; she has undertaken advanced advocacy skills training and regularly appears in all Courts across New South Wales. A few examples of her advocacy skills are represented in cases both with the Local and District Court, where she has successfully had criminal charges withdrawn for lack of evidence, lack of jurisdiction, criminal charges downgraded, and no further proceedings submissions upheld.

Some examples of Sylvie’s successful legal arguments and cases was a recent case in Mittagong where a young man was charged with serious sexual assaults against a child when he was 20 years old. These types of offences generally result in a lengthy prison sentence. Sylvie took on the case and successfully negotiated with the ODPP to downgrade and reduce the charges and then proceeded to make a sentencing submission that resulted in no prison time and rehabilitation instead in the community. A case that gripped the small town of Mittagong, resulting in media coverage for the underheard-of sentence imposed without a prison term attached.

Another case was a grievous bodily harm with intent charge, a serious charge in our Crimes Act that carries a term of imprisonment of maximum 25 years. Sylvie again took on this complex matter and proceeded to do her own criminal investigation not satisfied the police had the right person. She visited the scene, interviewing neighbours police had not, even tracking one neighbour to her new address of Texas in the United States. She obtained affidavits from 5 independent neighbours in the area and then represented to police that they had the wrong guy. The police overwhelmed with her investigation asked Sylvie for all the statements to which she declined but instead represented to police to withdraw all the charges lest face a trial  and cost awarded to the defence. The police agreed and withdrew all charges even prior to election to the ODPP. These are but two (2) examples of Sylvie’s diligent and persistent defence of her clients no matter what the charge.

Sylvie also speaks fluently in English and Spanish to better assist the Latin American community members.

Apart from law, Sylvie enjoys the simple pleasures of life, family outings with her now-adult daughter, tendering her garden and walking along the beautiful coastlines of the great State of NSW. Sylvie has also travelled extensively and enjoys learning and experiencing new cultures.

Criminal Defence Lawyer

Jinan Ibrahim

Jinan Ibrahim holds a degree of Bachelor of Arts-Media with a degree of Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University and is admitted to practice as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Jinan’s passion to pursue a Criminal Defence career developed from witnessing the injustices and inaccuracies faced by people charged with a criminal offence. This made her realise the detrimental effect a charge could have, not only on the person charged but also on his or her family.

Prior to her admission, Jinan worked predominately in Criminal Law. She worked in well renowned criminal law firms and assisted lawyers and instructed barristers on serious matters, including, sexual assault trials. She also assisted lawyers in defended hearings and Supreme Court Bail Applications.

Upon joining National Criminal Lawyers®, Jinan has worked and achieved great results in a wide range of matters including cases involving drug importations, sexual assault, assault, fraud, procuring children and traffic offences. She possesses the necessary skills in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution case and formulating the best strategy that ensures the optimal outcomes are achieved.

Jinan has had exceptional exposure to diverse clients from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. This unique exposure has aided her ability to provide exceptional advice and an ability to explain the law and legal processes in plain English. This ensures her clients feel valued and respected.

Outside of work, Jinan enjoys playing tennis, running and cycling.

Legal Secretary

Kathreen Al-Mndwbi

Kathreen Al-Mndwbi is the Legal Secretary at National Criminal Lawyers®. She plays an integral role in assisting our lawyers on a day-to-day basis, constantly ensuring the smooth operation of the firm to provide an exceptional service to our clients. Kathreen provides support with compassion and respect to our lawyers while they assertively fight to defend your rights. Kathreen serves as the primary point of contact for the firm and will assist you in finding the appropriate lawyer to represent you in your matter.

Kathreen’s passion for justice and her love for helping people finally came together as she started with National Criminal Lawyers®. As the legal Secretary, she works closely with our principal Michael Moussa and our lawyers to help navigate the system so that you can return to your familiar life without the cloud of a criminal charge hanging over you. Kathreen assists our lawyers in the preparation of a broad range of criminal law files across the Local Courts, District Courts, and Supreme Courts.

However, the most enjoyable part of Kathreen’s job is communicating with clients, helping to explain things to them, and answering their questions. Kathreen makes sure to keep our clients fully informed of the development of their case and through every step of the court proceedings. She communicates with our clients in an empathetic, honest, and direct manner every step of the way.

Kathreen understands that being charged with a criminal offence is frightening and anxiety-inducing. she understands the emotional toll of your situation as well as the threat to your livelihood and reputation. Kathreen has built strong relationships with clients through her ability to provide a sympathetic ear when a client is scared or worried. Being from a refugee background, Kathreen understands that your liberty is the most valuable aspect of your life and is dedicated to doing her utmost to help you keep it. Kathreen is also very enthusiastic and encouraging, with an incredible work ethic, which makes her an invaluable member of the NCL family.

Outside of work, she is undertaking a Bachelor of Laws with a focus on criminal law at the University of Technology Sydney. Kathreen has a keen interest in the criminal justice system, consistently seeking to expand her knowledge and spire to practice as a defence lawyer when admitted. Kathreen is fluent in Arabic, and she consistently utilises her fluency in Arabic and cultural background to assist members of the middle eastern community throughout the often stressful and emotional process.

Here is Kathreen’s reflection on her position at National Criminal Lawyers®:

For most law students, the anxiety of finding legal experience and work in the foreseen future is always looming in the background. For most of us, perfection is the standard we set for ourselves or assume is what is required of us. Coming into this role, I was overwhelmed with my assumptions of what I expected working in a criminal law firm would entail.

At National Criminal Lawyers®, not only am I valued, but I feel heard and seen. Everyone went out of their way to welcome me and make me feel comfortable. When I first joined National Criminal Lawyers®, no one expected perfection from me but simply someone willing to learn is open-minded and ready to put in the hard work.

This position allowed me to set realistic standards for myself and taught me so much about life and the law by simply hearing everyone’s stories and experiences.

The aspect I admire about this position is the opportunity to follow different lawyers each day and watch how they work with clients and other lawyers. This, coupled with many other things, showed me the reality of practising law outside what we are taught.

Working here allowed me to understand what type of lawyer I want to be and what type of mentorship I thrive in. I believe that criminal law is rarely about cunning criminals convening with their lawyers about how to get away with crimes they committed. It is more about real people in difficult situations who may have made a mistake but who find themselves being turned through the machinery of our criminal justice system, it is about helping people through that process however they decide to plead. That is the work of a criminal defence lawyer, and that’s the work that I am proud to be part of here at NCL.

As a legal secretary, part of my job is assisting our lawyers in the preparation of a wide range of cases. During this, I learned that our criminal justice system is full of people with addictions ad all the kinds of backstories that make you understand why they started abusing substances in the first place, the poor, the homeless, the people with mental health challenges or have cognitive impairments and don’t have the support around them to deal with those and manage those experiences.

I believe that it’s critical in a just society that those stories be heard that such background is believed and that it be taken into consideration, and giving a voice to that story is the work of a criminal defence lawyer here at National criminal lawyers®.