The law is constantly shifting and adjusting as our social landscape changes. As you try to manage your own affairs, figuring out what is not only legal but also most advantageous and effective for you is as difficult as it is crucial.
When it comes to navigating complex legal matters, working with a top-quality Canberra lawyer is imperative. Whether you need assistance with compensation, conveyancing, or criminal law, silly mistakes and poor advice can result in dire consequences. You need a lawyer that understands the ins and outs of your situation, and ensures you achieve the best possible outcome.
But how do you decide on a law firm in Canberra to engage for legal matters, when there are so many to choose from? You’re weighing up many factors – expertise, transparency, sensitivity, accessibility – so choosing one can feel like a daunting task.
In this article, we’ll share the qualities that differentiate law firms, and list the best law firms in Canberra.
What makes a great law firm?
When dealing with the law and working through legal proceedings, there is absolutely no room for error. Bad advice or the wrong decision from an ill-equipped lawyer can leave you in a pretty nasty situation.
So, what exactly should you look for in a great law firm? Here are a few of the traits we believe all the best law firms in the Canberra region have.
- Experience. The more experience a lawyer has, the more likely they will help you achieve the best possible outcome. Inexperienced lawyers are more prone to making mistakes, especially since they are less familiar with laws and legal proceedings than their longer-practiced colleagues.
- Honesty. There’s no point working with a lawyer that will promise you the world, get your hopes up, and then under deliver. You want a lawyer that will be 100 percent honest with you about your situation, and the realistic outcomes you can achieve.
- Prompt. If it’s legal advice you’re looking for, you don’t want to be waiting weeks on end for your lawyer to get back to you. Keep in mind that lawyers often charge by the hour. The longer they take to get your affairs in order, the more you’ll end up paying.
- Specialist knowledge. If you need help with family law, for example, it can be a wise idea to get help from a lawyer that specialises in that field. Specialist lawyers know their legal area back to front, and may be able to provide advice that generalist lawyers cannot.
- Understanding. During some of the toughest times in our lives, we need legal help. Whether a close family member has passed away, or a marriage has fallen out, when you seek legal assistance, you want a lawyer that understands your struggles, and is sensitive to your emotions.
The best law firms in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
Parker Coles Curtis
Parker Coles Curtis is an award-winning boutique family law firm in Canberra. With a deep commitment to excellence and compassion, they specialise in providing bespoke advice for all family law matters. Their dedicated team understands the unique challenges individuals face during times of family transition and is here to support clients every step of the way.
They proudly serve clients from all walks of life, including all cultures, and the LGBTQI+ community, providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can share their story without judgment.
Parker Coles Curtis offers a 15-minute free phone call with one of their experienced family lawyers. This initial consultation allows them to listen to clients' concerns, understand client needs, and provide valuable guidance to help their clients make informed decisions about the legal options available.
Their mission is to empower clients with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate family law matters confidently. With their personalised approach, they tailor their services to meet every client's unique circumstances, ensuring clients receive the support and guidance aligned to their goals.
As one of Canberra's leading boutique firms, Parker Coles Curtis take pride in their reputation for providing exceptional legal advice and compassionate representation. Their team's expertise extends across a wide range of family law areas, from divorce and child custody to property settlements and financial agreements.
When choosing Parker Coles Curtis, clients are choosing a dedicated team that will stand by their side throughout their family law journey. Client well-being and peace of mind are Parker Coles Curtis' top priorities, and they are committed to helping clients find the best resolution.
Contact them today to book in a free 15-minute phone call and take the first step towards a brighter future.
As Brett Simpson wrote on Google, 'I cannot recommend Parker Coles Curtis highly enough. The professionalism and expertise are next level. Monica Serci (as well as Debra Parker) assisted in my Family Law/Property matter and I found Monica/everyone at the firm to be kind, compassionate and professional, often assisting, providing advice and helping draft documents at short notice.'
MV Law
Servicing both organisations and individuals, MV Law is a dynamic firm based in Canberra. With core values of trust, integrity, respect, and passion, you can rest easy knowing you are getting some of the best professional legal advice in the region. The team at MV Law are best known for the specialist work in conveyancing and property law. They assist clients locally, nationally, and internationally with both straightforward and complex property related legal matters.
