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Established Legal Counsel · Melbourne CBD

Trusted counsel
for complex
matters.

Meridian Law provides experienced legal representation across criminal defence, commercial law and property matters. Results-focused. Client-first.

20+
Years experience
98%
Client satisfaction
1,400+
Cases resolved
MERIDIAN
Established 2004
Melbourne

Firm Photography

Our Approach

Legal expertise
you can rely on.

For over two decades, Meridian Law has provided individuals and businesses across Melbourne with clear, strategic legal counsel. We believe in honest advice, transparent fees, and outcomes that protect what matters most to our clients.

01

Clarity over complexity

We translate complex legal matters into clear, actionable advice you can act on.

02

Transparent fees always

Detailed cost estimates upfront. No hidden fees. No surprises on your invoice.

03

Responsive communication

You'll always know where your matter stands. We return calls within 2 hours.

04

Results-focused strategy

Every decision we make is guided by what delivers the best outcome for you.

Practice Areas

Experienced across
three key disciplines.

01

Criminal Defence

Robust representation for individuals facing criminal charges at all levels of the Victorian court system.

02

Commercial & Business Law

Strategic legal support for businesses — from contracts and disputes to restructuring and compliance.

03

Property & Conveyancing

Expert guidance through property transactions, disputes and development matters across Victoria.

Our People

The team behind
your case.

JM

James Meridian

Principal & Founder

20+ years experience in criminal defence and commercial litigation. Former Crown Prosecutor with an unmatched court record across the Victorian Supreme and County Courts.

SC

Sarah Chen

Senior Associate — Commercial

Specialises in commercial contracts, business acquisitions and dispute resolution. Advises ASX-listed and private companies across multiple industries.

RP

Ryan Patterson

Associate — Property

Expert in residential and commercial conveyancing, property development agreements and strata disputes across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Meridian Law handled our commercial dispute with absolute professionalism. James and his team secured an outcome we didn't think was possible. Exceptional counsel.
Michael T. — Managing Director, Melbourne
Practice Areas

Three areas.
One firm.

Deep expertise across criminal defence, commercial law and property. Every matter handled by a senior practitioner — not a junior.

01

Criminal Defence

Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. At Meridian Law, we provide robust, experienced defence representation at every level of the Victorian court system — from the Magistrates Court through to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

  • Summary and indictable offences
  • Drug offences and trafficking
  • Assault and violence charges
  • White collar and financial crime
  • Traffic and driving offences
  • Bail applications and hearings
  • Appeals and sentence reviews

Initial consultation

Confidential & obligation-free
02

Commercial & Business Law

Whether you're starting a business, resolving a dispute or navigating complex commercial arrangements, Meridian Law provides strategic advice that protects your interests and drives the right outcomes. We work with SMEs, family businesses and larger enterprises alike.

  • Commercial contracts and agreements
  • Business acquisitions and sales
  • Partnership and shareholder disputes
  • Debt recovery and enforcement
  • Intellectual property protection
  • Employment and workplace matters
  • Corporate restructuring

Initial consultation

Fixed-fee assessment available
03

Property & Conveyancing

Property transactions represent some of the most significant financial decisions of your life. Our property team brings meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of Victorian property law to protect your investment at every step of the process.

  • Residential conveyancing (buying & selling)
  • Commercial property transactions
  • Contract review and negotiation
  • Off-the-plan purchases
  • Property development agreements
  • Strata and owners corporation disputes
  • Adverse possession and title issues

Conveyancing from

$1,100 + disbursements

Not sure which area applies to your situation? Book a confidential consultation and we'll point you in the right direction at no obligation.

Our Team

Experience you
can count on.

Every client at Meridian Law is represented by a senior practitioner. We don't hand your matter to a junior. Your case deserves experienced counsel.

JM

James Meridian

Principal & Founder

James founded Meridian Law in 2004 after a distinguished career as a Crown Prosecutor with the Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria. His criminal defence practice is built on an intimate understanding of how prosecutions are constructed and how to dismantle them effectively.

In addition to criminal work, James has developed a respected commercial litigation practice, representing clients in complex contractual disputes, partnership breakdowns and insolvency matters across the Victorian courts.

Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Leo Cussen Institute
Member, Law Institute of Victoria
Former Crown Prosecutor, Office of Public Prosecutions VIC
SC

Sarah Chen

Senior Associate — Commercial Law

Sarah joined Meridian Law in 2012 and leads the firm's commercial practice. She advises clients ranging from early-stage startups to established ASX-listed companies on a broad range of commercial matters, with particular expertise in business acquisitions, joint ventures and commercial dispute resolution.

Sarah is known for her ability to distil complex commercial arrangements into clear, practical advice that allows clients to make confident decisions.

Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce, Monash University
Admitted to practice, Supreme Court of Victoria
Member, Law Institute of Victoria
Accredited Specialist — Business Law, LIV
RP

Ryan Patterson

Associate — Property & Conveyancing

Ryan manages Meridian Law's property practice with a focus on residential and commercial conveyancing, property development agreements and owners corporation disputes. His thorough approach and attention to detail have made him a trusted advisor for property investors, developers and first-home buyers alike.

Ryan handles over 200 property transactions per year and is known for his clear communication and ability to resolve issues before they become problems.

Bachelor of Laws, Deakin University
Licensed Conveyancer, Consumer Affairs Victoria
Member, Australian Institute of Conveyancers (VIC)
Admitted to practice, Supreme Court of Victoria
Contact

Get in touch.

Speak with a
senior lawyer.

All enquiries are treated with strict confidentiality. We respond to every enquiry within 2 hours during business hours.

📍
Address
Level 12, 200 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
📞
Phone
(03) 9600 0000
✉️
Email
enquiries@meridianlaw.com.au
Mon – Fri
8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday
By appointment
Urgent matters
24hr available
After hours
(03) 9600 0001

Send an enquiry

Enquiry received — a senior lawyer will contact you within 2 hours.

Book your
consultation.

All consultations are strictly confidential. A senior lawyer — not a paralegal — will handle your matter from day one. Initial consultations available in-person or by phone.

Request received — we'll confirm your consultation within 2 hours.
All information provided is subject to strict legal professional privilege and client confidentiality. Meridian Law will never share your details with any third party.