Our firm
An independent Canberra firm since 2009.
Burley Walsh was founded by Margaret Burley and Daniel Walsh, two Canberra lawyers who wanted to practise the way they'd want for their own families: straightforward, unhurried and honest about cost.
Our story
Two rooms on Knowles Place
Margaret and Daniel met as junior solicitors in Civic in the early 2000s, one in family law, the other in criminal defence. Both noticed how often clients left a meeting more anxious than when they arrived, unsure what had been decided or what it would cost.
In 2009 they opened a two-room office on Knowles Place, chosen for one reason: it faced the courts. The firm has grown slowly since, adding lawyers only when we found people who share the same habits of clear advice and careful preparation.
Today we're a team of six lawyers and four support staff. We're still independent, still on Knowles Place, and we still answer the phone ourselves.
Values
How we work
Four habits that shape every matter, whatever its size.
Straight answers
We tell you what we think, including when the news isn't what you hoped for, and we put our advice in writing.
Agreement where possible
Most disputes are better resolved than fought. When court is the right path, we prepare thoroughly.
Respect for your time
We return calls within one business day, keep meetings focused and don't do work you haven't asked for.
Care with your information
Confidentiality is fundamental to what we do. We handle your documents carefully and keep only what we need.
Fees
Our approach to fees
Legal costs worry people, often as much as the legal problem itself. We'd rather talk about them openly from the first conversation.
Before we start work, we give you written disclosure of our costs as required under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT).
- 01
A free initial phone chat
Up to 15 minutes to understand your situation and tell you whether we can help, with no obligation.
- 02
Fixed fees where the scope is clear
Wills and powers of attorney, standard conveyancing, many traffic matters and some employment advice can be done for an agreed fixed fee.
- 03
Written estimates for everything else
Where a matter is less predictable, we estimate costs stage by stage and tell you before an estimate is exceeded.
- 04
Clear, itemised bills
Monthly bills show what was done, by whom and how long it took. You're welcome to ask about any line.
- 05
Barristers' fees agreed in advance
If a barrister is needed, we explain why, obtain their fee estimate and agree it with you before they're briefed.
Community
Community and pro bono work
Each year we set aside time for pro bono matters, acting for people who can't afford a lawyer and whose case has merit.
Our lawyers volunteer at evening advice sessions run by Canberra community legal services, and Daniel and Priya regularly speak to community groups about rights at work and in dealings with police.
We support local organisations working with people experiencing family violence and homelessness, and we're glad to give any community group a plain-English session on wills, powers of attorney or employment rights.
Not sure if you need a lawyer? Start with a free 15-minute call.
Tell us briefly what's happening. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, who in the team is best placed, and what a first meeting would cost.