New Way Lawyers, Australia’s pioneering non-profit law firm, was founded 15 years ago by Carolyn Devries with a mission to provide Australians with a distinctive approach to family law. Unlike traditional firms focused on profitability, New Way Lawyers, operates on a non-profit model. It offers comprehensive family law services grounded in principles of excellence, care, accessibility, and innovation.
After years in the legal field, Carolyn was feeling disheartened working in a system which didn’t seem to focus on the holistic needs of individuals who were going through one of the most difficult experiences in their lives. With a true passion for helping people Carolyn left the mid-tier law firm where she was practicing and went on to complete her masters in management of nonprofit organisations. Fast forward to January 2009, Carolyn had set up her first office in her spare bedroom and commenced her non-profit work and then over the next 15 years grew the organisation to a national provider of family law services with lawyers and offices in 3 states.
As of 2024, Carolyn has helped over 10,000 people with family law in a compassionate and supportive approach. Carolyn has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving access to justice, including hosting a 7-part podcast Pathways Through the System to help explain the family court legal system.
In addition, Carolyn is also the founder of Lunch with a Lawyer, a Facebook group where she dedicates an hour each day to providing free legal advice to members across Australia. The group, now in its fourth year, boasts over 7,500 members and maintains a remarkable 100% reply rate to all inquiries. Participants frequently express gratitude, describing Lunch with a Lawyer as a vital resource and lifeline for those seeking legal guidance.
Carolyn is Brisbane based and offers a 20-minute free consultation to all new clients. She can be contacted at (07) 3548 5890. Alternatively, visit newwaylawyers.com.au