Simon Watters was first admitted to practice in 1990 and has specialised in criminal law for over 25 years with a particular emphasis on appellate work.

In 1992 Simon was called to the English Bar by Grays Inn where he practised for 5 years, including an appearance before the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. In 1995 Simon received a British Chevening Scholarship and was awarded the Zelman Cowen Award for top scholar in Australia. With this, Simon was able to complete a Master of Laws at Kings College London.

Simon returned to Perth in 1997 and joined the Bar in 1999. He has appeared as counsel in all criminal courts, from the Magistrates’ Court through to the Court of Appeal and the High Court and has also appeared as counsel in the Coroner’s Court, various State and National Corruption and Crime Commissions and other government inquiries.

In addition to criminal law Simon’s areas of practice include coronial inquests and appearances in the State Administrative Tribunal as well as care and protection proceedings in the Children’s Court.

Simon was on the WA Law Society Council from 2000- 2010, being Vice President from 2008-2010. He was chairman of the Boxing Commission of WA from 2005 to 2012.

Simon has also served on the Board of Telethon Speech and Hearing, Western Australian Institute of Deaf Education and the Ear Science Institute of Australia and is a former Chairman of the Lions Hearing Foundation.

Simon practises in the following areas:

Criminal

• Written advice on prospects of defending any criminal charge 
• Appearing as counsel in Criminal trials in Magistrates, District and Supreme Court
• Criminal Appeals before the Court of Appeal and High Court 

 Inquests/Inquiries

• CCC inquiries 
• NCA investigations 
• Coronial inquiries 

 Children’s Court

• Care and protection proceedings