Get the latest update in Family law with Accredited Specialist, Kathryn Kearley. In this one hour update, we will cover:  

• Recent legislative changes 
• Pending legislative changes 
• Family Law Amendment Bill 2024
• Coercive control 
• Recent cases of interest in relation to parenting 
• Recent cases of interest in relation to property and financial 
• Changes to procedure 
  • FCFCA and the use of WEBEX 
  • Practice directions – defaulters list  

Content provider: 

Facilitator: 

Kathryn Kearley  

Kathryn practised at a number of leading national law firms and is now her own firm. She worked in the areas of family law, litigation and dispute resolution and property practice. Kathryn is an accredited family law specialist with the Law Society of NSW, an accredited mediator and collaborative practitioner. 

Kathryn Kearley has over 30 years in legal practice and over 20 years of experience as a law teacher. Kathryn holds degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (UNSW), Master of Laws (Hons) (UNE) and Master of Higher Education (Macquarie University). 

In this podcast, hear from three distinguished panelists as they discuss: 

• How, where and why GenAI is being used in legal businesses and what’s driving the uptake 
• LLMs, RAGs, hallucination and whether to build or buy 
• What capabilities are needed to deliver legal GenAI solutions and the impact on legal businesses 
• What’s unique about the legal GenAI market in Australia and New Zealand
• How legal GenAI is likely to evolve  

Panelists include:  

• Matt Farrington, Senior Legal Counsel, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Victoria University of Wellington
• Caryn Sandler, Partner + Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer, Gilbert + Tobin and Co-Chair, CLI Advisory Board 
• Dominic Woolrych, Co-founder & CEO, Lawpath 

Content provider: 

ChatGPT4 came after ChatGPT1 – getting from 1 to 4 and beyond took time, money, failure, frustration, resilience, agility, collaboration and multidisciplinary teamwork. These factors are all part of experimentation but they’re not typically hallmarks of the legal industry. So, how do we get from here to the new digital legal world? 

In this session, Michelle Mahoney, Executive Director Innovation at King & Wood Mallesons got into the nitty gritty of what experimentation means in legal and how GenAI is encouraging its integration into legal BAU in discussion with this incredible panel of legal experimenters: 

• Gary Adler, Chief Digital Officer, MinterEllison 
• Danielle Emerson, Senior Legal Transformation Manager, Herbert Smith Freehills 
• Elliot White, Head of Innovation & Legal Technology, Addleshaw Goddard 
• Dominic Woolrych, Co-founder & CEO, Lawpath 

Content provider: 

Since coming into office, the Albanese government has legislated significant changes to the Fair Work Act. This course will address the following topics:

• Fair work act reforms  
• Protection against pay secrecy  
• Protection against discrimination  
• Prohibition against sexual harassment  
• Flexible working arrangements  
• Fixed term contracts  
• Labour hire rules  
• New family and domestic violence protections  
• Small business redundancy  
• Right to disconnect 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Adrian Barwick

Adrian is the Solicitor Director at WilliamsonBarwick. He is known for his strategic approach to employment law that delivers lawful and fair outcomes for his clients. 
 
Adrian has advised and represented employers and senior executives on matters ranging from breach of contract, unfair dismissal, discrimination, general protections applications through to claims for statutory and contractual entitlements. He has a special interest in the legal challenges associated with the management of injured and unfit workers. 
 
Adrian was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1995, and holds a Master of Laws. He is peer-recognised in Doyle’s Guide for Best Employment Lawyers and has been a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Employment and Industrial Law since 2006. 

In this session, Caryn Sandler, Partner + Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer at Gilbert + Tobin and CLI Advisory Board Co-Chair gazed into the crystal ball to help you get prepared, and discussed what’s next with Generative AI.  

Content provider: 

Panellists: 

• Caryn Sandler, Partner + Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer at Gilbert + Tobin  
• Stuart Fuller, Global Head of Legal Services and Asia-Pacific Regional Leader for Legal Services, KPMG 
• Hilary Goodier, Partner and Co-Head, Ashurst Advance, Ashurst and CLI Advisory Board Member 
• Uwais Iqbal, Founder, simplexico 
• Rajesh Sreenivasan, Head, Technology Media and Telecoms Law Practice, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, Director & Co-Founder of Rajah & Tann Technologies Pte Ltd and Rajah & Tann Cybersecurity Pte Ltd, Board Member, Mediacorp Pte Ltd and CLI Advisory Board Member 

Marsha Bassily joins David Turner in the studio to cover the shape of things to come in the migration arena, with a look back at the removal of the dual registration requirement and that Novak Djokovic deportation.

