Eric Halden

Senior Associate

Eric joined the firm in 2023.   His practice is focused in regulatory law, acting for corporations, officers, directors and individuals across white collar, workplace health and safety, and environmental matters. His clients span numerous sectors, including resources, infrastructure, agriculture and financial services, and range from ASX-100 listed companies, officers and directors, and workers.

Eric began his career in criminal defence, building significant litigation experience across Queensland's courts, including numerous trials in the District and Supreme Courts. He is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, and this grounding in courtroom strategy and rigorous preparation underpins his approach to every matter.

As a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Eric brings a strong understanding of governance and officer duties to his regulatory work. He regularly engages with state and Commonwealth regulators and prosecutors — including WHSQ, RSHQ, WHSP, DETSI, the AFP, ASIC and the CDPP — guiding clients from initial regulatory contact through investigations, interviews, examinations, and on to hearing or trial. Eric has built strong professional relationships with regulators and opposing counsel over many years, and is known for using this rapport constructively to negotiate favourable outcomes, reduce charges, and resolve matters efficiently.

Eric is a member of the QLS Wellbeing Working Group, and a member of the Corporations Committee of the Law Council of Australia.

Recent articles by Eric

White collar & corporate crime sentencing and penalty regime - Gilshenan & Luton - Brisbane lawyers - criminal, regulatory, and employment law

White collar & corporate crime sentencing and penalty regime

Australia’s enforcement landscape for white collar and corporate crime continues to evolve, driven by legislative reforms, case law, and increasingly assertive regulatory agencies such as ASIC.
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Obligations, duties and offences under the environmental protection regime in Queensland

Obligations, duties and offences under the environmental protection regime in Queensland

Queensland’s environmental protection framework is aimed at safeguarding the environment, balancing sustainable development with ecological preservation. A critical component of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 is the ability for offenders to be charged with offences to deter harmful activities, ensure accountability, and promote compliance.
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Alternative penalty options under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)

Alternative penalty options under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)

A fine is the most common penalty imposed when sentencing an offender for an offence under the Work Health and Safet Act 2011. There are also several orders available at sentencing, in addition to or other than a fine, that may present as more attractive options to an offender, the prosecution and the court.
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Industrial manslaughter in Queensland

Industrial manslaughter in Queensland

Industrial manslaughter occurs when an individual (worker or other person) dies at work due to negligence by a business or its senior officer. It is a criminal offence.
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