About

We are a leading Queensland criminal law and employment law firm.

Led by directors Craig Pratt, Callan Lloyd, Melanie Morris, and Patrick Quinn, Gilshenan & Luton is renowned as a law firm that delivers high-quality service and results to its clients.

Commencing in 1924 with the practice of John “Jack” Gilshenan, the firm has always been based in Brisbane whilst serving the needs of clients all over Queensland.

In 1958, Leo Luton joined Jack in partnership, and Gilshenan & Luton commenced practice by that name. In the decades thereafter, the firm built a strong reputation across many areas of law.

At the forefront of our practice, though, has always been criminal law and employment law. We have been continually involved in many of Queensland’s largest and most prominent criminal cases, inquests, and commissions of inquiry over many years.

In 2008 the firm decided to specialise solely in its two core areas of practice – criminal law and employment matters. Since that time the firm has only strengthened its reputation in these areas, solidifying its reputation as the best criminal and employment law firm in Queensland.

We continue to win peer-judged awards and recommendations for the quality of our work and regularly receive referrals from Queensland’s leading commercial and litigation firms seeking assistance for clients with criminal law or employment issues.

Our work extends across many industries, including law enforcement, health, and the legal and financial professions. Our clients cover a wide range of corporate and individual interests, including business people, government entities and officials, and individuals looking for representation and service of the highest quality.

Latest Articles

Opening up about suppression orders and non-publication orders

02 March 2026

Often sought but rarely given, suppression orders are the only things stopping the public from getting access to your court or tribunal matters. A court or tribunal can shut their doors to prying eyes, but only if it finds it necessary. And convincing them to do so is no easy feat.

When suitability matters become a barrier to admission into the legal profession

15 February 2026

Admission to the legal profession in Queensland is not granted as a matter of course, even when an applicant has satisfied all academic and practical training requirements.

Applying to vary domestic violence orders in Queensland

01 February 2026

If a final domestic violence protection order has been made against you, or protecting you, there may be circumstances that arise during the operation of the order which cause you to consider applying to change the order.

Protected counselling communication privilege in criminal law Queensland

18 January 2026

Under Queensland’s criminal law, communications with counsellors about sexual offending are subject to a ‘protected counselling communication privilege’ during the legal process. This privilege governs what can and cannot be accessed from a complainant’s confidential conversations with counsellors.