Content provider: 

Facilitator: 

Marsha Bassily 

Principal, MB Lawyers 

I am the Founder and Principal Immigration Lawyer at MB Lawyers. My main interest is corporate immigration: assisting corporates and their staff, with their Australian visa requirements, compliance, and strategy.

I was admitted to practice in Law in 2005 (NSW), after completing a BArts/Law (Sydney University). I am Notary Public (2018 to present) and a Barrister Solicitor to New Zealand High Court (2023 to present). I thoroughly support mentoring, and have had the privilege to a be a Senior Lawyer Mentor to young lawyers.

Founder and principal of Justice Family Lawyers and expert family law practitioner Hayder Shkara joins David Turner to resume Hearsay's exploration of family violence and coercive control.

Content provider: 

Facilitator: 

Hayder Shkara

Principal, Justice Family Lawyers

Hayder Shkara is the principal of Justice Family Lawyers. He founded the firm in 2017 after returning from the Rio Olympic Games, where he competed for Australia in Taekwondo.

Hayder has vast experience in family law, including financial and property settlements, divorce, custody matters, wills and estate, consent orders and binding financial agreements. He is excellent communicator and holds well before a Judge and Magistrate in legal proceedings. He is also great with clients, able to build close connections with them.

Hayder has a double degree from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws and Communication (Journalism).

He is committed to Justice Family Lawyers and the team, overlooking all the matters and providing detailed support to his staff and clients. He values hard work and dedication, as an athlete, and will provide endless guidance to his team and clients.

When Hayder isn’t demonstrating his dedication to the firm, he is playing soccer with friends or coaching sports on the weekends. 

Criminal defence lawyers Helen Christinson and Damien Mahon join the podcast to discuss the use and abuse of evidence in criminal proceedings, touching on that famous Blackstone evidence maxim and section 138 of the Evidence Act.

Content provider: 

Facilitator: 

Helen Christinson

Senior Associate, Hugo Law Group 

Helen is an experienced advocate who brings compassion, positivity and a sharp legal mind to every matter. In 2022 Helen was recognised by members of the profession as a Criminal Law Rising Star in the 2022 Doyle’s Guide – Sydney. Whether appearing in bail applications, sentence matters, defended hearings or other applications in the Children’s Court or Local Court, conviction and severity appeals in the District Court, or high-profile trial and sentence matters for State and Commonwealth offences, Helen is a detail-focused, empathetic, energised and tenacious advocate. She has a wide range of legal experience from Local Court traffic matters to complex murder trials in the Supreme Court. Helen ensures her clients understand the nature of their charges, providing them with clear information to help them make informed choices about how to progress their matter. She is known for her succinct and effective advocacy, common-sense approach to analysing evidence and thorough preparation in support of each and every case.

Damien Mahon

Associate, Hugo Law Group 

Damien provides representation and advice in all areas of State and Commonwealth criminal law. As a confident and proficient advocate,

Damien has demonstrated success acting in a diverse range of matters including murder and offences of violence, terrorism offences, sexual assault, drug offences, fraud and white-collar crime.

Damien has successfully defended a large volume of contested matters. He has a strong understanding of the rules of evidence and subjects all material relied upon by the prosecution to a high level of scrutiny. In sentence matters, Damien has an aptitude for identifying mitigating factors and extenuating circumstances which are favourable to his clients and promote the need for leniency and rehabilitation in place of punishment.

Damien has a genuine passion for criminal defence law. He provides timely, clear and considered advice and works tenaciously to obtain positive results for his clients.

The close-to-home interests involved in a strata scheme and strata committee can produce some complicated interpersonal dynamics, and strata scheme politics can play a big role in the formation, continuation, and resolution of disputes. As a rapidly expanding and evolving area of law, it’s important that lawyers stay on top of developments in the governance of strata schemes. 

