My Story
I have over 28 years’ experience in the legal industry. I initially worked in small law firms in Sydney in criminal law, family law and personal injury litigation whilst I studied law part-time. After being admitted as a solicitor in 1996 I moved into insurance litigation working in both Sydney and Brisbane.
I have continued to specialise in insurance litigation acting for corporations, insurers and government in national mid-tier insurance firms as a partner, until 2018 when I started my own law firm, Ryder Legal.
Due to my love of Townsville, I am based there and provide legal services to all of Queensland including Brisbane.
WHY START MY OWN LAW FIRM?
Ryder Legal was created because I believe that clients' needs are changing. Clients want to work with the lawyer of their choice, a lawyer that knows their business, knows how they want work done and who can provide expert legal services.
I understand the importance of working with clients and understanding their business to best represent them and achieve successful outcomes.
To meet these changing needs, I established Ryder Legal.
Establishing my own law firm allows me to do what I do best and that is providing outstanding legal services to clients.
WHAT LEGAL SERVICES DO I PROVIDE?
When you work with Ryder Legal, you are working directly with me.
I provide one-on-one legal representation that avoids duplication, unexpected costs and inefficiencies. I spend time partnering with you and getting to know you and your business and what outcomes you want to achieve.
I provide strong, robust advice and representation. I believe in openness and transparency so you will always know where you stand in terms of expected outcomes, costs and strategies.
I have excellent negotiation skills and whilst a negotiated resolution can often be the best outcome, I appreciate that not all matters can nor should be resolved but instead, should be defended.
Industry recognition
Alison has been recognised in Doyles’ Review every year since Doyle’s Guide was established in 2015. She is recognised in respect of her work in public liability, dust diseases and workers compensation.
Alison and Ryder Legal has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide in several areas:
Recommended and Leading Workers Compensation Lawyer 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Recommended and Leading Dust Disease Lawyer 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 .
Leading Public and Occupier Liability Lawyer (Defendant) 2015 and 2022.
Alison was a finalist in:
Queensland Law Society’s Agnes McWhinney Award 2019.
Lawyers Weekly Sole Practitioner of the Year Award 2019.
Australasian Law Awards State/Regional Law Firm of the Year 2020.
WHAT DO MY CLIENTS SAY?
“I first worked with Alison while in the position of General Manager Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation at TNT, and later in the position of IMA. Alison has represented TNT since 2010, managing our workers compensation cases. I have found Alison's outcomes to be timely, cost effective and her legal representation pragmatic.
Her knowledge of the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 is second to none. Alison has always been available to assist and clarify adhoc issues. What sets Alison apart from other lawyers is her ability to listen to you as a client and gain a full understanding of the issues and achieves the required outcomes. Alison's approach to claims is refreshing and she is a pleasure to work with.”
- Robyn Armstrong, Injury Management Advisor QLD & WA Workplace Risk for TNT Australia
“Alison has represented Aurizon since 2009. We value Alison’s extensive knowledge and experience in this area and appreciate the consistent support and great service. We feel comfortable knowing our claims are managed with confidence and proactive steps are taken to achieve optimal outcomes and protect our business interests.”
- Stephanie Naidoo, Principal Claims Advisor Safety, Health & Environment for Aurizon