Four of MV Law’s expert lawyers have recently been recognised amongst the best in the country, named in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2021 List – including partner and Chair Archie Tsirimokos, who was recognised in both the ‘Best Lawyer – Commercial Law’ and ‘Best Lawyer – Real Property Law’ categories. Rest assured that not only are you in extremely capable and professional hands at MV Law, but that you are also receiving the best service in the country.
As Julian Bahamon writes in their Google review, "Great company. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a solicitor in Canberra."
BDN Lawyers
BDN Lawyers has serviced the Canberra, Queanbeyan, and surrounding areas for over 150 years. Today, the highly qualified, highly regarded team specialise in conveyancing, personal injury, and family law.
BDN is one of the longest surviving legal firms in Australia thanks to their commitment to their clients, and their professional, skilled legal advice. The friendly team at BDN work to demystify complex legal situations, giving their valued clients the knowledge and understanding to make sound legal decisions.
BDN is a full service law firm; providing expert advice with a personal touch. Regardless of the area of law with which you need help, BDN have somebody who can help. The team at BDN recognises how stressful and sensitive legal issues can be, and as such is committed to delivering great personal experience for their clients. Boasting accessible, responsive and innovative services, BDN has invested in technology, systems and staff training to ensure that their clients receive fast and effective legal services.
Sue Woods writes in their Google review, "My recent experience with BDN was very positive. I didn't feel I was just "another client" with Richard Baker. He was very personable and the staff in the Canberra and Queanbeyan offices were efficient and friendly."
Kamy Saeedi Law
As their ethos goes, they don’t practice the law – they live it. And for the past decade Kamy Saeedi Law have absolutely worn this on their sleeves, assisting thousands of clients in legal matters both large and small.
The committed team at Kamy Saeedi Law have built a stellar reputation as one of Canberra’s leading legal advisories. Their extensive track record and award-winning team comfortably cements this reputation.
Kamy Saeedi Law boasts legal teams across every field, working diligently and tenaciously to ensure the best possible client outcome. Their combination of experienced senior partners, and young dynamic lawyers ensures well rounded representation and the assurance that you are in good hands.
With an extensive knowledge of both courts and legal systems, and an understanding of the stress and anxiety that goes with fighting a legal battle, the team at Kamy Saeedi Law are both hardworking and compassionate.
Quite simply, they know the law. They understand the intricacies and technicalities and strive to see each client find their way through it. Recognising that there isn’t a one-size fits-all legal approach, their team of partners, solicitors, and support staff work tirelessly to aid each, and every client.
With a dedication to the Canberra community, Kamy Saeedi Law pride themselves on being accessible to all. They offer honest, upfront representation, high-quality legal advice, and a comprehensive emergency service. With specialist knowledge in both criminal law and commercial litigation, Kamy Saeedi Law are amongst the best in the business.
As Mark Falkland shared on Google, "Worked together with Michael, one of the partners. He is honest and a very good communicator. Highly recommend."
Emergency After Hours Contact: 1800 531 467
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Snedden Hall & Gallop knows Canberra and knows the law. Building on an enviable reputation and expertise garnered over 60 years it continues to be innovative and nurture some of the best and brightest young Canberra lawyers. Led by Managing Director Richard Faulks, Snedden Hall & Gallop are well equipped to handle your legal matters.
One of the advantages of using a full-service law firm like Snedden Hall & Gallop is that you have access to expertise across the legal spectrum. Whether you need family law advice, assistance with your will and estate planning, have been in an accident, or need help setting up or managing any aspect of your business, there’s a lawyer at Snedden Hall & Gallop who can look after you.
As Natasha Van Oudheusden reviewed on Facebook, "Richard Faulks is amazing. He helped us step by step, patiently answered our countless questions, encouraged us along the way and removed the stress from what could have been a very stressful situation."
