Shelly Brown is a Lawyer at Catton & Tondelstrand Family Lawyers, bringing a diverse and well-rounded background across legal, administrative, and client-focused roles. She is recognised for her proactive approach, strong communication skills, and ability to provide clear, compassionate support to clients navigating complex family law matters.

Shelly holds a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, as well as a postgraduate law degree completed with first-class honours. Her academic focus reflects a strong interest in the complexities of human behaviour and the legal responses to family violence and coercive control, an area in which she has developed particular insight.

During her legal studies and early career, Shelly worked across a range of roles supporting multidisciplinary teams, senior management, and clients including Brisbane City Council. She also served as Volunteer Lawyer Coordinator at Suncoast Community Legal Service, where she assisted clients across a variety of legal matters and played a key role in implementing a Community Outreach Program that expanded access to legal advice across the Sunshine Coast.

Shelly has also worked with the Office of Fair Trading, where she developed experience in dispute resolution and mediation, as well as ensuring compliance with Australian Consumer Law. This background has strengthened her ability to manage sensitive discussions, resolve conflict, and maintain a calm, solution-focused approach.

She is highly regarded for her attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on client care and confidentiality. Shelly’s experience across both community legal services and government environments enables her to bring both empathy and practicality to her work.

Recognised for her academic excellence and strong written and oral communication skills, Shelly is a valued member of the CTL team who contributes meaningfully to achieving positive outcomes for clients.