Experienced Lawyers in Melbourne & across regional Victoria
Legal support should be simple, human and accessible. Most of our clients work with us remotely, and we’re committed to making the process stress‑free, transparent and grounded in genuine care for your outcome.
About Stratus Legal Group
We have the knowledge and experience to meet and exceed your expectations and offer a variety of services customised to fit your specific needs.
Our Story Begins With Real Experience
When you’re dealing with a legal issue, it often comes with emotional weight you never expected to carry. We understand that deeply, because our own story has been shaped by real human experiences, including the profound impact of suicide on the lives of our directors.
That loss changed the way we see people, and it changed the way we practise law. It taught us that behind every matter is a person who deserves empathy, clarity, and genuine support. At Stratus Legal Group, you are never just a file. You are someone navigating something important, and we take that seriously.
Why We Built Stratus Legal Group
We created this firm because we believed the legal industry could do better, for clients, for staff, and for the community. Traditional firms often rely on rigid structures, outdated processes, and a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. That model doesn’t reflect the world we live in today, and it certainly doesn’t reflect the needs of the people we serve.
So we built something different.
- A firm where human connection matters as much as legal expertise.
- A firm where mental health and wellbeing are openly acknowledged and supported.
- A firm where innovation and flexibility replace outdated habits.
- A firm where clients feel safe, informed, and genuinely cared for.
Our lived experience taught us that compassion is not a weakness in law, it’s a strength.
How We Work With You
When you come to us, you can expect:
- Straightforward guidance that cuts through confusion
- Clear communication so you always know what’s happening
- Tailored solutions that reflect your real circumstances
- A safe, stigma‑free environment where you can speak openly
- A team that stands beside you, not above you.
We meet you where you are, whether you’re overwhelmed, grieving, frustrated, or simply trying to make the best decision for your future.
What We Focus on Today
Stratus Legal Group is a modern, people‑first law firm. Today, our focus is on delivering legal services that are:
- Human‑centred — built around empathy, respect, and understanding
- Efficient and modern — supported by smart systems and technology
- Transparent — no jargon, no surprises, no unnecessary complexity
- Outcome‑driven — practical solutions that help you move forward
- Mentally healthy, for our clients, our team, and our community
We are committed to redefining what a law firm can be: innovative, compassionate, and deeply connected to the people we serve.
Where We’re Going
Our story is still being written, but the direction is clear. We are building a firm that sets new standards, not by being louder or bigger, but by being better. Better for clients. Better for staff. Better for the community we care about.
And if you’re reading this because you need support, guidance, or clarity, we’re here. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Memberships
We are proud to be members of the following organisations
Your Senior Leadership Team
Kathryn Oswald
Kathryn Oswald’s path into law is fueled by a long standing determination to call out and correct the mistreatment she saw growing up. That drive, paired with deep capability across Property, Estates and Family Law, has shaped her into a lawyer who delivers practical, human centered solutions rather than textbook theory. Kathryn didn’t learn her craft from CPD slides or vague law school hypotheticals, she learned it the real way: sleeves rolled up, files open, and a regional community relying on her to get it right.
Her achievements, including Employee of the Year and recognition as a Wellness Advocate finalist, reflect her impact both inside the firm and across the profession. Working in a blue collar, male dominated town of 10,000 people, Kathryn has carved out a modern, high performing practice that proves excellence isn’t defined by postcode. Her advocacy for accessible legal services in regional Victoria has opened genuine career pathways while keeping her connected to her rural roots.
As a mentor, Kathryn backs her team with the same energy and high standards she brings to her own work. Her involvement in networks like Women in Business shows her commitment to building supportive, future focused professional communities.
Even with a demanding leadership role, Kathryn stays hands on, balancing legal work, parenting, and life on her family’s lifestyle property. Her mix of practical intelligence, innovation, and lived experience makes her the right person to lead the firm: she understands the law, the clients, the community, and the realities of running a regional practice.
Kathryn’s approach is grounded, solutions driven, and refreshingly unpretentious, a combination that strengthens her firm and the community it serves.
Alex O'Donohue
Alex O’Donohue is the firm’s Principal Lawyer and the lead across all Estate and Property Litigation, known for his sharp strategic approach and his particular passion for contested estates.
He brings deep experience across the full estate spectrum, including wills, testamentary trusts, probate and administration matters, and the full range of estate and will disputes. His work blends technical precision with a calm, solutions‑focused style that clients rely on during some of life’s most complex and emotional moments.
He is driven by a genuine commitment to supporting people who are often vulnerable or navigating difficult family dynamics. Alex takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances and communicates with clarity and empathy, ensuring they feel supported and informed from the outset. He works directly with clients across Victoria and beyond, making high‑quality legal guidance accessible no matter where they are based.
As Principal Lawyer, Alex strengthens the firm’s litigation capability and plays a key role in mentoring emerging practitioners and shaping the firm’s approach to estate and property litigation. His leadership reinforces Stratus Legal’s reputation for excellence and client‑centered practice.
Outside the office, Alex enjoys golf, a wide range of sports, and travelling to unwind from the pace of Melbourne. His grounded nature and dedication to his work make him a trusted advisor to clients and an integral part of the firm.
Amy Brown
Amy Brown brings a rare combination of operational leadership and hands‑on legal experience to her role as Practice Manager at Stratus Legal Group.
With years spent as a paralegal across the firm’s core practice areas, she understands the realities of legal work, the pressures on teams, and the expectations of clients. Her particular love for estate matters, including complex Letters of Administration, probate applications, and nuanced estate administration, gives her a depth of insight that continues to shape and strengthen the firm’s approach in this area.
In her role, Amy oversees the systems, workflows, and day‑to‑day functions that keep the firm running smoothly. She works closely with all departments, with especially strong impact across the estates and property teams, where her steadiness, practical knowledge, and problem‑solving consistently lift performance and client experience.
She is known for her attention to detail, calm approach, and commitment to continuous improvement. Her ability to anticipate issues, support staff, and strengthen operational discipline makes her a central contributor to the firm’s growth and capability.
Outside work, Amy enjoys time with her young family, exploring new destinations, indulging in retail therapy, and passionately supporting the Richmond Tigers at the MCG. Her grounded, balanced approach reflects the authenticity and dedication she brings to the firm every day.
What Our Clients Say
Read what some of our past clients have to say. The ethics and reputation of each one of our lawyers, precedes them individually and us as a firm.