Finding the right lawyer is a bit like finding the right life partner—you want to feel safe, supported, and understood. You want someone who aligns with your values and prioritises your family’s wellbeing over billable hours.
At Respect Legal, our founder and principal, Danielle Zetzer, started this firm to challenge the traditional law firm model—where meeting budgets often came at the expense of doing what’s best for families. Danielle’s vision was simple but powerful: to keep families out of court wherever possible, sparing them the emotional and financial toll that litigation brings.
She wanted to practise law in a way that genuinely aligned with her values. That vision became the foundation of our firm, built upon three core principles:
1. Being of Service
To serve is to give without expecting anything in return. It’s about recognising the unique opportunity we have as lawyers to support and uplift others during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
For us, “being of service” means doing the right thing—even when it’s not the most profitable. It means choosing the path that protects children from conflict, keeps families out of court, and allows people to heal with dignity. We know this isn’t the fastest or easiest path, but it’s the one that truly helps.
2. Compassion
Kindness. Understanding. Humanity.
Compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Your lawyer should be someone who truly listens—who understands the emotional weight of separation and walks beside you through it.
It’s not just about compassion for you, but also encouraging empathy in the broader process. Extending compassion (where possible) to a former partner can lead to more respectful communication, smoother negotiations, and significantly less conflict. It’s a powerful tool for resolution and healing.
3. Justice
Justice is about standing up for what’s right, especially when it’s hard.
At Respect Legal, our commitment to justice is particularly strong when it comes to protecting those experiencing family violence. In some situations, the safest path forward requires legal escalation. When that’s the case, we fight—firmly, ethically, and relentlessly—to protect you and your children.
The safety of children and vulnerable individuals ties all our core values together. Through service, we intervene and support. Through compassion, we provide care and guidance. And through justice, we stand strong and advocate for your rights and safety.
As lawyers, we are bound by a duty of care. But at Respect Legal, we go beyond that. We believe we can—and must—make a positive social impact. We can help families avoid court. We can support those escaping violence. We can treat everyone we work with—clients, colleagues, and opposing parties—with kindness, clarity, and dignity.
Separation and divorce are hard. But with the right legal team, grounded in values and led by purpose, the experience doesn’t have to be harder than it needs to be.
We’re here to help you through it—with compassion, service, and justice at every step.
Still have questions? Contact the team at Respect Legal to find out more
About Respect Legal
We’re here to disrupt traditional ways of practicing family law. Respect Legal is here to disrupt traditional ways of practicing family law through our respectful approach to dispute resolution. We focus on outcomes that strengthen families rather than tear them apart.
Our team of highly skilled lawyers are leaders in their field who provide expert advice and guidance through complex legal processes so you can achieve an outcome that works best for you and your family.
