Holly Boylan is a highly regarded criminal defence lawyer and a Partner at Doogue + George, based at the firm’s Melbourne office. Since her admission to legal practice in 2018, Holly has quickly established herself as a top-rated criminal lawyer in Melbourne. With a keen eye for detail, a deep commitment to her clients, and a passion for criminal justice, Holly handles a wide range of matters across summary and indictable crime, with appearances in the Magistrates’, County, and Supreme Courts of Victoria. She also has experience in appeals to the Court of Appeal, further expanding her expertise and the depth of her practice.
Holly’s legal career has been marked by her involvement in complex Supreme Court trials, often dealing with expert evidence in high-stakes cases. Her meticulous approach ensures that the evidence relied upon by prosecutors is accurate, reliable, and robust. Holly is particularly passionate about ensuring the integrity of the evidence presented in criminal trials, believing that it is crucial for achieving fair and just outcomes for her clients.
Prior to her admission to practice, Holly completed her Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University, graduating with Honours in 2018. Her Honours thesis focused on the operation of the Sex Offender Registration Act 2004 (Vic), with a particular emphasis on its impact on low-risk and youthful offenders. Holly’s work on this subject speaks to her strong interest in the impact of the Sex Offender Registration Act. She believes that the legislation’s imposition of onerous obligations on offenders who pose little risk to the community warrants further scrutiny and reform. Holly’s commitment to this area of law has shaped much of her approach to criminal defence, particularly her work advocating for the suspension of reporting obligations for offenders who are no longer deemed a risk.
Holly is also passionate about defending those accused of sexual offences, whether at first instance or on appeal. Her attention to detail and her commitment to her clients ensure that all cases, regardless of the charge, are handled with the utmost care and diligence. She takes a compassionate and pragmatic approach to every matter, always focused on achieving the best possible outcome for those she represents. Her practice spans a broad spectrum of criminal offences, including homicide, drug offences, and offences against the person, allowing her to advocate for clients in a diverse range of circumstances.
Recognised by her peers as a rising star in the criminal law field, Holly was included in the Doyle’s Guide listing of Victorian Criminal Law Rising Stars in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Her growing reputation culminated in her ranking as a Recommended Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria in 2024. Holly’s inclusion in these prestigious rankings is a testament to her legal acumen, dedication, and the trust placed in her by both clients and colleagues.
In addition to her legal practice, Holly is actively involved in the broader legal community. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Criminal Law Division, where she contributes to the development and improvement of criminal law practice in Victoria. She also volunteers as a Tribunal Member for Football Victoria.
Holly Boylan's combination of expertise, passion, and commitment to criminal defence continues to make her a rising star in the legal field. As a member of the team at Doogue + George, which is ranked as a First Tier Criminal Law Defence Firm in the Doyle’s Guide 2024, Holly’s contributions to the firm and to the wider criminal law landscape ensure that her clients receive exceptional, compassionate, and effective legal representation.
