RCT LAW - Key Persons


Aimee Stranks

Job Titles:
  • Trainee Legal Assistant / Family Law
  • Trainee Legal Assistant in Family Law, Splits Her Time Between Offices in Dandenong and Melbourne. Her Passion for the L
Her passion for the legal profession was ignited right after graduating from high school in 2021. Aimee's unique blend of interests includes being an enthusiastic ice hockey player, a pursuit that has cultivated her discipline and teamwork skills, complementing her professional endeavors. Moreover, Aimee is deeply committed to community involvement, expanding her worldview with unique experiences across Melbourne. Aimee Stranks, a Trainee Legal Assistant in Family Law, splits her time between offices in Dandenong and Melbourne. Her passion for the l…

Ain Mohiddin

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal
Ain Mohiddin brings a blend of academic prowess and diverse interests to Ryan Carlisle Thomas as one of this year's paralegal intake. Currently in her third year pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Ain is deeply committed to expanding her legal knowledge and expertise, working closely with lawyers and legal staff across the firm in a variety of different practice areas. Ain's dedication to learning and growth makes her a valuable asset to our team. Beyond the legal realm, Ain is a multifaceted individual with a passion for various pursuits. When not immersed in legal studies or assisting our clients, Ain enjoys spending quality time with her beloved pet cat, hitting the gym for a rejuvenating workout session, and indulging her creative side by baking delectable desserts. In addition to her native language proficiency, Ain possesses intermediate proficiency in Japanese, enhancing our ability to serve a diverse clientele. With Ain's dedication, enthusiasm, and diverse skill set, we are confident that she will make meaningful contributions to Ryan Carlisle Thomas' caring, committed and courageous team of legal professionals.

Amanda Burns

Job Titles:
  • Partner
  • Management Team
Amanda completed Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws degrees at Monash University in 2002 prior to undertaking an articled clerkship wi…

Anastasia Butreva

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal at Ryan Carlisle Thomas
Anastasia Butreva is a dedicated Paralegal at Ryan Carlisle Thomas, in her final semester of a Bachelor of Law and Biomedicine degree at Monash University. Her commitment to both the legal and biomedical fields underscores her passion for intellectual pursuits and her desire to make a meaningful impact on society.

Ann Marie Elenius

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • Principal Legal Assistant / Family Law
Ann Marie Elenius is one of our accomplished Principal Legal Assistants, working with a specific focus on Family Law, based at our Dandenong office. Ann Marie brings with her a wealth of experience, having earned both her Bachelor of Arts in 1990 and an Associate Diploma in Office Admin (Legal Stream) in 1992 from RMIT University. Ann Marie's dedication to her role is evident, assisting her team while coordinating and communicating with clients, providing comfort and compassion in every interaction. Beyond the legal sphere, she finds fulfillment in gardening, nurturing the beauty of the outdoors, and challenging herself with trail running and ultra marathons. Her dynamic personality and commitment to both her career and personal pursuits make Ann Marie Elenius an invaluable member of our team

Anna Vadaketh

Job Titles:
  • Special Counsel
Did you know that, in addition to the more well-known types of compensation (such as the cost of treatment and care, pain and suffering damages and compensation for economic loss) which can be claimed in Negligent personal injury claims (exclu… The ABC recently reported a story on former students and survivors of sexual abuse at Gippsland Grammar and their disappointment when they learnt of huge disparities in compensation payments ranging from $40,000 to $1 million for survivors of …

Bianca Brown

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
  • Personal Injury
Bianca Brown serves as a dedicated Associate working across both Ryan Carlisle Thomas and Stringer Clark, where she specialises in Personal Injury with a focus on WorkCover and TAC matters. Her usual office location is at Stringer Clark Ballarat, where she has honed her legal expertise and advocacy skills to benefit her clients. Educationally, Bianca holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Criminology, both from Deakin University, awarded in 2016. She further fortified her qualifications with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law in 2017. Bianca is also a recognised expert as an LIV Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. In her professional associations, Bianca is an active member of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Australian Lawyers Alliance. Her commitment to her community extends to her volunteer work as a lawyer at the Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service since 2018. Her dedication is underscored by her prior role as the Secretary of the Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service in 2019-2020 and her committee membership on the Board of Management of the Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Centre from 2018-2020. Outside of work, Bianca enjoys quality moments with her friends and family and finds tranquillity riding her horses. As a legal professional, Bianca tirelessly fights for her clients' rights to ensure they obtain the best possible results, reflecting her unwavering commitment to justice and community, all of which makes her an invaluable asset to Ryan Carlisle Thomas, Stringer Clark and the clients she serves.