Content provider: 

Facilitator: 

Marcus Carbone  

Solicitor, Southern Waters Legal  

 Marcus is a solicitor at Southern Waters Legal (“SWL”), a boutique law firm based in the southern regions of Sydney. Marcus graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with Combined Bachelor Degrees of Law and Business (Major in Accounting) and was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in February 2015. Marcus heads the Strata Practice at SWL and he is a member of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers, which is a self-governing association of practitioners dedicated to the development of strata laws for the common good and achieving the highest standard of good governance under those laws. He also works across a wide range of practice areas, including Commercial & Property Litigation, Business Law, Employment, Leasing and Intellectual Property. Marcus has recently received the following recognition in the legal professions:
● 2022 Australian Law Awards – Litigator of the Year (Finalist)
● 2022 Australian Law Awards – Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year (Finalist)
● 2022 Australasian Lawyer – Most Influential Lawyer
● 2022 Australasian Lawyer – Rising Star
● 2021 Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 – Dispute Resolution & Litigation (Finalist) Outside of Southern Waters Legal, Marcus is a young father and a Co-Founder of the Southern Rugby Alliance, a not-for-profit rugby organisation. 

Robert Pietriche
Barrister, Banco Chambers  

Robert is a barrister at Banco Chambers in Sydney. Robert holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) from the University of Sydney, was admitted as a solicitor in 2016 and was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 2019. Robert accepts briefs in all areas of law, but practises principally in commercial law, competition and consumer law, regulatory proceedings, class actions, corporations and insolvency and public and administrative law. Robert regularly appears in all NSW and Federal courts and tribunals, and has appeared unled in both the NSW Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Australia and the NSW Court of Appeal. Robert was recently named on the Doyles Guide’s 2022 list of leading class actions barristers in Australia. Prior to coming to the Bar, Robert was tipstaff to the Honourable Justice PLG Brereton AM RFD and practised as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills, where he worked primarily in commercial and competition law litigation. Robert was involved in a number of significant cases, including the merger of Tabcorp and the Tatts Group in 2017, the Cash Converters class actions in 2018, and the derivative private action against Visa Inc for alleged breaches of Australian competition law. Robert has also been an Adjunct Lecturer, Tutor and Examiner in a number of subjects at the University of Sydney. 

When a parent takes a child overseas without the permission of the other parent, it harms the child’s development. Belinda Li takes you through international parental child abduction and explains the role of the Hague Convention.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Belinda Li

Belinda is the Acting Managing Lawyer for International Social Service Australia’s Legal Service, a community legal centre specialising in outgoing 1980 Hague Convention cases. Belinda has worked in both private practice and the community legal sector specialising in family law and family violence over the last 10 years.

Her roles have included work as a duty lawyer and legal educator. Belinda recently obtained her Masters of Applied Law (Family Law) and is currently studying to become an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

Geoff Sutherland takes you on a tour across the world of banking and finance law. You’ll walk away with tips to improve the free flow of debt and credit – to achieve productive outcomes for your clients.

Content provider: 

With content creators and new media on the rise, want to know what’s new in copyright law? Michael Green SC and Wen Wu explore copyright and copyleft, and the impact of modern technologies on copyright law.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Michael Green SC

Michael Green S C is a barrister, practising at the New South Wales Bar. He is the Head of Level 22 Chambers, and the creator of JADE (https://jade.io), a non-profit legal research platform for legal professionals. Michael was appointed Senior Counsel in 2015.

Michael is also the Chair of the NSW Bar’s Innovation and Technology Committee.

As a barrister, Michael specialises in intellectual property, information technology, privacy, trade practices, commercial and corporate law. He is a member of the IEEE, the ACM, the Copyright Society of Australia, and a member of the executive of the UNCITRAL Coordinating Committee in Australia (UNCCA). In 2014, Michael was a recipient of the Fastcase Top 50 award for innovation in technology and law.

Wen Wu SC

Wen is a barrister at Level 22 Chambers, practising primarily in intellectual property (including copyright, patents and trademarks) and related areas. He also has a developing practice in defamation law.

Before coming to the Bar, Wen practised as a solicitor for over 7 years in the IP groups of two leading national firms and a specialist IP firm. He has had substantial experience as a solicitor in patents and trade mark disputes, including in the Federal Court and IP Australia.

