Our team

Michael Perrella BA, LLB

Mr Perrella has over 20 years' experience as a criminal lawyer. After 10 years working as a prosecutor, firstly for the Commonwealth of Australia and secondly, the State of Western Australia Mr Perrella developed first-hand knowledge and experience about how a prosecution case is built from the investigation stage of gathering evidence to the assessment of that evidence and application of prosecution policy and guidelines through to making tactical decisions about how the case will be presented to a jury and then effectively prosecuting the case at trial before a judge and jury.

Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience as a prosecutor Mr Perrella made the move to the other side of the bar table to fulfil his long-held desire to establish a specialist criminal law firm. Since establishing Perrella Legal in 2011, Mr Perrella has garnered a solid reputation as a successful criminal defence lawyer having consistently achieved outstanding results for his clients by negotiating outright discontinuances of serious indictable charges, securing acquittals at trial and obtaining non-custodial outcomes on pleas of guilty for serious criminal offences. Mr Perrella has prosecuted and defended numerous criminal trials in all courts throughout Western Australia.

Mr Perrella is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Western Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.

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Elise Abou-Merhi LLB

Elise was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2005 and joined Perrella Legal as a part time lawyer after many years experience as a prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (WA) where she garnered an excellent reputation for her thorough preparation, efficiency with precision in her oral advocacy and consistent fairness in her dealings with all defence lawyers. Elise is highly regarded for her ability to efficiently assess briefs of evidence and provide advice as to the best strategy to resolve a matter without the need for a trial.

Elise has consistently achieved exceptional outcomes for clients by having charges discontinued outright or downgraded to reflect the essential criminality involved. Elise has appeared as counsel in every jurisdiction, including as junior counsel in the High Court of Australia. Elise is passionate about defending the presumption of innocence and achieving results that, at first blush, otherwise seem unattainable. Elise exercises a high degree of humility about her achievements.

Chris Townsend BA, JD, LLM(CrimPrac)

Since admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2013, Chris has practised almost exclusively in criminal law. Having joined the Perrella Legal team in 2023, Chris brings a wealth of experience across all criminal matters, from simple offences such as drink driving, assault and drug possession to serious indictable offences such as drug trafficking, money laundering and murder.

Over the last decade, Chris has appeared before all courts to represent clients at both trials and sentencing.

Chris has a particular interest in appeal matters, and has appeared as Counsel before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as Junior Counsel before the High Court. Chris has also gained a Master of Laws in Criminal Practice, and is otherwise an Adjunct Lecturer at the WA College of Law.

With a keen passion for criminal law, and understanding the psychological, emotional, and physical impact that clients experience going through the criminal justice process, Chris strives to achieve the best outcome for his clients, whilst ensuring the client understands the process and the options, every step of the way.

Ashleigh Antoine LLB

Ashleigh joined our team in 2016 after attaining her Bachelor of Laws with Distinction and completing clerkships at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (WA) and the Criminal Appeals team at Legal Aid WA.

Since her admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia Ashleigh has practised exclusively in criminal law at Perrella Legal.

Ashleigh provides our clients with legal advice and court representation in relation to matters ranging from minor traffic offences to complex criminal offences, restraining order matters and appeal work.

Ashleigh is dedicated to achieving the best result for each client, whether that is the fairest sentence possible at a sentencing hearing, negotiating a downgrade or discontinuance of a charge with the prosecution, or fighting for our client’s interests at trial. Ashleigh is a passionate court advocate whose experience spans across the various Magistrates Courts in Perth, the District Court and Supreme Court.

Ashleigh understands how emotional and stressful it is for our clients going through the criminal justice system, often for the first time, and how much our clients need a lawyer who is not only their advocate but who they can count on as being honest, communicative and empathetic.

Ashleigh is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Western Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.

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Jade Tonkin BCom, LLB

Jade joined the Perrella Legal team in April 2023, and shortly thereafter, was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in May 2023. Prior to admission, Jade gained valuable experience as a paralegal for firms practising in criminal, family, and commercial law. Ultimately, Jade discovered a keen interest and passion within the field of criminal law.

Although she is a new member of the profession, Jade is dedicated, hardworking individual, who strives to always achieve the best outcome, is enthusiastic about expanding her knowledge, and is committed to advocating for our clients.

Jade is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Western Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.

Fleur Robinson LLB

Fleur was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2023 and joined the team at Perrella Legal in early 2024. From the outset of her university studies, Fleur not only had a keen interest in criminal law but instinctively gravitated towards the defence of citizens ensnared by the laws of our government.

With a previous background in family law and parenting proceedings, Fleur has valuable experience in negotiating matters in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Fleur well understands that criminal allegations of family and domestic violence are often accompanied by acrimonious and/or unresolved family court proceedings.

Fleur has a special interest in building her expertise in defending sex offences, family violence restraining orders, and traffic matters. Fleur is cognisant of the emotional toll of court proceedings and takes the time to steer her clients through the criminal justice system with empathy and care. Fleur’s commitment to her clients extends beyond striving for the best possible outcome but to offer support and compassion in the often uncertain, unfamiliar and unenviable circumstances their lives have ventured into.

Fleur is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Western Australia, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association, and the Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Western Australia.

