Jane Dillon didn’t start her career in a courtroom. Before she became a lawyer, she was a journalist. Today, she’s a Senior Associate at Butler McDermott Lawyers, where she works across civil litigation, employment law, planning appeals and consumer disputes. But her first career still shapes the way she practises law every day.
From the Newsroom to the Law
Jane holds a Master of Communication from the University of Southern Queensland and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Charles Sturt University. She spent time reporting for Reuters’ legal publishing division and was part of the team behind the law reform that introduced New South Wales’ container deposit scheme.
That experience sparked her interest in law. She went on to complete a Juris Doctor at the University of Technology Sydney, was admitted in March 2016, and is now a PhD candidate at QUT researching access to justice.
From Environmental Law to Litigation
Jane began her legal career in environmental and planning law, later moving into regulatory compliance and prosecutions for the New South Wales and Queensland governments, before transitioning into civil litigation. At Butler McDermott, her practice covers planning appeals, employment law, and consumer law disputes.
The Biggest Change Jane Has Seen
Asked about the biggest shift she’s seen in her area of law, Jane points to something recent and concrete.
“The introduction of a Code of Practice to manage the risk of psychosocial hazards at work is a significant step towards protecting the health and safety of employees at work,” she says. “It helps clarify what employers must do to manage the risks to employees of things like bullying, discrimination, harassment, misconduct, and violence and aggression. This is a significant improvement for employee rights and obligations on employers.”
Giving Clients Confidence When It Matters Most
Ask Jane what she enjoys most about litigation, and the answer is simple.
“I enjoy problem solving and providing clients with a voice when they might not otherwise have one.”
That focus on practical problem solving is what Jane brings to every matter, helping clients understand their options and navigate disputes.
What She Believes Sets Butler McDermott Apart
“BML is a long standing and well respected firm on the coast,” she says. “It is different from other firms because it is very approachable.”
A Record That Speaks for Itself
Jane was runner-up in the Australian Government Lawyer category at the 2024 Lawyers Weekly Awards, and won the NSW Law Society’s Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year essay competition in 2018. She has volunteered as a lawyer with SunCoast Community Legal Service since 2018, and now serves as Secretary of its Management Committee.
Beyond the Office
When she’s not working, Jane loves travelling – she’s visited five continents and five of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Need help?
If you’re facing a planning appeal, an employment dispute, or a consumer law matter, Jane can help.
Butler McDermott Lawyers has offices in Nambour and Birtinya. Call 07 5441 1044 or contact us to arrange an appointment, or learn more about our litigation services.