Wen holds a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Melbourne, where he received the Davies Collison Cave award for copyright law. He graduated with Honours in law from the University of New South Wales.

Medical negligence often requires compassion and technical nuance. Know how to find medical experts to clarify complex medical concepts. And examine what you need to know about the quantum of damages.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Clare Eves

Clare Eves is a Senior Leader at Shine Lawyers and responsible for leading and growing the firm’s National Medical Law Practice. Clare has 20 years’ experience in civil litigation and now works exclusively in medical law, specialising in complex injury claims, including birth trauma, spinal injury and brain injury claims. Her experience in the legal industry has allowed her to become a specialised technical lawyer, businesswoman, leader and advocate. In addition to supporting her clients to navigate a new path post injury, Clare is also passionate about inclusivity, diversity and wellness in the legal profession and contributes to many legal organisations and working groups to support and encourage progression within the legal profession itself.

In our digital economy, personal data holds immense value for various legitimate – and illegitimate – reasons. However, the acquisition of data isn’t solely about personal privacy; consumer protection is also a key legal issue.

Dark patterns are strategies used in websites and apps to nudge users into unintended actions like surrendering personal data. In Australia, there’s a notable gap between tightly regulated conduct and actions that might appear unfair to consumers. In comparable jurisdictions, this gap is sometimes filled by a flexible unfair trading practices framework.

Shaun Temby joins David Turner in Curiosity to unmask the dark patterns and unfair tricks used against Australian consumers and what can be done to stop them.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Shawn Temby, Partner, Maddocks

Shaun is a commercial dispute resolution lawyer who is experienced in competition and consumer law advice, litigation and property disputes, including retail and commercial leasing matters and large-scale commercial and contractual disputes.

With an in-depth understanding of competition and consumer law, Shaun regularly acts for clients in matters involving restrictive trade practices and the Australian Consumer Law. He has unique experience resolving Competition and Consumer Act 2010 investigations and prosecutions.

Shaun regularly acts for clients at all levels of the franchising and consumer markets sector across Australia. He is highly regarded for his legal knowledge, strategic advice and negotiating skills.

Shaun was recently awarded Partner of the Year in Dispute Resolution & Litigation, by Lawyers Weekly 2023 and was finalist for Litigator of the Year for the Australian Law Awards by Lawyers Weekly 2023.

Unpack the AML/CTF Act to understand the consequences of non-compliance. Clarify your obligations for: threshold transaction reports, international funds transfer instruction reports, suspicious matter reports and AML/CTF compliance reports.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Karen Lee

Karen Lee was admitted to practice in 1997 in NSW. She holds a Master of Law and Management and specialises in banking and financial services law and legal knowledge management.

Karen is the Principal of Legal Know-How and she provides expert advice to firms and businesses on risk management, legal and business process improvement, legal documentation, regulatory compliance and knowledge management. Karen is the Specialist Editor of LexisNexis’ banking and finance law precedents, the General Editor of the Australian Banking Finance Law Bulletin and the Financial Services Newsletter, and author of Practical Guidance Banking & Finance modules. She has been a regular contributor to these and other professional publications on specialist legal topics such as PPS as well as in the areas of practice management and knowledge management.

Karen has worked extensively in-house, including as Head of Legal for a leading Australasian non-bank lender, as well as in top-tier private practice, including as Counsel at Allen & Overy and Clayton Utz. She has been involved in the PPS law reform process since 2008, including the preparation of detailed submissions to the Attorney General’s Department and the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in relation to the development and review of the PPS legislation. She was a member of the Government’s PPS Legal Special Interest Group from inception and has actively participated in the PPS Stakeholders Forum. Among other things, she has acted for major financial institutions to prepare their core standard form documentation to be used for consumer and business banking under the PPS regime.

Australian Consumer Law protects consumers and ensures fair trading. Supported by practical examples, you’ll learn about misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, unfair terms and consumer guarantees.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Karen Lee

Karen Lee was admitted to practice in 1997 in NSW. She holds a Master of Law and Management and specialises in banking and financial services law and legal knowledge management.

