About E&H Law

Book a Consultation

Our Commitment to Your Defence

Our service is backed by decades of experience with proven results.

Backed by a wealth of knowledge and experience, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide a high level of service and produce outstanding results. Our highly respected team will represent you in a professional and courteous manner, utilising our extensive knowledge and expertise in criminal law across all Queensland jurisdictions.

Crucially, Partners Tom Eckersley and Peter Haarsma maintain complete control of your legal defence from start to finish. This hands-on approach ensures you receive the highest standard of legal representation, whether your matter is in the Magistrates Court, District Court, or Supreme Court.

Court Locations We Attend

While our focus is Cairns, our experience extends across Queensland. We regularly appear in courts across the state, ensuring you have the same high-quality representation, no matter your location:

Far North QLD: Cairns, Bamaga, Thursday Island, Innisfail, Atherton, Mareeba, Mossman, Cooktown, Tully.

Central & South QLD: Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bowen, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane.

Meet Our Team

Tom Eckersley

Partner

Tom has around 25 years experience in criminal law, having been admitted to practice as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2003. A Cairns local, Tom gained his degrees at James Cook University and has practised exclusively in criminal law since his admission. Tom’s experience includes working with firms in Cairns and Brisbane. Tom will give you honest and frank advice, and is a passionate criminal lawyer whose interest is to ensure that every possible advantage available to his client is maximised.

Key Legal Experience Includes:

  • Murder and manslaughter
  • Armed robbery
  • Assault related offences including grievous bodily harm
  • Domestic violence offences
  • Drug offences (trafficking, supply, possession)
  • Sexual offences
  • Traffic Offences and Licence Applications
  • Fraud, stealing

Peter Haarsma

Partner

Peter has been working in criminal law for around 15 years and is admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Courts of South Australia and Queensland, and the High Court of Australia. Peter initially practised in Adelaide before moving to Cairns, transitioning from commercial law to solely practising criminal defence with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd. One of Peter’s strengths is his ability to analyse and explain complex legal issues in a simple and easy to follow way, keeping you informed every step of the way. He is highly respected for his ability to ensure you receive the best defence available.

Key Legal Experience Includes:

  • Murder and manslaughter
  • Robbery and arson
  • Assault related offences
  • Drug offences
  • Sexual offences
  • Public nuisance, and representation at coercive hearings and appeals.

Luke Parrish

Associate

Luke joined E&H Law in early 2025 after completing his Bachelor of Laws at Gold Coast Griffith University in 2022. Luke brings solid and valuable knowledge from his time with the Queensland Police Prosecutions, giving him an excellent understanding of criminal law in the District and Supreme Courts of Queensland from the prosecution perspective. He is known for his approachable and caring nature and is a valuable addition to the E&H Law team.

Key Legal Experience Includes:

  • Assault related offences (including grievous bodily harm)
  • Domestic violence offences
  • Drug offences (trafficking, supply, possession)
  • Sexual offences
  • Traffic Offences and Licence Applications
  • Fraud, stealing

Daniel Coates

Law Clerk

Steven Putterill

Receptionist

Lynese Yorkston

Lynese Yorkston

Receptionist (T.I. Office)

David Yorkston

David Yorkston

Court Support Officer (T.I. Office)

Our Specialist Criminal Defence Services

We handle a full range of criminal matters with precision and care.
Select any service to learn more:

Drug Offences

Possession, supply, trafficking, importation

Drink Driving & Traffic Offences

DUI, disqualified driving, work licences

Domestic Violence

Protection orders, defence for accused

Sexual Offences

Sensitive, discreet representation

Assault & Violence Offences

Expert Counsel for Assault and Violence Charges

Dishonesty & Fraud Offences

Theft and Stealing, Fraud, Burglary and Break-Ins, Receiving Stolen Goods, Forgery

Bail Applications

Urgent release, strong court arguments

Appeals & Expungements

Challenging convictions, clearing records

Torres Strait Islands Legal Support

With dedicated offices in Thursday Island and Bamaga, we deliver accessible, culturally safe criminal defence and expert legal representation across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

Need Help? Let's Talk.

Call (07) 4041 1677 or provide your basic contact details below. We will call you back promptly to discuss your situation privately.

Speak to a Criminal Lawyer Today

Call us on (07) 4041 1677