Sheneli Dona

Senior Consultant

Phone:1800 720 720 Email: sheneli.dona@irlegal.lawyer

Sheneli is a Senior Consultant at IR Legal, bringing a thoughtful, client-focused approach to complex legal matters. She has experience across International Human Rights Law, Mental Health Law, Family Law, and Criminal Law, with a strong commitment to fairness, access to justice, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Her work is guided by a deep understanding of both the legal and human dimensions involved in sensitive and high-impact cases. Sheneli is particularly passionate about advocacy for vulnerable individuals and communities and is known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and clear, effective communication.

Sheneli is widely recognised for her leadership in human rights, peace development, and youth empowerment. She has held senior roles across the not-for-profit and international development sectors, including serving as a Not-for-Profit President, Youth Ambassador, and advisor to civil society and human rights organisations, with active engagement alongside the United Nations, including UN Women.

Her experience spans executive leadership, strategic planning, governance, project development, and conflict resolution. Sheneli has contributed to high-level international initiatives through participation in UN inter-agency networks on youth development, the Beijing+25 process, and advisory working groups supporting youth representation at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). She was also invited to review and draft the Human Rights Council Youth Forum Declaration, presented in Geneva.

In addition to her advocacy work, Sheneli is admitted as a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Her legal experience includes family law, mental health law, administrative law and criminal law.

Sheneli’s work has been recognised by international leaders and institutions, including former Australian Prime Ministers, the Hon. Julie Bishop, President Emmanuel Macron of France, HRH Princess Mary of Denmark, senior representatives of the United Nations and World Bank, and the Governor-General of Australia.

She is known for her integrity, inclusive leadership style, and commitment to delivering ethical, strategic, and community-centred outcomes, contributing meaningfully to IR Legal’s mission of providing high-quality legal services.

Areas of Practice:

• International Human Rights Law

• Mental Health Law

• Family Law

• Criminal Law