Our Legal Team
Led by a principal with over 42 years of experience, the team at Curt Hofmann and Co is experienced in all aspects of criminal law, traffic law, coronial inquests, Crime & Corruption Commission hearings, State Administration Tribunal hearings and disciplinary proceedings, Shire Council prosecutions, Freezing Notices and proceeds of crime, sex offences and other related matters.
Importantly Curt and the other members of the firm will work as a cohesive team throughout the conduct of your case whilst meeting in conferences to examine both the factual, forensic and legal aspects of your case. We will therefore test the prosecution case thoroughly by deconstructing the prosecution material and building a fortress of evidence to present at trial in support of your defence.
PRINCIPAL
Curt Hofmann
Curt is a Perth-based Criminal Defence Barrister practicing in all courts. He has particular expertise in criminal trials, utilising years of criminal law experience and knowledge to obtain the desired result for each and every one of his clients. Curt is one of Perth’s most experienced criminal defence lawyers and is available to appear on your behalf in all key court and tribunal systems.
Curt graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws and has worked consistently as a criminal lawyer throughout his extensive career. He is a member of the panel of lawyers for Legal Aid WA and the Criminal Law Association of Western Australia.
Above all Curt is an avid supporter of social justice within our community. He is a past competitor in triathlons including the Iron Man events at both a National and International level for over 30 years. With more than 42 years of experience as a legal practitioner, Curt brings his competitive spirit to the practice of law to prepare and argue your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Education
University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Jurisprudence degree, 1977
Bachelor of Law degree, 1978
Curtin University
Diploma of Forensic Science, 2006
Bar Admissions
• Barrister/solicitor and proctor of the Supreme Court of Western Australia
Activities & Affiliations
Criminal Lawyers Association
Western Australia Director of Public Prosecutions briefed counsel for trials
Law Society of Western Australia Criminal Law Committee
Competitive short, middle and Iron Man distance triathlons - nationally and internationally and a member of Triathalon Australia
Past President of the Maritime Archaeological Association of Western Australia and the Fremantle Triathalon Association
Awarded in 2018 and 2019 ‘Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer’ in Western Australia in Doyle’s Guide of Australian Lawyers
Senior Lawyer
Katherine Dowling
Katherine graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Law from the University of Western Australia. She commenced her legal career at an international law firm, working in commercial civil litigation. She quickly realised, however, that she enjoys advocacy and working with ordinary people and accordingly switched to criminal law after completing her restricted practice.
Katherine provides advice and representation in all areas of criminal and traffic law.
She has extensive experience in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Court jurisdictions. She is counsel in jury trials, pre-trial applications and sentencing hearings. She has also assisted and briefed other prominent barristers.
Katherine has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and prides herself on her ability to establish excellent working relationships with her clients and peers to ensure that matters are resolved in a professional, practical and cost-efficient manner.
She has been repeatedly recognised as a leader in her field of criminal law, evidenced by her nomination in Doyles Guide from 2018-2023.
In addition to her legal work, Katherine:
· has sat as an adjudicator for disciplinary hearings on the Football West Tribunal, the WACA Tribunal & the Rugby WA Judiciary;
· was a committee member of the Criminal Lawyers Association from 2020-2022;
· teaches at Curtin University as a seasonal lecturer;
· regularly presents at seminars for other members of the legal profession on law and ethics; and
· appears in the media on topical criminal law matters.
Education
University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Laws LLB
Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
Bar Admissions
•Admitted to Western Australia Supreme Court, 2009
•Admitted to High Court of Australia, 2009
Activities & Affiliations
Member of Criminal Lawyers Association
Criminal Lawyers Association Committee Member
Women in Crime Business Group
Adjudicator for Football West (Past)
Adjudicator for Rugby WA (Past)
Adjudicator for Western Australian Football Commission (Past)
Doyle’s ‘Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer’ in Western Australia in 2022
Doyle’s ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023.
PRACTICE Manager
Angela Babbington
Angela is the Practice Manager and Personal Assistant to Curt Hofmann. She is always willing to assist you and answer questions about the progress of your case. She is an experienced paralegal and administrator in our criminal law practice.
Experience
Curt Hofmann & Co
Practice Manager 2011 -
Mizen & Mizen
Legal Secretary 1999 - 2000
Watson Wyatt Actuarial Firm NZ
Secretary 1995 - 1999
JUNIOR Lawyer
Toni Hackney
Graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Laws from James Cook University. Awarded North Queensland Law Association Townsville Prize and McKays Solicitor Prize.
Commenced legal career working for a District Court Judge at the State Administrative Tribunal and District Court of Western Australia. During this position was exposed to advocacy in a range of different areas including administrative, civil and criminal law which cemented a desire to pursue a career in criminal law.
Admitted to SC in February 2022 and from here began practising exclusively in criminal and traffic law where gained extensive experience appearing in the District, Magistrates and Children’s Court.
Loves establishing positive relationships and working with clients to achieve the best possible outcomes for them