Our Team
Diane Ruhl
Principal / Director
Diane is the Founding Principal and Director of Ruhl Family Law Centre, establishing the firm in June 2016.
Born and raised in Mackay, Diane then commenced her study in Brisbane, but missed the tropical north so transferred to James Cook University, Townsville. After graduating, Diane spent a year as the Associate to His Honour Judge Cullinane of the Supreme Court. During her years of experience, Diane has been involved in a variety of family law matters and is well-known in the Townsville community for her client-focused, no nonsense approach and securing excellent outcomes for her clients.
Ruhl Family Law Centre was born from Diane’s passion in showing true compassion for clients and their circumstances. Diane strives to provide a cost-effective, efficient and professional service to her clients.
Diane is also an Independent Children’s Lawyer, acting on behalf of children in various litigious matters. This role ensures the child or children’s well-being and best interests remain the utmost consideration and that proper and appropriate care arrangements are implemented to protect and secure their future.
Diane is also trained in Collaborative Law practice and has a genuine interest in this area of law. Collaborative Law facilitates negotiations in relation to parenting and property matters in a respectful, private and amicable manner.
On rare occasions when Diane is not in the office, she has been known to spend her time training for triathlons and marathons. Her achievements include completing Kokoda in 2017 and the New York Marathon.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Admitted Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland
Admitted Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
Collaboratively Trained (Advanced Training)
Independent Children’s Lawyer
Practice Management Course
Awards & Recognition
James Cook University Sessional Staff Teaching Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning - 2010
Women’s Lawyer’s Assocation Queensland - Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year - 2011
James Cook University Early Career Alumni Award - 2012
Lawyers Weekly Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year Finalist - 2018
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent Family & Divorce Lawyer (North & Central Queensland) - 2023
Doyle’s Guide Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer (North & Central Queensland) - 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024
Doyle’s Guide Recommended Family & Divorce Lawyer (North & Central Queensland) - 2017, 2018, 2021
Doyle’s Guide Recommended Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer (Regional Queensland) - 2019, 2024
Memberships & Affiliations
Former Sessional Lecturer, Family Law – James Cook University (Cairns and Townsville)
College of Law Queensland Chapter Board
Family Law Practitioners Association (Regional Committee Member)
Law Council of Australia - Family Law Section and Former Committee Member of:
Regional, Rural, Remote Committee; and
Business and Human Rights Committee
Townsville District Law Association (former President, Secretary and General Committee Member)
North Queensland Law Association (former President, Vice President and General Committee Member)
Townsville Business Women’s Circle (Former Chair - Educational Bursary Committee)