Galbally and O'Bryan

Galbally & O’Bryan has a distinguished history dating back to 1935, built upon decades of legal expertise and a commitment to justice. Founded by John Galbally, who later became a renowned social reformer and Queen’s Counsel, the firm flourished with the addition of his brother Frank in 1948. Frank gained a reputation as a leading criminal lawyer, noted for his impressive acquittal record and pioneering advocacy outside the Victorian Bar. Today, the firm’s criminal law practice is led by Paul Galbally and Peter Ward, whose combined experience exceeds forty years, involving them in landmark inquiries and significant criminal matters across Australia. Maintaining a tradition of accessible legal support, Galbally & O’Bryan pioneered ‘no win – no charge’ personal injury claims in the 1960s, ensuring many clients can seek compensation regardless of financial means. Since 1994, the firm has employed a qualified medical practitioner with legal expertise to provide specialised guidance on personal injury claims. The firm offers comprehensive services across a broad spectrum of legal areas including criminal law, injury compensation, family law, commercial litigation, wills and estates, and property and business law. Their criminal law practice covers bail applications, traffic and drug offences, serious assault and homicide, terrorism, extradition, and intervention order applications. In injury compensation, they assist with car and workplace accident claims, medical negligence, public liability, and superannuation or insurance disability claims. In family law, the firm handles property settlements, matters involving children, de facto and same-sex relationships, maintenance, child support, and divorce. Their commercial litigation services encompass contractual disputes, property conflicts, debt recovery, professional negligence, and misleading conduct claims. Wills and estates services include dispute resolution, administration, estate planning, and probate processes. Galbally & O’Bryan also support clients with property and business transactions such as conveyancing, business sales, joint ventures, partnerships, and franchise agreements. They provide expert advice and representation in regulatory investigations including ASIC, ACC, and examinations by the Chief Examiner, as well as public inquiries, royal commissions, and professional disciplinary hearings. With a heritage rooted in legal excellence and ethical service, Galbally & O’Bryan continues to attract esteemed legal practitioners and remains dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all clients.