Karen is the Principal of Legal Know-How and she provides expert advice to firms and businesses on risk management, legal and business process improvement, legal documentation, regulatory compliance and knowledge management. Karen is the Specialist Editor of LexisNexis’ banking and finance law precedents, the General Editor of the Australian Banking Finance Law Bulletin and the Financial Services Newsletter, and author of Practical Guidance Banking & Finance modules. She has been a regular contributor to these and other professional publications on specialist legal topics such as PPS as well as in the areas of practice management and knowledge management.

Karen has worked extensively in-house, including as Head of Legal for a leading Australasian non-bank lender, as well as in top-tier private practice, including as Counsel at Allen & Overy and Clayton Utz. She has been involved in the PPS law reform process since 2008, including the preparation of detailed submissions to the Attorney General’s Department and the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in relation to the development and review of the PPS legislation. She was a member of the Government’s PPS Legal Special Interest Group from inception and has actively participated in the PPS Stakeholders Forum. Among other things, she has acted for major financial institutions to prepare their core standard form documentation to be used for consumer and business banking under the PPS regime.

Gain a practical overview of the Australian Privacy Principles. Build your knowledge of Australian privacy legislation, clarify key terms, understand privacy breaches, and gain tips to help your clients manage privacy compliance.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Karen Lee

Karen Lee was admitted to practice in 1997 in NSW. She holds a Master of Law and Management and specialises in banking and financial services law and legal knowledge management.

Karen is the Principal of Legal Know-How and she provides expert advice to firms and businesses on risk management, legal and business process improvement, legal documentation, regulatory compliance and knowledge management. Karen is the Specialist Editor of LexisNexis’ banking and finance law precedents, the General Editor of the Australian Banking Finance Law Bulletin and the Financial Services Newsletter, and author of Practical Guidance Banking & Finance modules. She has been a regular contributor to these and other professional publications on specialist legal topics such as PPS as well as in the areas of practice management and knowledge management.

Karen has worked extensively in-house, including as Head of Legal for a leading Australasian non-bank lender, as well as in top-tier private practice, including as Counsel at Allen & Overy and Clayton Utz. She has been involved in the PPS law reform process since 2008, including the preparation of detailed submissions to the Attorney General’s Department and the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in relation to the development and review of the PPS legislation. She was a member of the Government’s PPS Legal Special Interest Group from inception and has actively participated in the PPS Stakeholders Forum. Among other things, she has acted for major financial institutions to prepare their core standard form documentation to be used for consumer and business banking under the PPS regime.

For NSW practitioners, this module explores the Succession Act (NSW) 2006 and recent case law. You’ll cover eligibility categories, define spouses and children, and examine costs orders in Family Provision Claims.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Margaret Pringle

Margaret (Barrister, Chalfont Chambers) specialises in equity litigation, appearing regularly in the General Equity, Probate, Family Provision and Protective Lists of the Supreme Court, and NCAT (Guardianship Division).

Margaret is a regular speaker at the College of Law, UNSW and LegalWise seminars.

Prior to coming to the bar, Margaret qualified and worked as a registered nurse in a variety of roles before commencing the Diploma in Law administered by the Legal Practitioners Admission Board Diploma in Law. Margaret was then employed at the NSW Trustee & Guardian (formerly Public Trustee) where she specialised in equity litigation involving deceased estates, with a focus on matters involving testamentary capacity and claims for family provision, as well as probate and trust matters.

Margaret was recently recognised in Doyles Guide 2020 and 2021 NSW, as a Leading Junior Counsel in Wills and Estates.

The PPS regime isn’t limited to banking. It also affects areas like mergers and acquisitions, and buying and selling assets. Gain practical tips to manage due diligence, maintain confidentiality and amend commercial documents.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Karen Lee

Karen is the Principal of Legal Know-How and she provides expert advice to firms and businesses on risk management, legal and business process improvement, legal documentation, regulatory compliance and knowledge management.