DDCS Lawyers
DDCS Lawyers provide a full suite of legal services. An award-winning firm, DDCS Lawyers has a reputation for providing some of the best legal advice in Canberra. The firm’s dynamic team of lawyers, with a breadth of experience and diverse backgrounds, has helped thousands of clients to resolve issues of family law, wills and estates, and business succession. DDCS knows what matters most and provides experienced, client centred and committed legal services focused on ensuring the best outcomes for clients. Their lawyers are some of our city's best, and DDCS prides itself on being highly respected by clients and other professionals.
Their awards and qualifications speak for themselves - in 2016, 2019 and 2020 DDCS was recognised in Doyle’s Guide listings. The team boasts 2 Nationally Accredited Mediators registered with the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators, 3 practitioners with qualifications in Collaborative Divorce, 3 practitioners with qualifications and appointments as Independent Children’s Lawyers, a leading family law academic, and 3 former Judge’s Associates. So you can rest assured that at DDCS you are receiving the highest quality care and guidance available.
As Michael Miller writes in their Google review, "I have always received professional and efficient service from DDCS Lawyers. They're kind, caring and knowledgeable."
Andrew Byrnes Law Group
Andrew Byrnes Law Group specialises in criminal law, civil and commercial law, and personal injury. This professional and highly experienced firm also handles personal injury cases as well as wills and estate planning. With criminal law, Andrew Byrnes Law Group provides a free case assessment.
A truly different law firm, Andrew Byrnes Law Group operates with a fresh, modern approach that offers clients many benefits. The firm has completely re-thought the practice of law and the running of its law firm to secure clients the best possible outcome in the most cost-efficient manner.
Andrew Byrnes Law Group provides exemplary legal advice and services. The firm’s lawyers are forward-thinking, fearless fighters when push comes to shove. Andrew Byrnes Law Group saves clients time, money and stress by operating a one-stop legal service. Potential clients can book a free meeting with a lawyer. Online legal services are available.
This Canberra law firm shares a deep commitment to supporting causes that make a difference to community. That’s why Andrew Byrnes Law Group operates a “Let’s Give Back Program”, donating 1 per cent of profits to charitable organisations that support Australian families and individuals.
Cody Williams wrote on Google, “Despite the unfortunate and serious circumstances of my case Andrew and his team demonstrated compassion, professionalism and confidence throughout. His knowledge, quality of work and responsiveness provided me with reassurance every step of the way. Andrew's approach is different, people centric and outcome focused. Without his counsel I would not have received the result I did.”
Are you looking for more recommendations of legal services in Canberra? Check out our articles on the best business lawyers, best wills and estates lawyers, best commercial lawyers, best divorce lawyers, best criminal lawyers, best personal injury lawyers, best consumer lawyers, best DUI lawyers, best bankruptcy lawyers, best employment lawyers, best conveyancing lawyers, best workers compensation lawyers and the best sports lawyers in Canberra.
Or, if you’re looking to resolve your situation outside of the court system, our article on the best mediation and conflict resolution services in Canberra may be helpful.
Your experience with law firms in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the law firms listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the duties of a lawyer?
Lawyers aren't just called upon for representation in court - their responsibilities actually start way before this point, and include so much more. Lawyers provide you with legal advice for your business or personal affairs, help you manage your assets and make important financial and legal decisions.
Why do I need a lawyer?
Lawyers can help provide advice you may not have realised without one. Depending on your situation, you can find lawyers that specialise in the area you need help with.
Can I engage more than one law firm?
Absolutely. You may be engaged in more than one legal dispute, and need legal advice from specialists. If your law firm doesn't already have a specialist lawyer for your relevant case, it might be worth looking around for somewhere that does.
What are the qualifications of a lawyer?
In Australia, lawyers gain their qualifications by graduation with a Bachelor of Law and completing several years of practical training in the field, and successfully gaining a Practicing Certificate. This ensures that all qualified lawyers not only know the law when they enter the workforce, but also come armed with years of experience before they've even officially served as a lawyer.
How do I choose a law firm that's right for me?
The best way to choose a law firm that suits your needs is to do your research. Look at what previous clients have said about the law firms in Canberra, and see which ones align closest to your needs. Our article has some helpful tips on what to look for in a great law firm.