01/06/2026
Meet the Team!
Our Directors:
Dwyer Legal is operated by three Directors, James Ryan, Lucy Doherty and Eliza Ward.
▪️James Ryan
Director & Lawyer
James practises in the areas of Commercial and Property Law, Wills and Powers of Attorney, and Deceased Estate Litigation, including Will disputes. He is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and brings a practical, client-focused approach to resolving complex legal matters.
Outside the office, James is married with three children. He enjoys playing golf in his spare time.
▪️Lucy Doherty
Director & Family Lawyer
Lucy has practised in the areas of Family Law, Employment Law and Commercial Litigation in Warrnambool since 2007. She joined Dwyer Legal in early 2020 and joined James as Director of the firm on 1 July 2023.
Having grown up in the Hawkesdale–Penshurst region, Lucy maintains strong ties to Western Victoria and is passionate about supporting her local community. She has volunteered with a number of organisations, including Koroit and District Kindergarten, the Western District Young Lawyers Association, and Moyne Health Services, where she served as a Director.
Outside of work, Lucy enjoys spending time with her three children and supporting them in their various sporting pursuits.
▪️Eliza Ward
Director & Lawyer
Eliza practises primarily in Family Law and a range of general legal matters. Prior to focusing on Family Law, she gained extensive experience in Property and Commercial Law, Wills and Estates, and Powers of Attorney.
Born and raised in Warrnambool, Eliza completed her Law Degree at the University of Melbourne before returning to her hometown to raise her family and serve the local community. She is committed to providing practical, compassionate legal advice and enjoys working with both new and long-standing clients.
Eliza was admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner on 7 August 2018 and became a Director of the firm on 1 July 2025.
If you need legal advice or assistance, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your matter and explore your options.
Phone 5562 1044