Carolyn Ford

Job Titles:
  • Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist
  • Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
  • Personal Injury
  • Special Counsel
Carolyn is a current member of the Law Institute of Victoria Worker's Compensation Committee and an appointed representative on the WorkCover Advisory Group. Her past responsibilities included acting as a legal advisor on Eastern Health's Human Research and Ethics Committee, President of the Victorian Red Cross Friends of International Humanitarian Law and recipient of a Rotary Group Study Exchange Scholarship. An accepted WorkCover claim entitles you to seek payment of the "reasonable" costs of medical treatment required for a workplace injury. However, sometimes WorkCover will refuse to fund certain types of treatment, particularly those that are c… Since 2011, Carolyn has been a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist. Her practice areas include WorkCover, TAC, Public Liability …

Christina Fimis

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
  • Key Contributor
  • Ryan Carlisle Thomas As a Senior Associate
Christina joined Ryan Carlisle Thomas as a Senior Associate with her primary practice areas include Workers Compensation and WorkCover claims, as well as TAC and injury in public places claims.

Courtney Juraschek

Job Titles:
  • Legal Assistant / Personal Injury & Institutional Abuse

Doris Kunfunda

Job Titles:
  • Law Clerk

Elizabeth Becker

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Some of our legal team are looking forward to celebrating 40 years of Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) at the Melbourne Town Hall this evening. Formerly the North Melbourne Legal Service, Melbourne Community Legal has been providing f…

Elnaz Arman

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
  • Personal Injury
Elnaz is a dedicated legal professional with a diverse background and a strong commitment to social justice and human rights. She holds both…

Emily Lai

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal
Emily Lai is one of our dedicated Paralegals based in Dandenong. Emily is currently in her final year of pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University, showcasing her commitment to both the legal field and the sciences. In 2022, Emily completed a Seasonal Clerkship with Ryan Carlisle Thomas in our Personal Injuries Department. Emily's diverse background and education make her a valuable asset to our team, assisting with a variety of tasks across the firm.

Emma Hollamby

Job Titles:
  • Lawyer / Personal Injury
  • Personal Injury
Emma Hollamby graduated from La Trobe University at the end of 2021, completing her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology, before completing her Diploma of Legal Practices through the College of Law in 2022. Emma primarily focuses on the worker's compensation (WorkCover), road injury (TAC) and injury in public places cases that are undertaken by the firm across both our Dandenong and Warrnambool offices. Emma has the distinction of previously working for Ryan Carlisle Thomas during her studies as a paralegal, helping to ingratiate herself with the team and understand the care and compassion we have for each of our clients. In her spare time, she loves listening to a good true crime podcast while taking long walks and spending quality time with her friends, family and her two cats.

Isabel Hennessy

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Member of the Victorian Women Lawyers
Isabel is a current member of the Victorian Women Lawyers and the Australian Lawyer Alliance.

Jodie Gerritsen

Job Titles:
  • Chief Organiser
  • Special Counsel
The High Court handed down its decision of GLJ -v- The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore on 1 November 2023. Those of us working for victims/survivors of childhood sexual abuse applaud the decision, which has al…

Karen Harvey

Job Titles:
  • Senior Legal Assistant
Karen Harvey is a dedicated Senior Legal Assistant, specialising in Institutional Abuse and Personal Injury cases. With her unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and her extensive experience in the legal field, Karen has established herself as a trusted and valuable member of the legal community. She gained an Advanced Diploma of Legal Business Practice and the Diploma of Business Administration in 2010. As a Senior Legal Assistant, Karen plays a pivotal role in supporting staff and clients in navigating the complex world of institutional abuse and personal injury cases with care, commitment and courage. Beyond her professional life, Karen is a passionate advocate for various charitable causes. She dedicates her free time to fundraising for organizations such as "Out of the Shadows," "Soldier On," and the "Cancer Council" by undertaking monthly walking challenges. Karen also enjoys the great outdoors, hiking and camping with friends and family whenever possible.

