Our People

Robert Stary – L.L.B., Accredited Criminal Law Specialist

Rob is the Principal of the firm with 30 years experience as a Criminal Defence Lawyer, 25 years of which have been at Principal or Partnership level.

Rob graduated from University of Melbourne in 1980 and worked with Victoria Legal Aid 1981 to 1984. Rob was a Partner with Slater & Gordon from 1984 to 1995, and commenced private practice in 1995. Rob became an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist in 1995.

Robert has been a past Chairman of the Western Suburbs Legal Service and Footscray Community Legal Centre; and also past Chairman of the Westadd Alcohol and drug Agency. Rob has been a recipient of the Law Institute Human Rights Award and is a Patron of the Spirit of Eureka Committee.

In December 2008 Rob featured in The Age Melbourne Top 100 feature magazine to recognise Melbourne's highest achievers - the people who have made a significant contribution to public life.

At the professional level Rob has been equally active having been Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria (2002 to 2003) and President of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association since 2004.

Rob has represented:

• Jack Thomas in a terrorism trial in Supreme Court of Victoria, and control order in the High Court;
• Melbourne 13 in the Supreme Court of Victoria;
• Tamil Tigers in the Supreme Court of Victoria;
• G20 protestors;
• S11 protestors - World Economic Forum, Melbourne 2000;
• Anti-logging protestors, East Gippsland Otway Ranges;

And 000's of other persons charged with criminal offences.

Fiona Todd - LL.B. (Hons)

Fiona joined Robert Stary and Associates in April 2007, having been previously an Associate to a Judge of the Supreme Court. Prior to that Fiona had an Arts background, including being an office holder for the Media and Arts Alliance (Actor’s Equity).

Fiona has a law degree with Honours from Deakin University.

Fiona’s experience at Robert Stary and Associates has been diverse, ranging from high profile terrorism cases through to commonly accounted offences such as those related to driving. In defending any case, however big or small, the challenge for Fiona is the same: to protect individuals from being overwhelmed by the machinery of the prosecution, and to make sure that cases are determined properly on the evidence. Fiona believes that the justice system is improved for everyone whenever the prosecution case is challenged thoroughly.

Fiona particularly enjoys in court advocacy.

Fiona’s Reflections:

It is rewarding to help a diverse range of clients who need guidance through their criminal proceedings. It is satisfying to see a client achieve an outcome that is:

• Just and fair
• Provides a sense of relief for the defendant
• Enables the client to get on with their life

Grace Morgan - L.L.B.

Grace holds a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University and was admitted to practice in 2007. She joined Robert Stary & Associates in 2006, having previously worked for Slater & Gordon Lawyers.

Grace has extensive experience in running complex trials, and has acted on behalf of defendants charged with terrorism, homicide and drug allegations. Grace has balanced this role with regular appearances in the Magistrates Court on behalf of clients facing summary criminal offences and driving charges.

Grace has a particular passion for the plight of asylum seekers and throughout the policy of mandatory detention, spent much time visiting refugees in immigration detention and assisting with applications for temporary and permanent residency. She has a nuanced understanding of the difficulties faced by refugee and migrant communities.

Grace’s Reflections:

• The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” is one which requires an enquiring and open mind. The job of a good criminal defence lawyer is to give this concept meaning and substance.
• The armoury of the prosecution tends to label and dehumanise those charged with criminal offences. I believe that whatever the allegation, the key to effective representation is listening to and understanding your client as a person.

Bridget Coath - B.A., L.L.B.

Bridget Coath joined the Footscray Office of Robert Stary & Associates in 2008. During her time with Robert Stary & Associates, Bridget has looked after a range of clients – from a group of young political protesters charged with riot, to a man charged with human slavery offences. Bridget appears frequently in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Children’s Court and has also appeared in the County and Supreme Court.

Prior to joining Robert Stary & Associates, Bridget worked at the Footscray Community Legal Centre, practicing in various types of law, with a particular focus on working with an African community in Footscray.

Bridget completed her Bachelor of Laws and a degree in Media Studies. Through her academic work she developed an interest in how the media and justice intersect in criminal law – an interest that her work with Robert Stary & Associates has allowed her to develop.

Bridget is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria Criminal Law Section. She has a particular interest in the Magistrates’ Court Diversion Program and the Children’s Court.

Bridget’s reflections:

• I love that our work as criminal lawyers is all about people. It allows us to help and support people through a very difficult time in their lives, working with them and their families to achieve the best outcome for their case.
• My favourite part of my work is seeing clients use their criminal charges as ‘wake up call’ and accepting our help and referrals to get on top of the issues which have brought about the criminal charges.
• I believe that passionate, attentive work by experienced criminal lawyers can make a dramatic difference to the outcome in a case and ensure clients feel a sense of empowerment.