Member of Conditsis Lawyers’ criminal law team Francis Caesar Devine has been awarded the prestigious Lawyers Weekly ‘Top 30 Under 30’ award in the Criminal Law category.
A black-tie ceremony held at The Star in Sydney on Thursday, March 7, saw Devine recognised for his exceptional talent and initiative in the legal profession amongst 850 of his peers.
Devine was selected ahead of nine other finalists in his category, each having made significant contributions to the Australian legal field over the past year.
Among the finalists was Conditsis Lawyers colleague, Kayla Nielsen.
Growing up in Sydney, Devine graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 2021.
During his Honours year, he demonstrated his commitment to excellence in the humanitarian field through his research on issues of genocide in international criminal law, which was subsequently published.
“Macquarie University has given me the research skills to synthesise complicated legal concepts and effectively argue nuanced points of law in the courtroom,” Devine said.
Since joining Conditsis Lawyers in August 2022 as a junior criminal lawyer, Devine has shown rapid growth as a skilled advocate.
He has exceptional legal research skills and a keen eye for the most minute details of legislation, which has proven invaluable in the defence of his clients.
In addition to his courtroom advocacy, Devine strives to uphold an active role in shaping public policy.
He completed his postgraduate courses at the University of Sydney and University of NSW and, in 2023 ran as a candidate in the NSW State Election.
Last year Devine spearheaded Conditsis Lawyers’ migration from hardcopy to digital resource management, projected to save the firm over $15,000 per annum in research costs.
Conditsis Lawyers founder and co-director Manny Conditsis said Devine had demonstrated an enviable capacity for legal research and an ability to provide and deliver articulate and tempered advice.
“He has assisted me personally in numerous Local and District Court matters, and I look forward to a continuing collaboration with him,” he said.
Upon receiving the award, Devine acknowledged his fellow finalists, mentors Manny Conditsis and Michal Mantaj, and colleagues at Conditsis Lawyers.
“Winning recognises my dedication to advocating for the rule of law and justice,” he said.
“It also inspires others to attain similar recognition within our honourable profession.”
Devine is the second member of the Conditsis criminal law under 30s team to win the prestigious award, with Alex Bailey having been awarded the honour in 2021.