MEET OUR LEGAL TEAM
SALLY VARDY
Principal
BA | LLB | GDLP | Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
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Sally Vardy joined Balmer & Associates as a Lawyer in 2013. Sally appears daily as a solicitor advocate in all Victorian court jurisdictions. Sally has extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law, including Children’s Court proceedings, summary matters, and indictable matters. Sally also has experience in quasi-crime proceedings. In 2018, Sally was recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria as an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.
In 2023 Sally became Principal of Balmer & Associates.
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Bernie Balmer established Balmer & Associates in 1984 and has regularly appeared as a solicitor advocate and instructor in the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court, County Court of Victoria, Coroner’s Court, and Supreme Court of Victoria. Bernie has also appeared before the High Court of Australia several times since becoming a Lawyer in 1983.
Bernie currently acts as a Consultant and appear regularly as a solicitor advocate in the Magistrates Court of Victoria.
SHAE HOLMES
Lawyer
LLB | GDLP
Shae Holmes joined Balmer & Associates as a Lawyer in 2020 after working as a Registrar at the Magistrates’ and Children’s Court since 2015. Shae has experience as an advocate and instructor in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court of Victoria and has appeared as a solicitor advocate in plea hearings, bail applications and committal proceedings.
EMMA OLIVER
Lawyer
BA | JD | GDLP
Emma Oliver joined the Balmer & Associates team as a Lawyer in 2022 after working as a Judges Associate in the Federal Circuit and Family Law Court since 2020. Emma has experience as an advocate in the Magistrates' Court and County Court of Victoria and has appeared as an advocate in plea hearings, bail applications, committal proceedings and Appeals.
CALLAN BOYLE
Lawyer
LLB | GDLP
Callan joined Balmer & Associates as a Lawyer in 2024, after being admitted to practice in 2023. Callan is gaining valuable experience as an advocate in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court of Victoria since becoming a member of our team.
ASHLEIGH NIXON
Ashleigh first joined the Balmer & Associates team in 2021, bringing with over 15 years experience in the criminal law industry at many reputable criminal law firms. Ashleigh brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in legal assistance and practice management.
HOLLY GRECH
Legal Assistant
BLDS
Holly Grech joined the Balmer & Associates team as a Legal Assistant in 2023. With a Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies, Holly is knowledgeable in criminal procedure which allows her to provide administrative support to our team of lawyers.
MICHAEL TERJUNG
Legal Assistant
Michael joined the Balmer & Associates in 2024 as a Legal Assistant. Michael is knowledgeable in criminal and VLA procedure and is dedicated to providing our team of lawyers with quality administrative support.
Practice Manager
Principal
LLB | Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
Anna Balmer joined Balmer & Associates as a Lawyer in 2009 and appears as a solicitor advocate in all Victorian court jurisdictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Anna has extensive experience across a range of youth crime, summary crime, and indictable proceedings and is an enthusiastic defender of an individual’s rights for a fair and just trial.
In 2014, Anna was recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria as an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist. From 2017 to 2019 Anna was elected by her peers as a member of the LIV Criminal Law Executive.
In 2017, 2018 and 2020 Anna was recommended by Doyle’s Guide as being a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer, and in 2019, 2020 and 2021 was as being a Leading Traffic and DUI Lawyer. Anna is also a member of the Victoria Legal Aid Indictable Crime, Summary Crime and Youth Crime Panels.
In 2023 Anna became Principal of Balmer & Associates.
BERNIE BALMER
Consultant
LLB