Christine Shanahan

Christine Shanahan is the Principal and Director of Christine J Shanahan – Davine Shanahan Fitzpatrick, a law practice offering services in family law, Wills and Estates, property, and commercial law. With a background in taxation consultancy, business, and farming, Christine transitioned into law while raising her family. She completed her legal studies through the Legal Practitioners Admission Board at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1998, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1999 and the High Court of Australia in 2000. Prior to law, she obtained accreditation in taxation consultancy in 1990. Christine began her legal career in 1997 at a local firm in the Latrobe Valley, initially as a law clerk before practising as a solicitor. During this time, she gained experience across personal injury, Wills and Estates, family law, and other general practice areas. Notably, she secured a successful appeal before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal concerning a decision of the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. In 2005, Christine established her own practice, Christine J Shanahan & Associates, serving clients across Southeast Melbourne to Mallacoota with offices in Traralgon, Pakenham, and Bairnsdale. A significant milestone came in 2008 when she represented the applicant husband in Tristan & Ernt [2008] FamCA 333, a case reported in the Family Law Reports. The practice expanded in 2017 following the acquisition of Davine Fitzpatrick in Moe, leading to the amalgamated firm now known as Christine J Shanahan – Davine Shanahan Fitzpatrick. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm continued to grow, welcoming solicitor Kaylah Hunter in October 2020. Christine and her team provide representation in negotiations, mediations, and litigation involving family law matters across Australia, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. The firm also maintains a strong focus on property, commercial, and Wills and Estates matters. Christine is dedicated to delivering highly professional, empathetic, and cost-effective legal services to clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their needs are understood and met with the utmost care.