At Ciantar Greiner, we provide clear, strategic and uncompromising legal representation across criminal law, family law, intervention orders (AVOs and IVOs) and child protection matters.

About us

Based in Albury Wodonga and appearing daily in courts across North East Victoria and Southern NSW, we are known for one thing above all: delivering strong outcomes in complex, interlinked legal situations where the stakes could not be higher.

Many of our clients come to us facing more than one problem at once – a separation that triggers an intervention order, a family dispute that leads to criminal allegations, or child protection involvement running alongside family law proceedings. Unlike most firms, we are fluent across all of these jurisdictions. This means we manage your whole case under one roof, keeping things clear, organised and cost-effective – without the hassle of multiple lawyers.

Our service delivery is guided by five principles: integrity, respect, precision, advocacy and courage. We operate with honesty, communicate clearly and prepare meticulously because we know your case is not just paperwork or process – it is your life, your family, your future, your reputation and your freedom.

We are experienced solicitors and courtroom advocates. Both of our senior partners come from strong court-based backgrounds, with a combined breadth of experience across Local, District and Supreme Courts in NSW, Victorian Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts, and matters governed by the Commonwealth family law system. We appear on our feet daily and rarely brief counsel unless requested, offering premium representation at honest, transparent rates.

Our People

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Francesca Ciantar

(BA/LLB MenSCI/ LAW )

Francesca is a solicitor with 15 years’ experience practising across the NSW, Victorian and NT jurisdictions. She began her career in the civil litigation division at NSW Legal Aid and took a position at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in 2013. She moved to Victoria in 2015 and established her own practice in 2016.

Francesca appears in the Albury Local Court and Wodonga, Wangaratta and Benalla Magistrate's Courts, as well as the Melbourne Children's Court and the Supreme Court of Victoria.

She practices across family law, criminal law, intervention order matters, Apprehended Violence Order matters and child protection/care and protection matters. She has been appointed to the Victoria Legal Aid child protection, intervention order, summary crime, youth crime and duty lawyer panels, and the NSW Legal Aid care and protection and summary crime panels. 

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Sophie Greiner

(BA/LLB)

Sophie is an experienced litigator and appears in the Victorian Children's Court, Victorian Magistrates Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Victorian County Court and the Albury Local Court.

She practises in the areas of child protection, family law, intervention order matters, both family violence and personal safety, and criminal law. This broad experience across jurisdictions ensures that she can confidently navigate complex cross-jurisdictional matters with ease to protect her client's interests.

Sophie regularly prosecutes matters for the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing in metropolitan and regional Victoria, giving her a deep understanding of the child protection jurisdiction and how to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. She has been appointed to the Victoria Legal Aid Child Protection, Family Violence Intervention Order and Summary Crime panels. She holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of New England.

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Jacinta Castles

As Office Manager, Jacinta is responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of the firm’s administrative functions.

With over 30 years of experience in administration and client services, she brings extensive knowledge, professionalism and a strong commitment to excellence. 

Jacinta is dedicated to assisting clients as they navigate the legal process, ensuring each interaction is handled with care, respect, and discretion. Her attention to detail and steadfast organisational skills contribute to a cohesive and supportive environment for both clients and the wider team.  

Together, we are a highly skilled, tightly coordinated team. We’re known for our ability to quickly comprehend complex intersecting issues, think strategically under pressure, and advocate fiercely for clients who feel overwhelmed, unheard or misunderstood.

What we do

Your legal team,
when it matters most

  • Strong defence and strategic advice for all criminal charges, from driving offences to serious indictable matters.

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  • Whether you’re defending against an order or applying for one, we act quickly and strategically to protect your interests.

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  • Separation, property and parenting disputes are often high-stakes. We deliver clear strategy, firm negotiation, and fierce representation to secure your future.

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  • When the state challenges your role as a parent, you need more than guidance: you need strong advocacy. We stand firm to protect your rights and your family.

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  • These cases demand urgency and strength. We take decisive action to keep you safe and make sure the court understands your position.

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  • An AVO can have serious consequences. We know the system, and we fight to ensure your side of the story is put forward with force and clarity.

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Testimonial

Featured

‘Francesca has been welcoming, approachable and consistently professional throughout a challenging time. She communicates clearly, is transparent with costs, and always goes above and beyond. Compassionate, empathetic and steady, she was exactly the solicitor I needed. I would choose her again without hesitation.

During a challenging period, Francesca was always welcoming, respectful and easy to talk to. She explained everything in plain language, was transparent about costs, and genuinely went the extra mile. Her compassion, empathy and calm manner made all the difference. I couldn’t ask for a better solicitor.

Francesca was professional, approachable and unfailingly supportive during a difficult time. She explained things clearly, was transparent with costs, and always went above and beyond. Compassionate and calm, she’s absolutely the solicitor I’d choose again.’

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