Shelley O'Connell

Shelley O’Connell brings a wealth of experience to her practice in family law, combining practical guidance with empathetic support at times when her clients need it most. Admitted to legal practice in 2005, Shelley began her career in a regional law firm, gaining broad experience across multiple areas including family law, criminal law, intellectual property, licensing, civil litigation and wills and estates. Since 2009, Shelley has concentrated her practice on family law, offering comprehensive advice and representation in matters relating to children, complex and rural property settlements, pre-nuptial agreements, superannuation splitting, spousal maintenance and child support. She has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and non-parent carers in parenting cases. Known for her collaborative approach, Shelley is also prepared to advocate strongly when required to help clients resolve disputes effectively. Beyond her practice, Shelley has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the legal profession through her involvement with various organisations. She is a Past President and Past Vice-President of the Women Lawyers’ Association of South Australia, and has served on its Board for several terms. Shelley currently acts as the South Australian Director and Treasurer of Australian Women Lawyers Ltd, a national peak body. Her contributions extend to the Law Society of South Australia where she was a Council member from 2008 to 2015, including a period on the Executive Committee, and has participated actively in committees addressing country practitioners, family law, and women lawyers. Shelley has also supported future legal professionals as a mentor for law students through the UniSA Business Career Mentor Program. Shelley holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Adelaide, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Society of South Australia. She is admitted to practice in both the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of South Australia. Her professional memberships include the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, the Law Society of South Australia, the Women Lawyers’ Association of South Australia, Spence Club Inc, and Australian Women Lawyers Ltd. Shelley’s expertise has been recognised with numerous accolades, including listings as a leading lawyer in both parenting and family law matters in South Australia, most recently in 2025, as well as a Rising Star in Family Law in 2020. Contact Shelley O’Connell at Level 2, 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000 to discuss your family law matter with a lawyer committed to clear advice and respectful, collaborative resolution.