Caroline Ratcliffe-Jones has a busy criminal defence practice and regularly advises on, and appears in a diverse range of summary and indictable matters before the Children's, Magistrates' and County Courts. Although primarily briefed by solicitors, she is happy to take instructions from the general public on a 'direct access' basis. Caroline also accepts briefs in quasi-criminal and civil law cases and has appeared in a number of VOCAT and VCAT matters.
Before joining the Bar in 2009, Caroline was at Victoria Legal Aid (VLA), where she commenced her legal career as a duty lawyer in 2003, and later became Deputy Managing Lawyer at the Criminal Law Melbourne office in 2007 and then acting Managing Lawyer in 2008. During her time at VLA, Caroline gained considerable experience in criminal law and developed strong advocacy skills through her frequent appearance work. She also gained practical experience in a broad range of civil law matters through participation in legal advice clinics and appearances before the Mental Health Review Board.
Between 2011/12, Caroline took time out from the Bar to work as a criminal defence advocate with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Katherine. She appeared before the Magistrates' and Supreme Court on a daily basis and regularly travelled to the remote indigenous communities of Barunga, Borroloola, Lajamanu, Ngukurr, Kalkarindji and Timber Creek to provide legal advice and appear on the 'bush court' circuit.
Caroline has previously worked in the community and international development sectors in Australia, America and Canada, where her professional roles included project management, public education, fund development and event planning.
