Pranaven appears in all areas of criminal law at both a trial and appellate level. He also accepts briefs in quasi-criminal matters including Occupational Health & Safety prosecutions, Serious Offender applications, Royal Commissions, inquiries, coronial inquests, disciplinary, regulatory and tribunal cases.
Since coming to the Bar, Pranaven has regularly appeared as junior counsel in the Supreme Court in homicide trials and pleas. He also appeared both led and unled in the Court of Appeal. Pranaven has also appeared unled in pleas, pre-trial hearings and appeals in the County Court.
Pranaven first gained experience in criminal law as an intern at Robert Stary Lawyers (now Stary Norton Halphen). He was also exposed to administrative and criminal law at the Street Law program of Canberra Community Law, a community legal centre initiative for clients experiencing homelessness. Pranaven has undertaken Aboriginal cultural competency and awareness training with Koorie Heritage Trust.
Immediately prior to coming to the Bar, Pranaven practiced as a solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions, Victoria (OPP). In that capacity, he prepared proceedings involving homicide, serious sexual, fraud, drug and Occupational Health & Safety offences. He also conducted hearings involving the Crimes (Mental Impairment & Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 and the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004.
Pranaven graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, with First Class Honours, and a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University in Canberra. His honours thesis examined the ambit of the offence of ‘Advocating terrorism’ within the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Outside of the law, Pranaven is a volunteer at the Australian Medical Aid Foundation, where he is involved in fundraising events in support of medical aid initiatives in war torn regions of Sri-Lanka. He is also a member of the Academy of Indian Music, Australia.
Pranaven read with Patrick Doyle SC and his senior mentor is Megan Tittensor SC.