Criminal & Commercial Lawyer | Gold Coast & Brisbane
Dr. Ronald (Ron) Kilner is a highly respected criminal lawyer on the Gold Coast and an experienced commercial lawyer in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with a career spanning more than 50 years.
Admitted to practice in 1974, Dr. Kilner built a successful private practice in Brisbane, specialising in commercial law, contract disputes, and town planning law. He also gained international expertise advising clients in Indonesia and China on joint ventures, agreements, and dispute resolution, providing him with valuable global legal insight.
Criminal Lawyer Gold Coast – Magistrate & Defence Experience
In 1998, Dr. Kilner was appointed as a Magistrate, serving in courts across Brisbane and the Gold Coast for over two decades. During his time on the bench, he presided over thousands of matters across the Queensland Courts, including:
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Criminal law cases
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Domestic violence matters
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Traffic law and traffic offences
This judicial experience now gives his clients a unique advantage, as he combines insight from the bench with practical advocacy to deliver strong criminal defence representation.
Commercial Lawyer Gold Coast & Brisbane – Business & Contract Law
After retiring from the judiciary in 2024, Dr. Kilner returned to private practice with a focus on commercial law. He assists businesses and individuals with:
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Commercial contracts and documentation
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Contract disputes and resolution
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Joint ventures and business agreements
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Town planning law and advisory matters
His ability to navigate both complex legal frameworks and everyday business concerns ensures clients receive practical, results-driven advice.
Education & Community Involvement
Dr. Kilner holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, and a Doctorate from the University of Queensland. Beyond his practice, he has contributed significantly to the community by:
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Serving as a member of Rotary for 15 years
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Chairing a major Gold Coast body corporate
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Sitting on the board of the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth for 15 years
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Advising the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Committee and Queensland government committees on traffic penalties
He has also mentored law students at both the University of Queensland and Griffith University, and lectured widely in legal education.
Personal Background
Before his legal career, Dr. Kilner served as a commissioned officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. Today, outside of law, he enjoys fishing, boating, and surfing along the Gold Coast.
Practice Areas
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Criminal Law – including domestic violence, criminal defence, and traffic offences
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Commercial Law – including contracts, disputes, and business matters