SHOGREN CANONICAL

Canon Lawyer for Clergy & Religious

• Penal processes (canonical crimes)
• Violations of Safeguarding and Professional Standards protocols, especially Australia and New Zealand.
• Recourse against administrative decisions of a Superior/Ordinary
• Complex, non-contentious canonical matters.

Clients in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Europe.

Paul is experienced in undertaking administrative recourse to Rome. He collaborates well with civil lawyers, ensuring a client’s rights in canon law and civil law are protected.

"Paul, being a layman and having an independent business meant I had great confidence that I was receiving confidential impartial advice, and that he was completely committed to assisting me. He guided me through every step to a positive conclusion.

At all times Paul was very easy to contact and replied promptly to emails and phone calls. I found him extremely friendly, patient, compassionate and kind. Most importantly though, Paul has a thorough knowledge of canonical principles, how they work in practical situations, and a care for detail. He understands current complexities within the Catholic Church while having a great respect for her traditions. His advice was prudent, respectful and well considered, ensuring harmonious and peaceful dealings with all parties involved.

I have only positive experiences of Shogren Canonical and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone seeking canonical support and advice."

Testimonial - Priest (Australia)

Canon Law Consultant

Paul provides independent advice for canon law matters within the Church and in the complex interface between canon law and civil law.

• Not-for-profit and education sectors – corporate governance, property management and compliance with canon law.
• Assisting legal practitioners requiring canon law input in criminal and civil matters.
• Expert canon law witness in court proceedings. 
• Assisting religious institutes and their members to comply with canon law.
• Assisting individuals and groups to understand and exercise their rights in canon law.
• Advice and assistance for private and public associations of Christ’s faithful.

Tribunal Advocate (Marriage Annulment)

Paul is able to advise and represent clients in marriage annulment cases in all Catholic Church Tribunals, other than the Roman Rota. He is a former Ecclesiastical Judge and is an expert in the canon law of marriage and Catholic Church Tribunals Approved Advocate for

• Regional Tribunal for Queensland
• Interdiocesan Tribunal of Sydney (NSW and ACT).

"From the first phone call and face to face meeting with Paul, I knew I was in safe hands in navigating a delicate and confidential matter...I highly valued Paul’s work but also his skill in hearing my personal story and circumstances ...and why this matter was so important to me as a young female practicing Catholic. Paul’s extensive knowledge and expertise in Canon Law relating to my marriage nullity case was profound. Paul’s skill in reviewing my case, presenting me with information and thoroughly considered options was exceptional and helped me to make informed choices about proceeding with Paul as my advocate."

Testimonial - Marriage Nullity Petitioner 

Canon Law Practitioner

Being an independent canon law practitioner, Paul is ideally placed to assist Bishops and Religious Superiors as the Canonical Investigator in a canon 1717 Preliminary Investigation, or as the Promoter of Justice, Case Instructor or Assessor in a Penal Process. 

Having a JCL, and with his many years working in a Tribunal, Paul is qualified to fulfill various Tribunal roles in addition to being an Advocate. 

Canon Law Educator

Paul is a gifted and engaging speaker who has spoken on canon law topics to a variety of individuals, groups, and professionals in the Catholic Church. His passion for canon law and interest in seeing it more widely valued and understood is clear for anyone who hears Paul speak.