Kiki Pelsoczy

Job Titles:
  • Management Team
Meet Kiki Pelsoczy, our dedicated Practice Administrator based primarily in the Dandenong and Melbourne offices. Armed with an Advanced Dipl…

Louise Crompton

Job Titles:
  • Legal Assistant
  • Principal

Melissa Peart

Job Titles:
  • Principal
Melissa Peart is one of our Principal Legal Assistants, specialising in the intricate field of Institutional Abuse at our Dandenong office. …

Nick Pearce

Job Titles:
  • Personal Injury
Nick brings his expertise and dedication to the firm's clients in the realm of WorkCover claims, TAC claims, and Injury in Public Places cas…

Renee Wood

Renee Wood is a dedicated Lawyer specialising in Wills and Probate, with a particular passion for Estate litigation. Based primarily in our …

Ron Pearce - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
  • Management Team
  • Regional Partner
Ron Pearce, as Managing Partner for Ryan Carlisle Thomas and its regional partner firm, Stringer Clark, is responsible for 17 offices and 11…

Rosalba Martino

Rosalba Martino joined Ryan Carlisle Thomas after working in as a Commercial and Property Lawyer for 17 years. Highly experienced in the …

Ruairi Stuart-Doherty

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal
Ruairi Stuart-Doherty joins us as a Paralegal stationed at our Dandenong office. Currently embarking on his second year of studies, Ruairi i…

Ryan Carlisle Thomas

Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers Dandenong stands as our flagship office and the proud birthplace of Ryan Carlisle Thomas almost 50 years ago. Our dedicated local staff excels in an array of legal areas, including personal injury, workers compensation, TAC road injury, family law, superannuation TPD claims and institutional abuse matters. The office, open for appointments and advice five days a week, serves as a central hub for the community's legal needs. For nearly 50 years, Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers Dandenong has been an integral part of the vibrant Dandenong community, providing unwavering support to both the local and regional residents. Nestled in the heart of this dynamic suburb, our office reflects the rich cultural tapestry and diverse atmosphere of Dandenong. With a deep commitment to understanding the unique needs of the local community, our lawyers have been steadfast in delivering quality legal services and building strong connections. As seasoned compensation lawyers, we are experts in handling a variety of injury compensation claims, including WorkCover claims for workplace injury compensation, TAC claims for traffic accident compensation, sexual and institutional abuse cases, and legal claims for personal injury resulting from accidents in public places. Our Dandenong lawyers extend quality legal advice in diverse areas such as Family and Relationship Law, Superannuation TPD insurance claims, Wills & Probate, Small Business, and Property & Conveyancing. With a commitment to excellence and a deep appreciation for the community we serve, Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers Dandenong continues to be a reliable partner for legal solutions. Ryan Carlisle Thomas Epping serves as an invaluable resource for the local community, distinguished by its dedicated team of caring, committed and courageous lawyers who possess a profound understanding of the community's dynamics. As committed lawyers catering to Epping and the broader regional community, our expertise spans a comprehensive range of legal areas with a particular focus on WorkCover compensation claims. We provide essential support to individuals navigating the intricacies of workplace-related injuries. Additionally, our proficiency extends to TAC claims, ensuring those affected by traffic accidents receive appropriate legal guidance and representation. We excel in handling cases of medical negligence, offering strategic counsel to those seeking justice and compensation in healthcare-related incidents. Legal claims arising from personal injuries sustained in public places are also within our purview, as we tirelessly advocate for the rights of individuals who have suffered harm. Strategically situated in the heart of Epping, our office is well-positioned to effectively serve the local community. Epping, with its growing community, proximity to Melbourne, and diverse cultural atmosphere, provides the backdrop for our commitment to its residents. Ryan Carlisle Thomas Epping, staffed by professionals deeply connected to the area, is devoted to understanding the unique features of the local community, fostering strong connections with the people we serve. In addition to our core services, our Epping lawyers are skilled at advising on Superannuation TPD claims and disputes, providing comprehensive assistance to individuals facing challenges in accessing their entitlements.

Sarah Young

Job Titles:
  • Member of Ryan Carlisle Thomas
Sarah has been a dedicated member of Ryan Carlisle Thomas for over 20 years, initially joining the WorkCover Department. In 1997, she comple…

Sharon Barnes

Job Titles:
  • Legal Executive
Sharon is a Legal Executive working in our Dandenong, Ballarat and Colac offices, having worked in our Workers' Compensation department for …

Susan Hodgman

Susan Hodgman is a compassionate lawyer and advocate for survivors of institutional child abuse and personal injury. She is committed to rep…

Thu Nguyen

Job Titles:
  • Personal Injury
Thu brings a unique set of skills to the Ryan Carlisle Thomas team. She received her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) together with Bachelor of Bi…

Tra Pham

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal at Ryan Carlisle Thomas
Tra Pham is a dedicated Paralegal at Ryan Carlisle Thomas, bringing a unique blend of legal acumen and scientific expertise to the team. Cur…

Yvonne Chen

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal at Ryan Carlisle Thomas
Yvonne Chen is a dedicated Paralegal at Ryan Carlisle Thomas, with a relentless commitment to the legal field and a passion for diverse expe…