Alysha Ryan
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Experienced and dedicated Senior Family Lawyer with over six years in family law, including more than three and a half years post-admission experience. Demonstrated ability to manage complex parenting and property matters, with a strong focus on litigation, mediation, and client advocacy. Skilled in handling sensitive and high-conflict cases with professionalism and empathy. Former Associate to a Senior Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, bringing a well-rounded understanding of court processes and client needs.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Family Lawyer
Unified Lawyers
Sydney , NSW
06.2024 - Current
- Manage a diverse caseload of complex parenting and property matters from intake through to resolution or final hearing.
- Appear in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for interim matters and procedural hearings.
- Draft comprehensive legal advice, court documents, position papers, and correspondence.
- Lead negotiations and represent clients in mediations, family dispute resolution conferences, and informal settlement discussions.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, often in high-conflict or emotionally charged matters, providing strategic and empathetic advice.
- High recovery and conversion rates with demonstrated capacity to meet budget targets.
- Collaborate with colleagues and external counsel in the preparation and strategy of litigation matters.
- Provided advice to clients regarding their rights under state and federal laws governing marriage, divorce and other family-related matters.
- Counseled clients on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.
- Mentorship with junior colleagues.
Family Lawyer
Marsdens Law Group
Sydney , NSW
03.2023 - 06.2024
- Conducted family law matters (parenting and property) and wills & estates.
- Court appearances and instructing counsel in interim and final hearings.
- Attended mediations and prepared a wide range of legal documentation.
- Independently handled files while collaborating on Division 1 complex matters including those with billion dollar property pools.
- Participated in networking through BNI meetings.
Legal Associate to Senior Judicial Registrar
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Sydney , NSW
02.2022 - 03.2023
- Assisted the Senior Judicial Registrar in managing high-volume family law lists predominately interim hearings.
- Prepared case summaries, procedural notes, and legal research in complex parenting and property proceedings.
- Observed and contributed to dispute resolution sessions and procedural hearings.
- Gained a strong understanding of court procedure, discretion, and judicial reasoning.
- Developed a high level of efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail under court time pressures.
Client Services Officer
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Sydney , NSW
12.2021 - 02.2022
- Delivered high-level administrative support within the court registry.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism in managing sensitive matters.
- Developed strong knowledge of court procedures and IT systems.
Paralegal
Sharon Moore Solicitors
Sydney , NSW
12.2019 - 12.2021
- Provided administrative and paralegal support in a busy legal practice including support to the principal solicitor who undertook work in the Childrens Court inn her capacity as an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL).
- Drafted and served subpoenas, affidavits, prepared briefs for counsel.
- Communicated professionally with clients, solicitors, and court staff.
- Managed file systems, diaries, and proofing of legal documents.
Professional Placement
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions – Dubbo Office
Dubbo , NSW
01.2021 - 02.2021
- Supported solicitors and Crown Prosecutors through research, document drafting, court clerking, and brief preparation.
- Engaged with sensitive criminal law matters and liaised with key stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW01-2021
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW01-2021
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Criminology Major)
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW01-2019
Skills
- Family Law (Parenting & Property)
- Litigation & Court Advocacy
- Legal Research & Writing
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Negotiation techniques and Mediation Skills
- Complex Case Management
- Client Relations & Communication
- High-Volume Caseload Management
- Independent and Team Collaboration
- Time management
- Mentorship
- Multitasking Abilities
Volunteer Experience
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia – 2022
- Co-organised and participated in NSW Young Lawyers "Judges Evening" event.
- Involved in educational outreach and mock courtroom discussions.
University of Newcastle Legal Centre – 2017–2020
- Assisted with client interviews, legal research, and community legal education.
- Handled diverse matters with a client-focused, culturally sensitive approach.
This Life Cambodia (NGO) – 2019
- Team Leader for Harm Reduction and Drug Education project.
- Delivered ethical, inclusive health education initiatives in collaboration with local communities.
Other Employment
Senior Sales Assistant – BWS | 2017–Present
Customer Service Supervisor – Woolworths | 2017–2021
Duty Manager – Megamania Play Land | 2015–2019
Crew Member – McDonald’s | 2013–2017
- Developed strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and team leadership skills.
- Consistently delivered high customer service standards.
Technical & Legal Skills
- Court documents: Initiating Applications, Affidavits, Orders, Parenting/Financial Agreements
- Legal software: LEAP, Smokeball, Affinity, iManage, Cleo
- Microsoft Office Suite & Commonwealth Courts Portal
- Legal research, file management, billing, and time recording
- Confidential and trauma-informed client interaction
Referees
Available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Family Lawyer
Unified Lawyers
06.2024 - Current
Family Lawyer
Marsdens Law Group
03.2023 - 06.2024
Legal Associate to Senior Judicial Registrar
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
02.2022 - 03.2023
Client Services Officer
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
12.2021 - 02.2022
Professional Placement
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions – Dubbo Office
01.2021 - 02.2021
Paralegal
Sharon Moore Solicitors
12.2019 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
University of Newcastle
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Criminology Major)
University of Newcastle
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