
Empowering Accessible Legal Support.
Welcome
Welcome to Johnston Ryan Legal, based in Naarm/Melbourne, Victoria. Led by Founding Principal Rebecca Johnston-Ryan, we specialise in criminal law, personal safety matters, and family violence matters.
We have witnessed first-hand the barriers that often deter people from seeking essential legal help. Our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to making legal support accessible for everyone.
Know Your Rights,
Know Your Worth.
Your trusted partner on your journey to justice
Empowering lives beyond law
Your trusted partner on your journey to justice Empowering lives beyond law
Our
Approach
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Honest & Transparent
At Johnston Ryan Legal, our greatest victories come from empowering you to understand your rights within the legal system. We approach each case with honesty, clarity, and optimism, ensuring you always know where you stand.
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Simplifying Complexity
Legal challenges can be overwhelming. We decode complex legal jargon into straightforward terms, guiding you through your options and rights with clarity and empathy. Whether you need representation or guidance, we're here to help.
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Affordable Advocacy
We understand that legal fees can pose barriers. Johnston Ryan Legal offers flexible pricing options to ensure high-quality legal support is accessible to all, especially those facing financial challenges. Please get in touch with us to find out more.

"My goal is to empower my clients with knowledge and confidence so they can navigate the legal system with control and self-worth."
Our
Services
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Civil Law
Assisting with employment disputes, building/construction disputes, and general civil matters, advocating vigorously for our clients' rights and interests.
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Criminal Law
Defending clients facing criminal charges and exploring alternatives to prison through therapeutic interventions and collaboration with psychologists and social workers.
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Family Law
Handling divorce, child custody, support matters, and property settlement disputes with sensitivity and expertise.
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Family Violence and Personal Safety
Providing compassionate advice and representation for clients navigating family violence matters, including obtaining intervention orders and understanding personal safety options.
About
Rebecca
I am an experienced Solicitor, Prosecutor, and Investigator with a background in government administrative law and regulatory matters. I hold degrees in Law and Arts from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Laws from La Trobe University.
As the Principal of Johnston Ryan Legal, I act as your legal big sister, guiding you through the complexities of the legal system with a supportive and jargon-free approach.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities, I am committed to providing a safe and judgement-free space for my clients to share their stories and receive the support they need.

"My goal is to empower my clients with knowledge and confidence so they can navigate the legal system with control and self-worth."
The FAQs
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We have expertise in a variety of areas of law, but predominantly assist with family violence legal matters and criminal law matters.
At the moment we are at capacity in the following areas of law:
Family Law
General Civil Law
Employment Law
As our capacity changes, we will provide updates here.
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To best understand the issues you are facing, it helps us to see any paperwork as early as possible in the process. If you are able to, we recommend emailing documents to us, or reaching out to us for a secure upload link you can use to provide us with your relevant paperwork.
If you are unable to provide paperwork via the internet, for your initial consultation, please bring any relevant documents or information related to your legal matter, such as contracts, correspondence, or any previous legal paperwork relating to your current legal concerns.
Providing relevant paperwork and information ahead of time will help us understand your case better and provide you with more accurate and effective advice.
If you're unsure what to bring, or how best to send us the materials you do have, feel free to contact us in advance to discuss what options are best for you.
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We believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to our fees.
Depending on the nature of your legal needs, we offer both fixed fees for certain legal services, such as drafting legal documents or conducting initial consultations, and hourly rates for more complex cases.
Our fee structures are flexible, and we work with clients to ensure that they are able to get the legal help needed at an affordable price.
We will provide a clear and detailed estimate before beginning any work, so there are no surprises.
If we believe another legal service (Victoria Legal Aid, Community Legal Centre) may be able to give you a no-cost option for your legal issue, we will absolutely provide you with a direct referral.
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Our approach to client communication is built on clarity, responsiveness, and accessibility.
We understand the importance of keeping you informed at every stage of your legal matter.
Whether through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings, we are committed to providing updates and answering any questions you might have as promptly as we can.
Quite often we are either in Court or meeting with clients, which does restrict our ability to respond to phone calls, web enquiries or emails. We appreciate that it can be frustrating waiting for a response while we are assisting clients, and we thank you in advance for your patience.
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Yes, we have extensive experience representing clients in a variety of legal matters, ranging from civil disputes to more complex litigation cases.
We can represent you in metropolitan Melbourne courts and higher jurisdictions as required, providing skilled advocacy to protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
We are also experienced in briefing the right barrister for your matter (where one is required).
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We understand that life can be busy, and legal matters often require timely attention. That’s why we offer flexible appointment options, including after-hours and weekend consultations, to accommodate your schedule.
We also offer virtual consultations if you prefer to meet remotely. Many of our clients prefer an entirely remote legal advice experience.
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As a one-person law firm, we are dedicated to providing a highly personalised experience. This means that you will always work directly with me, ensuring a deep understanding of your unique legal situation and consistent, individualised attention throughout your case.
Our focus is on building a strong client relationship to better serve your needs.
Next Steps
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Get in touch
Contact us via email or our online form - or schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your situation and outline the best steps forward.
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We represent you
We guide you through each step of the legal process. From negotiations to court, we advocate for your rights and work towards the best outcome.
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Achieve resolution
We aim for a fair and efficient resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, ensuring you can move forward with confidence.
Contact Us
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Contact Us *
Facing legal challenges or seeking clarity on your rights? Schedule a consultation today or get in touch.
Dedicated Office Hours
Wednesday and Saturday
9am–5pm