Our Family Lawyers

Louise is a strategic, tenacious and passionate advocate for her clients.

She is an Accredited Specialist, holds a Masters degree in family law and brings a wealth of experience as a lawyer having been admitted as a Solicitor in 2006.

Louise commenced her legal career in a top tier national firm. Whilst working on some of Australia’s most high profile and valued commercial disputes, one thing became apparent: the true cost of protracted litigation is usually well beyond what a client pays in fees.

Whilst Louise has significant litigation experience including in complex family law and commercial law matters, she works hard to assist her clients to resolve matters at an early stage through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law.

Louise was a empathetic and commercially-astute lawyer whose goal is to ensure that her clients leave in a way that is better than when they arrived, and she focuses on what best outcomes mean for the client.

Louise is a contributing editor of the CCH Family Law Guide, the preferred resource textbook used by Australian family lawyers, barristers and family court judges.

“No family dispute exists in a vacuum and I am conscious of the emotional toll that the process can take on my clients. My focus is on resolution, not conflict. By using non-litigious approaches such as mediation and collaborative practice, most of my clients never see a day in Court, and can focus on achieving best outcomes for their family”.

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Erin has extensive experience in complex family law cases, and has a focus on achieving creative solutions outside of court.

She holds a Masters Degree in Applied Family Law, is a trained Parenting Coordinator and has been a family lawyer since 2008, across both Sydney and Brisbane.

Erin was a contributing editor of the CCH Family Law Guide, the preferred resource textbook used by family lawyers, barristers and Family Court judges in Australia, and has previously served as an elected Committee Member of the Queensland Association of Collaborative Practitioners.

A natural and creative problem-solver, Erin is dedicated to assisting families reach creative, win-win resolutions without going to court, using the collaborative law model and mediation.

Where litigation is necessary, her background in litigation for high net wealth families means Erin is a well-experienced, tenacious advocate for her clients.

“I whole-heartedly believe that whilst divorce can be devastating, the process doesn’t need to be. The process of unwinding a relationship and restructuring a family is best managed by working together, rather than in conflict, wherever possible. I am passionate about helping people move through divorce with dignity, security and ownership, in a constructive, mindful way”.

Amy is a Family Law Accredited Specialist, Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has practiced in family law since 2005 and has extensive experience in matters relating to children’s arrangements, property settlement, de facto relationships, child support and domestic violence.

Amy is committed to building trusting relationships with clients and assisting them to achieve the best possible outcome without unnecessary conflict or cost, by providing empathetic, practical and strategic advice and representation.

She has a particular interest in children’s matters and in finding practical and innovative solutions, to enable parents to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship into the future.

Prior to joining O’Reilly Shaw Lawyers, Amy worked in boutique family law firms in Brisbane and in child protection law in the UK and United States.

You can contact her at [email protected].

“I would highly recommend Amy Ryan to anyone with a family law matter. Amy listens and takes on board the matter at hand and deals with it in a highly professional and timely manner. She is the best in the business. Thank you so much Amy!”

Susan Miranda’s career has been dedicated to Family Law since 2001, and she therefore brings extensive expertise across all aspects in the field. Susan has a particular focus on complex children’s and property matters, including issues related to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Regularly appearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Susan is known for her open, friendly approach and strong client relationships. She is committed to guiding clients through the complexities that arise in Family Law, crafting individualised strategies to secure the best outcomes for each client’s unique situation.

Stephanie considers each case to be unique, requiring its own approach, strategy and thought to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved.

Stephanie studied law and psychology at Queensland University of Technology and was drawn to family law as it utilises the skills she learned in both her psychology and law degrees This area of work requires sensitivity, empathy and professionalism, as clients are navigating through a very difficult time in their life.

Stephanie assists clients with negotiations, mediation, court appearances, drafting documents or to provide professional and realistic advice tailored to their individual family circumstances.

She is experienced in complex parenting disputes including those complicated by relocation concerns. Stephanie also helps clients whose separation is affected by domestic violence or mental health issues.

She has been a volunteer at Caxton Legal Centre since 2017 and enjoys being able to pass on knowledge and help people who may otherwise not have access to this information.

Emily graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Justice in 2019. The same year she was awarded a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law.

Emily has experience in criminal law, domestic violence, wills and estates and property law, however, found her passion in family law which she has exclusively practiced for the past few years. She is experienced in all areas of family law, including parenting matters, property settlement matters, child support issues and financial arrangements during relationships.

Emily enjoys assisting clients as an advocate and an ally they can trust and is compassionate and understanding of her clients’ situations. She believes that resolving matters without the need for Court is the best outcome for parties, but embraces the opportunity to appear in Court and advocate for her clients when required.

Terri holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of International Business and was admitted as a solicitor in 2021.  Prior to her admission, Terri worked as a paralegal at O’Reilly Shaw Lawyers for a number of years.  Terri works closely with each of the Directors and Senior Associates in all areas of Family Law.

You can contact Terri at [email protected].

Caitlin graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (International Business) in 2022. Caitlin subsequently obtained a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law and was admitted to practice in 2023.

Leveraging off her extensive paralegal experience in family law, Caitlin works closely with each of the Directors and Senior Associates. Caitlin has fast developed a reputation for her thoroughness and professionalism, and prides herself on her attention to detail, empathy and compassion, as she assists clients to navigate the complexities of their family law matter.

You can contact Caitlin at [email protected].