Our Defenders
Established in 2009, Essere – The Defenders is a team of highly regarded, professional and dedicated criminal defence lawyers in Sydney. With a vast range of practice in criminal law and experience defending a variety of criminal offences and traffic matters, our team of solicitors possess a high level of expertise and commitment in order to achieve the best results for our clients. Our team has a wealth of experience representing clients in NSW Local, District and Supreme Courts and provides immediate assistance to individuals at police stations and gaols around the state.
INDUSTRY RECOGNISED AND
MUTLI-TIME AWARDED CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYERS
Derived from the Italian word meaning “to be”, Essere reflects our identity and purpose. Pronounced ehs-seh-reh, it speaks to our core mission: to be present, to be accountable, and to be the defenders our clients rely on when facing the justice system. It’s more than just a name — it’s a promise that we stand ready to defend, support, and advocate when it matters most.
As a team of criminal and driving offence lawyers, we are proud to hold various industry-recognised awards and accreditations that highlight our expertise and commitment to clients. Additionally, we are honored to be appointed by the Legal Aid Commission of NSW to be a part of various panels. We are also involved with The Traffic Offenders Intervention Program as volunteer lecturers, further showcasing our dedication to providing the best possible defence for our clients.
LEONARDO PREMUTICO
Leo Premutico began his criminal law career years before he was even admitted as a solicitor. Whilst studying law at the University of Sydney, Leo was instantly drawn to criminal defence work and actively sought employment opportunities as a paralegal in a long established firm which practised exclusively in criminal law. He was mentored by a lawyer with over 25 years of experience and was immediately exposed to serious criminal matters. Leo learnt to prepare cases in detail, dissect the Police brief of evidence and argue cases in Court.
After Leo was admitted as a solicitor he was offered a position at one of Sydney’s leading criminal law firms. At this firm, he was able to put into practice what he had spent years learning and this experience translated into getting great results for his clients. Needless to say, he quickly developed a reputation for being extremely prepared and committed. After many years of employment at this firm, Leo decided to co-create Essere – The Defenders.
Leo continues to practice exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer as he has done since admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Leo appears in Courts around NSW on a daily basis, for matters ranging from drink driving penalties to assault chargers or murder. He has successfully defended many clients facing jury trials and defended hearings, or clients pleading guilty to traffic and criminal offences.
He is on the Serious Criminal Law Panel at the Legal Aid Commission and is a volunteer lecturer at the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program. Leo has successfully completed an intense advocacy program at the Advocacy Institute of Australia.
PASQUALE CENTRACO
Pasquale Centraco began his career in mid to top tier national law firms and has been in the industry since the age of 17. Starting his legal career as a law clerk, then paralegal and progressing to being admitted as a solicitor. Pasquale has represented clients from all over Australia in all levels of jurisdiction such as the Local Court, District Court, Family Court, Federal Court and Supreme Court. He has provided advice to international corporations and succeeded in the areas of commercial litigation and complex insolvency disputes.
After working 9 years in the civil/corporate industry, Pasquale realised that his true passion was criminal defence law. Since joining Essere – The Defenders, Pasquale is quickly developing a reputation as a fierce criminal defence lawyer with a keen eye for detail. Pasquale has also developed a practice in intentional torts, where he utilises his civil law background in suing the Police in negligence and trespass claims.
BENJAMIN GOH
His career spanned over 20 years defending client’s initially at the Western Aboriginal Legal Service (WALS), he came to private practice in 2004 where he represented many clients in all jurisdictions achieving results which changed the paths of his clients lives and on occasion the way in which laws are to be interpreted. He donated much of his time to the community and to mentoring young lawyers. He will always be part of The Defenders team.
