Bio
Founder and principal of Shaw Legal & Advisory, Rachael Shaw is an esteemed lawyer with a diverse legal background. Her extensive experience spans across continents and courts, ranging from tribunals to State Courts and the High Court. With a reputation for integrity and her ability to find solutions and navigate complex problems where others cannot, Rachael continues to handle even the most challenging cases with precision and strategic foresight across South Australia and Australia, particularly the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Experience
Rachael embarked on her legal career after attending the University of New England, where she earned degrees in Law and Arts. She honed her skills at the leading criminal and civil fraud firm in the UK, then in the U.S across a range of complex cases, such as constitutional challenges to capital punishment, and asbestos class action litigation.
On her return to Australia, she worked within medium and large national firms, before co-founding Shaw & Henderson with Joseph Henderson. Together, the duo steered the firm to success in commercial litigation, private criminal defence, and corporate advisory.
Leadership
A respected figure in legal circles, Rachael has held influential positions within the Law Society of South Australia, serving on its Council from 2014 to 2019, and contributing as Treasurer in 2017. She has also chaired the Animal Law Committee and has been an active participant on panels including the Legal Services Commission’s Complex Criminal Law Panel as Counsel and Solicitor.
Accolades
2023 saw Rachael Shaw voted by her South Australian colleagues as one of four pre-eminent criminal defence lawyers in the State, where she was the sole woman recognised. Her longstanding excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed by Doyles either, which has ranked both her personally, and her firm, among Australia's leading white-collar and corporate crime lawyers for several consecutive years. Such recognition underscores her proficiency and the respect she commands in the legal community.
Advocacy
With her extensive background, Rachael Shaw is a go-to advisor for organisations in need, from sporting clubs to large national firms. She is renowned for her ability to manage and resolve complex situations with empathy and insight.
When the stakes are high, we're up there with you.
Services
LEGAL
01.
Corporate and Commercial
We make it our business to ensure yours is well prepared to handle any legal challenges it might face. Proceed with confidence knowing leading professionals are protecting and advocating for your interests.
We are committed to ensuring that you and your business are thoroughly prepared for any legal challenges, encompassing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, inquiries, inquests, employment issues, disciplinary investigations, and corruption commissions.
02.
Criminal
If you or your business are facing criminal charges, it is critical that you engage an experienced criminal lawyer to defend your rights and protect your reputation.
We serve as your advocate in criminal defence, dedicated to navigating the complexities of the legal system on your behalf. We seek solutions others may not see—or may deem too difficult—to maximise your chances of a favourable resolution.
03.
Interstate Legal Agent
Rachael Shaw serves as a trusted agent for law firms nationwide, acting on behalf of interstate lawyers to represent their clients' best interests in South Australia.
ADVISORY
04.
Consultation
Providing a seamless integration of law and business strategy to best protect your business, our goal is to support your business in achieving sustainable growth and to safeguard it against legal risks.
05.
Crisis Management
We excel in maintaining discretion and keeping sensitive legal matters out of the public eye when needed. But we also recognise the strategic advantages of engaging with the media. Leveraging our strong relationships with media and government entities, we skillfully keep control of the story and manage the public narrative to best benefit our clients' interests.
06.
Education
Strengthen your team’s performance with comprehensive training tailored to the specifics of your business, and relevant updates in legal and industry standards.
LEGAL
Bold actions yield
exceptional results.
