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SME Law

Justitia celebrates 20th anniversary

Melbourne-based, full-service employment, industrial relations and governance law firm Justitia recently celebrated turning 20.

June 19, 2025 By Jerome Doraisamy
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In 2005, two “intrepid” young lawyers – Sarah Rey and Mary-Jane Ierodiaconou (now Associate Justice Ierodiaconou of the Supreme Court of Victoria) launched their own employment law practice, Justitia (which means “Lady Justice” in Latin).

They had, the firm said in a statement, “no role models, little clue about what was involved and fewer clues about what lay ahead”.

In the last two decades, however, the female-founded and female-led firm has made notable achievements, including making workplace flexibility the default for all staff.

“Way back then, we believed that it was important to role model this way of working, and so the partners chose to work four days a week from the start. It freed us up to accommodate life responsibilities and pursue other interests and leadership roles,” the firm said.

As a result of the firm’s supportive work practices, it proclaimed, “we have always been an attractive option for women lawyers”.

“By being a female-led firm, we’re in tune with life’s juggles and the particular challenges of our female staff,” the firm said.

“Leading and practising with empathy, with an eye to nurturing staff, and engaging in sensitive conversations around mental health and flexibility needs,” it said.

Reflecting on the past two decades, Rey said: “We are so proud of our achievements over 20 years.

“Whilst we did not think we were unique at the time, looking back, it is clear that we were in a minority of lawyers who were brave enough to strike out on their own. It was gutsy.

“The fact that we are still around, living our values, is a testament to our vision, enthusiasm and enduring friendships of the partners and staff over two decades.”

The firm’s managing partner, Melissa Scadden, said: “We have a very dedicated and selfless team working collaboratively to support our clients.

“Those client relationships have truly stood the test of time (and cases), so always like to acknowledge their support along our journey. We look forward to further trailblazing for the next 20 years and beyond.”

Jerome Doraisamy

Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.

You can email Jerome at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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