Building a Legal Practice on Compassion and Expertise
In the fast-paced world of criminal and traffic law, Zoe Whetham and Martin Vazquez distinguish themselves through their unwavering commitment to compassion and expert legal representation. From navigating high-profile cases, to supporting clients through their most challenging times, both Zoe and Martin bring a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to their practice. Their journey from university peers to co-founders of Arthur Law reflects a shared dedication to justice and a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape.
 | Bachelor of Laws / Diploma of Legal Practice 2014 Bachelor of Arts 2012 |
Zoe Whetham’s deep interest in criminal justice was solidified during her 4th Year Practical Legal Training (PLT) placements. A pivotal six-month placement with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Newcastle fuelled her passion and set her on a trajectory towards a career in criminal law.
Zoe’s first significant experience after graduation involved assisting in a murder trial in Sydney, a challenging role that required daily commutes from Newcastle. This opportunity led her to her dream job at a criminal law firm, thanks to a connection she made during the trial. Over five years, Zoe advanced to Senior Associate, where she mentored Junior Solicitors and shared the guidance she had received early in her own career.
"I often reflect on how lucky I was that everything aligned in this way, but I also know that all the steps I had taken to seek different opportunities in criminal law as a student, helped me to meet the right people and end up where I wanted to be."
Reflecting on her time at the University of Newcastle, Zoe credits the practical experiences gained through the University's Legal Centre for shaping her career. Standout placements with the ODPP and the Aboriginal Legal Service provided her with a clear direction, focusing on a career in criminal defence.
“I loved the idea of working closely with people and advocating for them during what is often a very difficult time in their life.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Zoe's job is helping people navigate the overwhelming experience of facing criminal and traffic charges. Clients often feel lost when first charged, and she takes pride in taking the time to listen to their stories and crafting personalised defence strategies to meet their needs.
“Many cases take months or even years to resolve, so seeing clients come out the other side, grateful for both the outcome and the service they received, is immensely fulfilling.”
Among the high-profile matters she's been involved in, the most memorable are those where she witnesses the genuine relief of clients who achieve their desired outcomes. Whether it’s a not guilty verdict after years in the justice system, avoiding a criminal record, or simply retaining their driver’s license, assisting people in both significant and small ways is the most rewarding part of Zoe's job.
 | Bachelor of Laws / Diploma of Legal Practice 2014 Bachelor of Business 2011 |
Martin Vazquez’s path to law was less direct but equally impactful. Initially enrolling in a Bachelor of Business to gain opportunities to study abroad, Martin spent a transformative year at the University of Washington. However, it wasn’t until a chance conversation with a lawyer that he discovered his true calling.
“In my 2nd year, I studied family law, which I really enjoyed. I was assigned to assist a lady that was charged with Larceny. Listening to this lady’s story and assisting the solicitor with preparing for the sentence, was what got me hooked on criminal law.”
Martin's legal career began after a guest lecturer at the University of Newcastle facilitated a crucial introduction to a Newcastle lawyer, leading to Martin’s first trial in Taree.
“The entire process was extremely rewarding. I did my first mention in the District Court and saw high level advocacy by both the Crown Prosecutor and the defence Barrister. Watching this advocacy and the way in which they were both able to decide which areas of the evidence to attack and what to leave alone, gave me a real hunger for being an advocate.”
This experience, combined with subsequent opportunities, eventually landed him roles in one of Sydney’s largest criminal law firms and later with Legal Aid NSW.
A defining moment in Martin's career came while he was with Legal Aid’s Commonwealth Crimes Unit, specialising in drug importation cases. He worked on a complex case involving a client charged with importing a large commercial quantity of cocaine. Denied bail due to being deemed a significant flight risk, the client spent over two years in custody due to delays in trial dates. As a foreign national, he faced the added challenge of being cut off from his family, relying heavily on Martin and his team for both legal counsel and emotional support. Ultimately, the client was acquitted, underscoring the profound impact of Martin's dedication and compassion.
“Whilst the outcome was fantastic, what stuck with me most is that he said that he looked at me as family now. That without the emotional support I provided to him, he doesn’t think he would have made it to trial.”
This case underscored for Martin that the role of a criminal lawyer extends far beyond offering legal advice; it encompasses providing crucial emotional support during the most challenging times.
Establishing Arthur Law
Zoe and Martin’s professional journeys converged when they founded Arthur Law in 2024. Zoe had returned to Newcastle in 2020 after working in Sydney to found W & Co. Lawyers. After 5 years working for Legal Aid NSW and 4 years working in private practice, Martin joined the firm in January 2024.
“Together we spent the next 6 months working on rebranding the firm. We wanted our brand to reflect our values, our experience, and the personalised service we provide.”
A typical day for Zoe and Martin often starts in court, followed by office work preparing cases or consulting with clients.
“One aspect of my job that people might not expect, is that as a criminal lawyer there is a lot of waiting around. On the first day of a trial, it isn’t unusual to have to wait hours, or even days, to be assigned a Judge and a jury. On the day of a defended hearing, you have to arrive at Court by 9.30am, but your matter might not start until 3pm,” says Zoe.
Zoe and Martin keep ahead of the curve in criminal and traffic law through relentless learning and professional engagement. They dive into case law and legislation daily, attend expert talks on topics like DNA and crime scene evidence, and join key conferences such as the Public Defenders Conference. This dedication ensures they stay sharp and ready to tackle the evolving challenges of their clients' cases.
Looking to the future, Zoe and Martin foresee that technology will profoundly transform criminal law in the near future. Traditionally, the legal system evolves slowly, anchored in long-standing principles. However, rapid technological advancements are set to introduce new offenses and challenge existing legal frameworks. As technology progresses, Zoe and Martin believe the criminal justice system will need to adapt swiftly to address emerging digital crimes and innovative methods of committing offenses.
Despite the demands of their profession, Zoe and Martin prioritise maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their flexible schedules allow them to make the most of quieter periods, balancing their work with relaxation. Living in Newcastle, they have easy access to cafés, the beach, and the gym, which helps them unwind and stay active. Regular exercise is their go-to for clearing their minds after busy days.
Advice for Future Lawyers
Zoe and Martin encourage law students to explore different areas through PLT placements and to embrace networking and mentorship. They advise graduates to seek diverse court experiences and to cultivate the relationships that arise organically within the profession. Both Zoe and Martin’s careers demonstrates how even a simple coffee chat or chance conversation can offer valuable insights and open doors.
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