Compassionate Counsel. Strategic Advocacy. Steady Guidance Through Transition.
Few situations are as stressful as divorce. Attorney Lauren Shelby understands that when she takes on a new client, she’s meeting them at what may be the most difficult time in their life. That’s why she prioritizes connection and understanding as she works to achieve the best possible resolution for each client.
“I don’t want my clients to feel judged,” she says. “I’ll have empathy for their situation, but I’m also here to guide them through their emotions to the best solution.”
Guided by Empathy, Grounded in Strategy
Lauren takes an empathetic, nonjudgmental approach with every client. She believes that effective legal support starts with understanding the human side of a case. But empathy doesn’t mean passivity. She is also a determined, experienced litigator who has represented clients in court hundreds of times.
She knows how to question witnesses, develop compelling trial strategies, and build cases that give her clients the strongest possible footing. Whether in the courtroom or at the negotiation table, Lauren is focused, tactical, and always prepared.
Building Strong Cases, In and Out of Court
Divorce can be incredibly complex, requiring a lawyer to piece together facts and evidence like a puzzle. Lauren has deep experience gathering and analyzing evidence, taking depositions, and uncovering critical details that support her client’s position. She ensures that no one takes advantage of her clients, especially during emotionally heightened conflicts.
While she is fully prepared for trial, Lauren knows that not all divorces should be resolved in court. When possible, she helps clients avoid litigation through skillful negotiation. Her background includes significant experience negotiating fair settlements, even in contentious cases. These resolutions often save clients time, money, and unnecessary emotional strain.
Advocating for Families and Children
Even relatively simple divorces can be emotionally challenging, and Lauren understands better than most that divorce doesn’t just impact adults in relationships.
As a law student, she served as a legal representative for children in custody cases and other family law matters. When she assists clients going through divorce, Lauren aims to help them find the solution that’s best for everyone in the family.
“Working directly with clients in the legal system gave me the opportunity to see how the law affects real people, which continues to drive my passion and dedication to providing legal services that people need to make changes in their lives,” she says.
Consistent Communication Clients Can Count On
No divorce attorney can remove all the stress from the process, but Lauren believes one of the most important things she can do is be reliably present for her clients. She prioritizes consistent, clear communication because uncertainty only grows when questions go unanswered.
“I believe in being reliable, easy to get in touch with, and a straight shooter,” she says. “I love communicating with my clients. My clients can expect a problem solver and someone who communicates clearly and consistently with them.”
Outside the Office
Lauren grew up in Richmond, Virginia, before earning bachelor’s degrees in both political science and history from The Pennsylvania State University. She graduated from Penn State Dickinson Law before launching her legal career in Philadelphia.
When she’s not helping families navigate divorce, Lauren enjoys exploring the Philadelphia food scene, planning events for her friends, and spending time with her cat, Kiwi.
Education
- Juris Doctor, The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law, Carlisle, PA
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; Bachelor of Arts in History, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Professional Memberships
- PA Bar Association, Member
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Member
- American Lung Association, Member
- American Inn of Court, Member
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Practice Areas
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Child and spousal support