About

We are a leading Queensland criminal law and employment law firm.

Led by directors Glen Cranny, Craig Pratt, Callan Lloyd, Melanie Morris, and Patrick Quinn, Gilshenan & Luton is renowned as a law firm that delivers high-quality service and results to its clients.

Commencing in 1924 with the practice of John “Jack” Gilshenan, the firm has always been based in Brisbane whilst serving the needs of clients all over Queensland.

In 1958, Leo Luton joined Jack in partnership, and Gilshenan & Luton commenced practice by that name. In the decades thereafter, the firm built a strong reputation across many areas of law.

At the forefront of our practice, though, has always been criminal law and employment law. We have been continually involved in many of Queensland’s largest and most prominent criminal cases, inquests, and commissions of inquiry over many years.

In 2008 the firm decided to specialise solely in its two core areas of practice – criminal law and employment matters. Since that time the firm has only strengthened its reputation in these areas, solidifying its reputation as the best criminal and employment law firm in Queensland.   

We continue to win peer-judged awards and recommendations for the quality of our work and regularly receive referrals from Queensland’s leading commercial and litigation firms seeking assistance for clients with criminal law or employment issues.

Our work extends across many industries, including law enforcement, health, and the legal and financial professions. Our clients cover a wide range of corporate and individual interests, including business people, government entities and officials, and individuals looking for representation and service of the highest quality.

Latest Articles

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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Case review - unrecorded convictions in weapons licensing decisions

Case review - unrecorded convictions in weapons licensing decisions

In a decision delivered in January 2025 by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), the Tribunal considered the critical issue of whether unrecorded convictions can be taken into account by the decision maker when deciding an application for a weapons license.
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Changes to Queensland’s prostitution legislation from August 2024

Changes to Queensland’s prostitution legislation from August 2024

Changes to Queensland’s prostitution laws to decriminalise sex work were passed by Parliament on 2 May 2024. Broadly, the changes establish a legal framework decriminalising the sex work industry in Queensland.
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Understanding Workcover fraud offences in Queensland

Understanding Workcover fraud offences in Queensland

In Queensland, workers’ compensation laws and regulations contain various provisions which are designed to protect the compensation and rehabilitation scheme against misuse and fraudulent claims. Misuse or fraudulent claims against the workers’ compensation and rehabilitation system carries severe penalties.
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