Based in Bendigo, Stella Stuthridge & Associates is one of the leading criminal and family law firms operating in Central Victoria.  Our dedicated legal team is committed to providing quality advice and robust advocacy.  We work hard to achieve the best possible results for all of our clients.

MEGAN AUMAIR

Megan completed her Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) at Monash University in 2003. She completed a Master of Arts (Criminology) at the University of Melbourne in 1996 and a Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) majoring in Criminology at the University of Melbourne in 1991.

Megan completed her articles at Stella Stuthridge & Associates in 2004 and was admitted to practice in Victoria and in the federal jurisdiction in March 2005. She remained at the firm as an employee solicitor and later as an associate. In March 2009 she took over the practice and is currently the firm's principal solicitor and is sole director of the company MJA Legal Services which trades as Stella Stuthridge & Associates.

Megan practices predominantly in summary and indictable crime. She appears regularly in both divisions of the Children's Court, Magistrate's Court and County Court as a solicitor advocate. She also practices in family law focusing on children's matters.

Megan is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and is an executive member of the Criminal Law Section.

Megan is the past President of the Bendigo Law Association and has been on the committee of the Bendigo Law Association since 2006.

Megan is, and has been, a volunteer solicitor at the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre since it opened in Bendigo.

LUKE DOCHERTY

Luke completed his Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) at Victoria University in 2007.

During his university degree he worked at two regional firms in the Bendigo area as a law clerk, including eight months with Stella Stuthridge & Associates prior to starting articles.  Luke completed his articles at Stella Stuthridge & Associates in November 2008 and was admitted to practice in Victoria in December 2008 and in the federal jurisdiction in January 2009.

Luke also practices predominantly in criminal law. He also practices in family law (children and property matters), children's court, and intervention orders, and also in wills, and Victims of Crime.

Luke is the Law Institute of Victoria Young Lawyers' Representative for the Bendigo region. He is a member of the LIV Criminal Law Section General Committee, and was also recently appointed Treasurer of the Bendigo Law Association.

MARY HIGGINS

Mary has broad experience in family law, including matters involving, children matters, family violence, Intervention Orders, recovery and relocation of children, Hague Convention and financial matters.

Mary has a strong interest in the area of primary dispute resolution and the process of mediation and to resolve disputes. Mary is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) with the Attorney-General's Department.

Prior to commencing with Stella Stuthridge & Associates, Mary worked at Victoria Legal Aid Bendigo and Melbourne offices, the Family Violence Court in Heidelberg and the Women's Legal Service in Melbourne extensively in the areas of family law and family violence.

Mary also has an interest in the community and has volunteered with Fitzroy Legal Service, Women's Legal Service and Sacred Heart Mission in St. Kilda. Mary is member of the Law Institute of Victoria. Mary is undertaking further study towards a Masters in Applied Family Law.