Our Team
Meet the experienced team at NLS Law dedicated to securing the best outcome for you.
At the heart of our practice is a dedicated team driven by a deep sense of justice and a commitment to supporting our community. We understand the emotional and legal complexities families may face, and we strive to provide compassionate assistance and clear access to legal solutions during life’s most challenging times. We work tirelessly to resolve disputes with empathy and efficiency, to ensure every client feels heard, empowered, and protected as we navigate their legal journey together.
Neisha Shepherd
Solicitor Director
Acc. Spec. (Children’s Law)
Neisha Shepherd stands as a formidable force in the realms of Family Law, Children’s Law, and advocacy for reform in Australia. As the Founder and Legal Director of NLS Law Pty Ltd, Neisha has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of families and children through exceptional legal representation, human rights advocacy, and systemic reform. Her illustrious career spans decades of groundbreaking legal victories and pivotal contributions to family and children’s law as well as policy and legislation reform, marking her as a true changemaker in Australian law.
As a highly respected accredited specialist in Children’s Law, Neisha has been at the forefront of landmark cases shaping Australian jurisprudence. Notable cases under her leadership include MRR v GR (2010) 240 CLR 461, a significant High Court decision in family law, DN v Secretary, Department of Communities and Justice (2023) 113 NSWLR 257, and Re Tracey (2011) 80 NSWLR 261. These landmark cases reflect her unwavering dedication to protecting society’s most vulnerable members.
Neisha possesses extensive experience in family law matters, handling complex parenting disputes, financial settlements, and intricate property cases, including those involving international relocation. She brings sensitivity, strategic insight, and rigorous advocacy to support clients navigating these challenging circumstances. Additionally, Neisha is highly experienced in Care and Protection law, representing children and parents in proceedings related to child welfare and protection, ensuring their rights and best interests remain central to legal outcomes. Neisha also undertakes complex criminal law cases, bringing her rigorous analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail to defend and advocate for her clients effectively.
Neisha’s expertise extends beyond the courtroom, influencing substantial legal reform and advocating critical policy shifts in Children’s and Family Law. Her extensive knowledge of family violence, advocacy strategies, and children’s rights is regularly sought at national and international conferences, as well as in various media platforms.
With over 23 years of dedicated experience, Neisha is deeply committed to advocating in the Family, Criminal and Children’s Law space. Not only is Neisha a litigator in the Court room she is also an Accredited mediator, Arbitrator, and Independent Children’s Lawyer. Additionally, Neisha actively mentors emerging lawyers and provides dedicated mentorship to other lawyers in family and children’s law, serves on numerous committees, and maintains significant involvement with remote and rural communities across Australia, providing outreach clinics, probono work, education, and essential support to Indigenous communities. Her commitment to human rights, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, demonstrates her proactive role in bridging the justice gap.
Neisha’s distinguished career also included pro bono services as the Co-Founder and Director of Sinchi, an international human rights organisation promoting indigenous culture globally. Here, she developed pioneering Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Neisha’s extensive legal expertise has also lent itself to academic instruction. She taught Family Law and Children’s Law at university level for seven years, influencing future generations of legal professionals.
Additionally, Neisha has co-authored the impactful book published by Lexis Nexis, “Domestic and Family Violence Law in Australia,” bringing her nuanced understanding of criminal law, children’s law, and family law to the forefront. This essential text provides legal professionals, advocates, and the broader community with valuable insights into the profound complexities about domestic and family violence.
As Director of NLS Law, Neisha Shepherd leads her team with vision, passion, and integrity, continually inspiring them to strive for justice, excellence, and compassionate client advocacy.
Ayden Shepherd
Associate Solicitor (Sydney)
Ayden has completed a Bachelor Laws (Honours), Diploma of Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Communications (with Distinction) at the University of Newcastle. Ayden is passionate in various aspects of law specifically human rights and social justice.
Family Law Parenting
Ayden is experienced in handling relocation cases, addressing complex issues such as international travel disputes, compliance and reinforcement of previous court orders, urgent recovery orders, and domestic violence.
His comprehensive approach encompasses matters involving extended family members, including grandparents, as well as cases with apprehended violence orders, child protection concerns, changing parenting arrangements, divorce, mediation, and consent orders.
