Admitted in 2006 with 1st Class Honours and winning 'Women Lawyer of the Year' by 2009, Ruth Chalmers, principal of Ruthless Defence, has worked tirelessly to build a reputation for being a stand out advocate in court and has amassed a wealth of experience that few private practitioners can lay claim to.
Her particular areas of interest are matters involving sexual assault, assault police, local court defended hearings, cross examination and representing juveniles in the Children’s Court. In response to the often asked question ‘How can you represent people accused of the some of the worst offences?’ she responds ‘It’s not my role to judge a person. That is the role of the Magistrate, Judge or jury. My duty is to provide them with the best representation possible, allow them to tell their side of the story and ensure their rights are upheld – just like anyone else’s’.
Having run over 1,000 defended hearings, she has enviable skills in court advocacy, cross examination, technical legal argument, case strategy as well as confidence in negotiating with difficult opponents and drafting complex court documents. She has appeared as sole advocate against Senior Counsel and has been commended for her advocacy skills in open court before her peers and the public by both Magistrates and Judges alike.
Practicing exclusively in criminal law for over 15 years, she has worked as both a Defence Lawyer and Prosecutor. Starting out at a private Sydney firm that specialised solely in criminal matters she has worked for nearly every government organisation in Sydney before opening her own practice. Years at the Aboriginal Legal Service saw her rise to the role of Managing Lawyer and led to being selected for a specialised team at Legal Aid to work alongside barristers from the Public Defender’s office on some of the most heinous offences committed in New South Wales. Her written submissions were tendered in the Court of Criminal Appeal for complex criminal law matters including murder, ‘gang rape’ and child sex offences.
Since then she has worked at the Children’s Legal Service gaining further experience in running complex lengthy hearings involving multiple co-accused and appearing in the superior courts for children’s strictly indictable charges. Not content to limit her experience to just defence work, she accepting a position at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and appeared as sole advocate on Supreme Court Bail applications, sentencing and appeals in the District Court and contested committal hearings.
Well known and respected in the legal community for being a strong opponent, Ruth Chalmers ensures her clients are robustly represented and fiercely defends their interests till the very end. Whilst some lawyers may turn to water once entering the court room, Ruth Chalmers is well known for coming to life. Both an academic and born public speaker with mesmerising improvisational skills she is a fusion of talent most clients dream of and a confident advocate in the face of adversity.
Ruth Chalmers is a highly sought after guest lecturer and has presented at the University of New South Wales, the Australian Law Students Association, the Regional Youth Development Officers Network, and the Community Legal Education forum at Yarra Bay House. Over the years she has been a volunteer mentor in the featured in the Sydney University Law Society Women's Mentoring Program, the Mentor program for NSW Aboriginal Legal Service, and has featured in the Macquarie University Law Society’s Careers Guide.
" I can’t believe you did it! We won! I still can’t believe that we won! Thank you. "
" Had I been convicted I would have lost my job. Thanks to you I am still employed. "
" I can honestly say that Ruth’s attention to detail is the main reason that my matter did not progress to being criminally charged. "
" Her background knowledge and experience as a prosecutor makes her unique and invaluable. "
" Ruth Chalmers is a true freedom fighter. I was up against a wall and yet she still had more magic than her opponent. Thanks for saving me. "
" Ruth is a true professional with excellent communication skills. Due to Ruth’s representation, my bond was not revoked and my most serious charge was withdrawn. "
" I cannot begin to thank you for your remarkable effort to help my son. The outcome was more than I ever hoped for and this is due solely to you. You are an outstanding lawyer. "
" I consider her a life-saver. She referred me to some much needed services that helped me handle a personal crisis. She really did save my life. "
" Her demeanour in court was not only professional, but she fought vigorously to obtain the best possible outcome which I was stoked to get! "
" She took a lot of time to explain the charges, possible penalties and my options. She made herself available for phone calls immediately and kept in contact with me at all times. "
" I found it so easy to communicate with you and open up. I knew I could trust you. Linking me into counselling and support services has changed my life for the better. Am I happy? One hundred percent. "
" Your lengthy and comprehensive written submissions combined with your outstanding advocacy in the District Court led to my conviction being quashed and replaced with a section 10 good behaviour bond. Even the District Court Judge reaffirmed your view that my case for a section 10 was ‘highly meritorious "
" We initially retained the services of a large Sydney based firm and were unhappy with the result. From the first contact with Ms Chalmers there was a marked difference in her approach. She kept us well informed, was easily contactable and supportive. "
" Lara Bingle caught in web of flash car Facebook slurs"
" Up and Coming - Woman Lawyer of the Year "
Level 1/5 George Street NORTH STRATHFIELD 2137
+61 2 9188 2046
rc@ruthchalmers.com