Lydia Shelly

Lydia Shelly is the Principal Solicitor at Shelly Legal, bringing a comprehensive and varied background in legal practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New South Wales as well as the High Court of Australia. Lydia’s legal experience spans criminal law, family law, and wills and estates, enabling her to offer well-rounded advice to her clients. Known for developing strong relationships, she is recognised as a trusted advisor who prioritises her clients’ needs. Throughout her career, Lydia has contributed her expertise in parliamentary inquiries concerning criminal offences and counter-terrorism legislation. Her involvement includes presenting evidence on significant bills such as the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 and the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill. She is also a frequent commentator for media outlets both in Australia and internationally, sharing insights into Australian legal practice. Lydia actively participates in the legal community and broader civil society. She holds committee membership with the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties and serves on several non-profit boards. Her professional affiliations include the Law Society of New South Wales, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, the Women Lawyers Association of New South Wales, the Australian Law Council, and Australian Women Lawyers. Her academic credentials comprise a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Sydney, a Graduate Diploma from the College of Law in New South Wales, and a Master of Applied Law with a focus on Family Law from the same institution. This solid educational foundation supports her diverse practice and ongoing commitment to legal excellence.