About us.
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Territory Criminal Lawyers is founded on the ideal that every person caught up in the criminal justice system deserves a highly skilled lawyer to advance their case and protect their rights. With diverse experience across the board, our team knows the NT criminal justice system inside and out. Detailed legal knowledge, fearless advocacy, and tireless work ethic are our guiding principles.
Principal Lawyer
Clancy Dane
Clancy Dane is a Criminal Defence Specialist with a long track record of success in criminal proceedings. Clancy is our Principal Lawyer, the former Vice-President of the Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory, and publicly advocates for the rights of defendants in the Northern Territory.
Over tireless years in the Territory Clancy has built a brand of fearless and effective advocacy, in which the rights of our clients will always be given full voice. Over tireless years Clancy has repeatedly proven his ability to successfully defend people facing some of the most significant criminal charges across the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and the Solomon Islands. Clancy appears in the Northern Territory Court of Criminal Appeal, Supreme Court, and Local Court in complex, serious, and contested matters, including in Supreme Court Jury Trials.
Clancy lived and worked as a criminal defence lawyer in Alice Springs and Darwin before calling Katherine home. There are very few who can rival his knowledge of the Northern Territory Criminal Justice System.
Practice Manager
Dr Russell Marks
Dr Marks is our practice manager and the published author of two books on criminal law. He is also a well-regarded journalist and an Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University.
Russell is a highly effective advocate for his clients and has extensive courtroom experience in both the Northern Territory and Victoria. Repeated success in complex police powers cases rank among his most impressive achievements. He also has significant experience as an advocate in mental health tribunals, and has worked as a policy adviser, a speechwriter, and an academic.
As a new father, Russell enjoys introducing his son to the joys of test cricket and Paul Kelly's music.
Senior Lawyer
Jenna McHugh
Jenna has travelled widely across the Top End representing clients and has seen it all when it comes to Criminal Law in the Territory.
Jenna brings dedication, care, and attention to each and every aspect of her cases. She uses these abilities to routinely achieve spectacular outcomes for her clients. She is unrivalled in her knowledge of the Youth Justice Jurisdiction and a highly respected advocate throughout the NT Legal landscape.
After winning a big case Jenna switches her Barrister’s robes for her camping gear and takes off into the NT wilderness.
Senior Lawyer
Mitchell Donaldson
Mitch runs the Territory Criminal Lawyers practice in Alice Springs. As a former Senior Criminal Lawyer in Alice Springs North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, and with experience in courts around Australia, Mitch is an expert at protecting the rights of his clients and advocating for them in the courtroom.
Mitch brings a wealth of experience to his cases and specialises in complex and contested matters in both the Supreme Court and Local Courts.
When not in the courtroom Mitch can be found hiking the walking tracks around Alice or down at the local parks with a cricket bat or ultimate frisbee in his hands.
Senior Lawyer
Jackson Meaney
Jackson brings an invaluable range of specialised experience to Territory Criminal Lawyers, having formerly held roles as a Local and Supreme Court advocate, a Youth Court specialist, and a community educator.
Jackson has spent long stretches of time on the Territory’s dirt roads, travelling and delivering legal education in remote NT communities. His love for the people and places of the Territory knows no bounds. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and positive attitude are not only infectious, but have helped him become one of the most sought after lawyers operating in the Top End.
Before settling down in Darwin, Jackson volunteered with the NSW Rural Fire Service assisting his local community and is a recipient of the National Emergency Medal for his involvement during the 2019/20 bushfires in New South Wales.
Trial Advocate
Sam Davison
Sam’s extensive experience as both a prosecutor and defence lawyer backs up his reputation as a formidable criminal lawyer and court room advocate. He has demonstrated notable success in all aspects of the criminal law across three jurisdictions (New Zealand, Victoria and now the Northern Territory) including in jury trials and complex contested matters.
Sam’s approach to each and every matter is to provide clients with an astute attention to detail and focused advocacy.
Outside of the courtroom, Sam enjoys spending time with his young family, exploring the great outdoors and playing a variety of sports. In a past life, Sam represented his province in New Zealand in A grade rugby union and senior men’s rugby league.
Legal Support Officer
Chloe Ford
Chloe provides the logistics and support in the background of our cases which ensures that our clients are best placed for great outcomes.
With a background in business and a graduate of the NTPFES Cadet Program, Chloe is perfectly placed to help our clients improve their situation and achieve better results.
Chloe holds a bronze medallion, is a true Territory local, and above all is committed to helping others.