Call us today on (08) 9225 6646

What our clients are saying about us

Good afternoon, I would like to leave an anonymous review for Perrella Legal, most especially to Ms. Ashleigh Antoine. I am very grateful to have spoken to Ms. Antoine at the first instance because we felt we are in good hands. She explained the process in terms that we can understand. She is very professional, nonjudgmental, and very down to earth. Throughout the process of almost 3 years, we achieved the best outcome. I can never thank her enough for her patience for our son, she recognised his needs and dealt with him in a manner that is honest, transparent, and reassuring. She worked hard for this case and we see how dedicated she is in her profession and in helping her clients. She is a fighter in court, calm, and hands down with her expertise as a defense lawyer. The fear of hearing the prosecutor lay out information to the judge that we think was not in our favor, Ms. Antoine counters it with significant non challenging arguments that I would not have thought about and puts us at ease each time. She is AMAZING! What an exceptional ability she has and more respectable because of her HUMILITY.

18 January 2024

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Michael Perrella and Amelia Mclean for all their help and bearing with me all through the most challenging legal battle of my life in the Court of Law which was completely framed by my then wife along with her entire family specially parents.

Mr Perrella is the most prudent lawyer, experienced, amiable, and methodologically proceeded my case with his team including Ms Mclean with the utmost care with an empathetic approach and I was acquitted of all 4 charges with jurors giving their verdicts within a short period of time "Not Guilty". It was euphoric and the credit went to Michael. Michael has a great patience to listen to his client.

Justice prevailed with Michael’s tireless work of 7-day-trial. Michael brought back justice to his innocent client proving the opponent you can’t gloss over Michael even you managed to do so almost every Authority.

Ms Mclean is one of the coolest soft-spoken lawyers with an attitude to help everybody and she was very supportive all along.

The Perrella Legal team is highly recommended for anyone seeking legal advice and support within an affordable price with a great care.

27 March 2023

Michael handled my brother's serious criminal case and is a very professional, honest, and experienced individual. He understands exactly what he is doing and what needs to be done during the trial. He is very intelligent and confident in his abilities as a defence attorney. In comparison to other firms, his legal fees are reasonable. If you work with Perrella Legal, you will be extremely fortunate. Amelia is also very helpful and friendly; she understands the client's pain and never becomes angry. Michael answers emails on weekends and after hours. During the trial, he is an excellent fighter. Don't be concerned if Michael handles your case, in my opinion.

23 March 2023

Dear Ashleigh

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional effort and assistance throughout the entire two-year court process. Your dedication and support have been invaluable, and I cannot thank you enough.

From the very beginning, you have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that I received the best possible guidance and representation. Your extensive knowledge of the legal system, attention to detail, and ability to explain complex legal matters in a way that I could understand were truly remarkable.

Not only did you provide me with expert advice and representation, but you also showed genuine compassion and empathy during what was undoubtedly a challenging and daunting period in my life. Your unwavering support and reassurance helped alleviate some of the stress and anxiety I was experiencing throughout the process.

Your commitment to my case was evident in the countless hours you spent researching, preparing documents, and representing me in court. I truly felt that you had my best interests at heart and that you were fighting for justice on my behalf.

I am immensely grateful for your guidance and expertise, which ultimately resulted in a successful outcome for my case. Your tireless efforts and professionalism are a testament to your exceptional skills as a legal professional.

Once again, please accept my deepest appreciation for your extraordinary effort and assistance throughout the entire court process. Your unwavering dedication and support have made a significant difference in my life, and I am extremely thankful to have had you by my side.

You are truly an exceptional lawyer, and I will not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in need of legal representation.

12 October 2023

Dear Michael and Amelia,

On behalf of the young man we support through our disability agency, I would like to both thank you and congratulate you in the way in which you supported and represented our mutual client. This young man has experienced trauma and discrimination for most of his life but said he always felt heard, supported and reassured by the Perella Legal team. His carers were equally impressed and stressed how you were consistently patient, empathetic and considerate. In addition, you took the time to ensure that he understood the information being provided to him, his rights and what was expected throughout the trial process. Your sensitive and professional approach matched your due diligence and articulation when providing the legal defence- which of course led to a positive outcome. We wish you and your firm all the best and will recommend your services to others without hesitation.

Sincerely

A and H

24 April 2023

I had a difficult case, with difficulty on time lines, [but] what I had was the most understanding compassionate team with Ms Antoine and McLean. Their professionalism, duty and after service was second to none, I thoroughly recommend this firm.

15 May 2023

I am not a review writer, however I can find no better way than to post a review as I come to the end of a lengthy, challenging matter.

With all these “criminal law“ matters knowing who to turn to often comes when one is desperate for direction, before even receiving good legal advice.

I can not give advice on criminal matters but I can give direction when it happens.

Call Michael Perrella.

I have received a service that is clear, competent, succinct and successful.

It is exceptional in this day and age to have a professional who listens and understands. And understands quickly. Implicit in the rate of a lawyer is not just what they do (which in my case was impressive ) but the efficiency of how they execute those services. This is important where funds are finite. (Aren’t they always!)

You will get very good value with Michael Perrella.

Traits of competency, communication and understanding are key in the matters of criminal law.

I received a service with all these traits from Michael and his team. You will get excellent advice with Michael Perrella.

Michael took over the case late in its process after I was referred to him by a friend. He instantly got to the heart of the complex matter and skilfully did what needed to be done without fuss and managed with care.

From then on my stress levels reduced significantly and I began to feel confidence in the process and rightful outcome.

Perrella Legal have assisted enormously to my family’s health and well being. That can not be measured.

All who read this please know with Michael Perrella and his team you are in good hands.

21 October 2023

Contact Us

Level 6, 256 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000

(08) 9225 6646

admin@perrellalegal.com.au

Perrella Legal Pty Ltd (ACN 150 916 751)

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