Our Team
Max Crispe
Max was born in Albany, Western Australia and studied Economics at UWA before attaining his law degree.
Max was admitted to practice in 1978 and joined the city practice of Kott Gunning. Over a period of 19 years, Max worked his way up from a solicitor to senior partner, heading Kott Gunning’s criminal and traffic practice.
In 1997, Max opened his own practice as a sole practitioner specialising in criminal and traffic law. Max Crispe Barristers & Solicitors now employs four solicitors who work exclusively in criminal and traffic matters.
Max is a highly experienced trial lawyer, having successfully defended clients in all Courts throughout Western Australia. He has represented his client’s interests in the High Court of Australia, Supreme Court, District Court, Magistrates Court and Children’s Court.
Max has over 40 years’ experience exclusively in criminal law. Over that time he has been involved in some of Western Australia’s highest profile criminal matters.
Max is approachable and friendly and will assist you no matter how large or small your matter is.
Call Max on 0407 440 078
Kate Crispe
Kate completed her law degree at the University of Western Australia and has been admitted to practice by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia in both State and Federal Jurisdictions.
Kate commenced work at a top tier commercial firm in Perth working in commercial litigation and insurance before joining Max Crispe Barristers & Solicitors in 2015.
Kate is an experienced senior lawyer whose strengths lie in legal analysis and in-depth review of prosecution briefs to find solutions for complex matters. Kate specifically enjoys analysing case law, legislation and appearing in Courts to argue points of law. Her strengths also lie in negotiating charges with prosecuting agencies for the early resolution of matters, often with cost awards granted by the Courts against WA Police.
Kate has experience representing clients in all Courts in Western Australia and works tirelessly to get the best possible result for her clients.
Kate is also a qualified Physiotherapist and this knowledge has provided invaluable experience dealing with offences involving injury analysis including grievous bodily harm and assaults.
Call Kate on 0415 058 950
Carole MacKay
Carole graduated from Murdoch University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Laws, she also completed her Bachelor of Criminology in 2017. She was admitted in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2020.
Carole has represented clients in the Magistrates Court, District Court, and the Supreme Court. She has a keen interest in all areas of criminal law. She is able to assist on a variety of police charge matters.
Carole has over 10 years’ experience in the legal profession. She is extremely passionate about achieving the best outcome for her clients.
Call Carole on 0421 764 122
Margot Perling
Margot was admitted to practice in 2011 after completing a double degree in Law and Psychology at Murdoch University. She has worked as a criminal defence lawyer since this time.
She completed articles under the pupillage of some of Perth’s leading barristers at Albert Wolf Chambers, following which she has worked at various criminal law firms in Perth before joining Max Crispe Barristers and Solicitors in 2020.
Margot is a Senior Criminal lawyer who has represented clients in all Courts in Western Australia for a wide range of matters. She is experienced in conducting jury trials and is passionate about advocating on behalf of her clients.
She is able to assist with any police charge matter, criminal property confiscation matter and criminal injury compensation matter.
Call Margot on 0468 861 265
Morgan Witham
Morgan is a criminal lawyer who has developed skills in supporting clients from diverse backgrounds, adopting a practise that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
She has experience with a wide range of matters having appeared in the Supreme Court, District Court, Magistrates Courts across Western Australia, Perth Children’s Court, and Family Court. She has also assisted with matters in the State Administrative Tribunal.
Morgan’s client communication is realistic and honest, and her experience with diverse clients has strengthened her ability to deliver advice in a way that is easily understood and accessible to her clients. Morgan’s accessible and client focused communication style has led her to take on opportunities in delivering legal education in prison, refuges, remote Aboriginal communities, and on radio.
Morgan has evidenced a consistent standard of practice throughout her legal career, and her strong dedication to academics and commitment to criminal law was recognised during her studies. She was accepted into the University of Notre Dame’s Young Achievers Early Offer Program for her law degree, and after completing her law degree, she was awarded a scholarship from the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Western Australia for her practical legal training.
Outside of work, Morgan is a mentor for the Blackstone Society’s Women in Law Mentoring Scheme and a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Western Australian.
Call Morgan on 0480 692 323
Amanda – Practice Manager
Amanda has extensive experience in legal administration, starting as a legal secretary and moving on to paralegal and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree.
She has experience across several legal practice areas having worked with some of Perth’s largest commercial firms before joining Max Crispe Barrister and Solicitors at the beginning of 2021.
Outside of work, Amanda’s hobbies include motorsport and is an avid supporter of the Western Force.
Amanda has a passion for assisting our clients to ensure the best outcomes with their matters.