Ayden brings a wealth of experience in mediations and consent orders for parenting matters to his practice. His skillful approach fosters cooperative solutions that prioritise the best interests of children and the well-being of all parties involved. Whether guiding clients through negotiations or formalising agreements through consent orders, Ayden ensures that the legal process is as smooth and amicable as possible.
Family Law Property
Ayden brings a wealth of experience to property settlements and financial proceedings, often handling matters with substantial asset pools, complex structures like trusts, and intricate business arrangements. His nuanced understanding of these complexities ensures an equitable outcomes for his clients. Ayden’s proficiency extends to addressing issues related to disclosure disputes, obtaining expert evaluations, and navigating property settlement matters that involve the sensitive aspects of domestic violence.
What sets Ayden apart is his forward-thinking approach to legal practice. He harnesses the power of AI tools to streamline processes within NLS Law, minimising costs for clients and maximising efficiency for the often costly and time consuming process of providing financial disclosure.
Children’s Law – Care and Protection
Ayden’s legal expertise extends to the complex realm of care and protection, where he plays a crucial role in assisting clients who have experienced the heart-wrenching situation of having their children removed from the Department of Communities and Justice in Section 61 proceedings. With his deep commitment to justice and unwavering dedication to the well-being of families, Ayden provides vital support to parents navigating these challenging circumstances.
Ayden’s experience in children’s law also encompasses advocating for increased contact with children who have been separated from their families. He is a dedicated advocate who works tirelessly to negotiate with the Department of Communities and Justice, striving to secure more meaningful and frequent interactions between parents and their children. Ayden provides invaluable advice to his clients on strategies to enhance their chances of amily restoration, empowering them to navigate the complex landscape of care and protection matters with hope and determination.
A Persuasive Advocate
Ayden has successfully conducted appeals, including matters before the Supreme Court of NSW and the NSW Court of Appeal, demonstrating his exceptional litigation skills as a persuasive and strategic advocate. Additionally, he is experienced in conducting reviews and appeals in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, underscoring his comprehensive capabilities in complex legal matters.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice
- Bachelor of Communication with Distinction
Jack Napier Hill
Solicitor (Newcastle)
Rachel Kelly
Legal Admin Officer (Sydney)
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and Philosophy, and is currently completing her Juris Doctor at the Sydney University. With experience in legal administration roles across both the public and private sectors, she brings a strong understanding of legal processes and client support to her work at NLS Law.
As a Legal Administration Officer, Rachel assists the team with day to day operations, client communication, scheduling and document management, helping to ensure the office runs efficiently and clients receive timely, thoughtful support.
Rachel plans to qualify as a family lawyer once she completes her degree. She has a particular interest in legal ethics, social justice and family violence policy, and is committed to contributing to a practice that advocates for safety, fairness and meaningful outcomes for families.
Known for her professionalism, curiosity and considered approach, Rachel values collaboration and strives to make a positive impact through her work every day.
Cleo Doh
Graduate of Law, Legal Admin Officer (Sydney)
Cleo recently completed a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at Macquarie University and will begin her Practical Legal Training next year, with the goal of becoming a family lawyer.
As a Legal Administration Officer at NLS Law, Cleo supports the team across day to day operations, client communication, scheduling, document preparation and general office administration. Her organised and detail oriented approach helps keep the office running smoothly while ensuring clients feel supported from the moment they contact us.
Cleo enjoys being part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She brings experience from roles in finance, conveyancing and client services, and has a strong interest in family law, access to justice and human rights.
Approachable, thoughtful and committed to continuous learning, Cleo values teamwork, empathy and professionalism in all aspects of her work.
Fin
Admin Assistant (Newcastle)
Fin is a dedicated and experienced Administrative Assistant providing essential support to ensure the smooth operation of the firm. With strong organisational skills and a keen attention to detail, Fin plays a key role in assisting with office processes, client communications, and day-to-day operations.
Fin’s role includes handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and assisting with general office procedures.
His proactive and efficient approach helps keep the firm running seamlessly, ensuring both staff and clients receive the support they need.
As a young and eager professional, Fin is committed to developing his skills and growing within the legal industry. His dedication to efficiency, teamwork, and excellent service makes him a valued member of the NLS Law team.
