BILL POTTS — FOUNDING DIRECTOR — RETIRED FROM PRACTICE
BILL POTTS — FOUNDING DIRECTOR — RETIRED FROM PRACTICE
It is with a deep sense of respect and gratitude that we acknowledge the retirement of one of our founding directors, Bill Potts. He started with our predecessor firm, Price & Roobottom, in 1981 some forty-five years ago. In the decades that followed he established a thriving criminal law section. It saw him working long hours for those that needed his help. New frontiers were forged when he and Rob Franklin opened Potts Lawyers in 2009.
Bill always saw his role as that of an ally, navigating a path for his clients through the enormous stress of a criminal investigation or prosecution. That role took him all round the country and to all courts from the Magistrates to the High Courts, defending clients charged with the most serious of offences.
The art of advocacy isn’t limited to the courtroom but extends beyond that… to effective negotiation based on the insight which only experience can bring.

As one of Australia’s most senior criminal defence practitioners, Bill modelled a philosophy of client service, a strong work ethic, a passion for winning and an appreciation of the finer points of criminal law advocacy. He did this by working closely with his team, leading by example and adding his touch wherever and whenever it was needed.
His considerable skills and renown led to his acting for people from all walks of life – from local fishermen to financiers who operated on a global scale. Each benefitted from his broad knowledge and attention to detail in his craft. Innumerable individuals and indeed their supporters, found themselves greeted by name with a broad smile, a firm handshake and the strong sense that things were going to get better. His professional values remain a touchstone that still guides our team of criminal law advocates.
The profession as a whole benefitted from his boundless energy and desire to innovate in his unprecedented two terms as the President of the Queensland Law Society. These efforts were extended beyond the confines of the state during his tenure as the Director of the Law Council of Australia. In these rolls, as a leader of the profession, he worked to support the rule of law in a time of significant change and has advocated resourcing of the courts to improve efficiencies in the management of matters. No acknowledgement of his career would be complete without recognition of his boundless sense of humor. While the law demands a great deal from its practitioners, Bill has always sought to bring a welcome sense of joy to each day.
Thank you Bill.
I engaged Potts Lawyers recently for a matter that needed a well versed and knowledgeable lawyer to address my matter. I went and saw 2 law firms before Potts but I was not happy with the way they handled me, something didn’t feel right, so I kept Googling until I came across Potts Lawyers. I read up about them and found that Bill Potts had been in the law game for a very long time and was a well respected lawyer. I contacted them and saw Sinead Campbell and Bill Potts. They were clear and concise from the start, very knowledgeable about my type of matter and were clear with advising me of the actions I should take for the best result. I acted upon their recommendations and followed up with everything they suggested which in turn led to a Judge seeing exceptional circumstances that really helped in the best end result possible. I would definitely recommend calling Sinead or Bill from Potts Lawyers sooner rather than later if you need some serious help. Remember that you have the right to not say anything to anyone until you’ve spoken with them first so call them and get yourself well versed.
“Thank you very much for looking after me. I am extremely grateful and appreciative of your help.
The last 3 weeks have been the hardest by far that I’ve had to deal with in my life. Sinead, you calmed me down as it was then that I knew what I was up against.
Bill, you put forward the best case to the Magistrate and I thank you for that. The decision handed down was a fantastic outcome and I know I wouldn’t have got a better one without your help.”
“Personally, I have been a client of Potts Lawyers for many years, as such have required their assistance on many occasions. Potts Lawyers, and particularly Mr Bill Potts and Mrs Erin Mitchell, have provided an outstanding and extremely professional service. During each occurrence both Potts and Mitchell achieved profound results, displaying unparalleled knowledge and expertise in criminal law. I unequivocally recommend Potts Lawyers, to assist you with any pending criminal matters.”
“Well Bill it is close to a year ago now that you came to my rescue. Life can present a difficult path sometimes but it is the support from good people that gets us through and that is why I was fortunate enough to find you, Bill. You have some great people working for you and I would appreciate you passing on my best wishes to them also.”
“We always remember and thank you for the great help and professional assistance you’ve done for us. Thank you, Bill.”