Caveats are often misunderstood in land transactions. Arm yourself with practical drafting tips and gain clarity over the law of caveats. Learn the difference between caveats and priority notices, and examine the consequences of lapsed caveats.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Greg Stilianou

Greg was a senior lawyer for the Registrar-General at Land and Property Information for over ten years. He continued as a senior lawyer with NSW Land Registry Services when it took over the land titling and registry functions of the Registrar-General. Greg has acquired twelve years of specialist knowledge and experience in land law, and is the author of Land Titling Law and Practice in NSW. Greg strives to give accurate and technical legal advice that is practical and useful for legal practitioners. There isn’t a land dealing or plan that Greg hasn’t encountered, and since 2019, Greg has established his own practice, Greg Stilianou Legal, where he focuses on delivering his insights into the requirements for achieving registration in the land Register to private clients and, on a consultancy basis, to other legal practitioners, conveyancers and surveyors.

Greg has been the contributing author of this LTOP service since April 2016, and he continues his passion for educating and teaching the legal profession as a lecturer at The College of Law (practical legal training and the applied law programs).

This module provides a primer on PMSIs, backed by examples and tips. You’ll recap the personal property securities regime, identify what is (and isn’t) a PMSI and examine the future of PMSIs.

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Termination is a delicate topic. To navigate it skillfully, you need to know the nuances of the Fair Work Act 2009. Examine the legal framework, unfair dismissal, settlement options – and provide your clients with expert guidance.

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Want to know what’s happening in criminal law? Explore tendency and coincidence, examine intensive correction orders, and review S 293 Criminal Procedure Act and Jackmain (a pseudonym) v R [2020] NSWCCA 150.

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Facilitator:

Anthony Bellanto QC

Anthony Bellanto QC (Barrister, Trust Chambers) was called to the Bar in 1967 and took silk in 1988. Anthony has worked as the Crown Counsel and Senior Crown Counsel in Hong Kong and as a Crown Prosecutor in Australia. He possesses extensive experience in criminal law matters, trial advocacy, sentencing and appeals.

Further, Anthony is an active participant in the Bar Reading Course, Continuing Professional Development programs and has delivered a collection of papers in both NSW and abroad, making him well-recognised within the academic community as well as the court room. He was the advisory editor of Sentencing Law: New South Wales published by LexisNexis in 2003.

Catherine Lin

Catherine (Barrister, Trust Chambers) has significant experience in advocacy and advisory work. Prior to being called to the Bar, Catherine worked within the Courts system which enabled her to gain invaluable experience as to the intimate workings of the administration of justice.

In 2013, Catherine was called to the NSW Bar. Since then, she has practiced extensively in both the criminal and civil jurisdictions. Practice areas in the civil jurisdiction include insolvency, bankruptcy, property (such as caveats and land title).

Catherine has also appeared in numerous criminal jury trials, sentences and appeals covering a range of areas including but not restricted to murder, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault and kidnapping.

In addition, Catherine has appeared in the appellate jurisdiction before the Court of Criminal Appeal and at inquiries including the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption. She has also been briefed to appear in ICAC inquiries.

Catherine has appeared in Canberra and is available to undertake regional and interstate briefs. Catherine has delivered CPD presentations for BenchTV. She was a judge in the semi finals of the Negotiations competition the Australian Law Students Competition in 2014.

Starting off with a curly problem, delve into the complexities of the termination maze. You will explore workplace instruments, statute law (with a focus on unfair dismissal), risk management and employment law under common law including rights under common law contracts and remedies available.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Adrian Barwick, Principal, WilliamsonBarwick Legal

Adrian commenced with Williamsonlegal (now known as WilliamsonBarwick) in the role of Special Counsel in July 2015.

In 1995, Adrian was admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, having completed a Diploma of Law (SAB) in 1994. From 1995 to 2001, Adrian worked for a progressive Sydney plaintiff law firm, specialising in personal injury and insurance law. In 2001, he graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with a Master of Laws, having majored in commercial law.

In 2005, Adrian qualified as a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Employment & Industrial Law. He has presented at state and national conferences on a range of topical issues falling within his field of expertise.

In the period 2001 to 2015, Adrian practised on his own account and then with a boutique commercial law firm, providing advice and representation in a wide range of Employment Law matters to employees and a select number of employer clients. Adrian developed a wealth of employment litigation experience in that time, frequently acting as advocate for his clients. He has advised clients engaged in a broad range of private sector industries from manufacturing and mining through to professional services, as well as clients employed in the public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

Competence in trust accounting is fundamental to ethical legal practice, safeguarding both client funds and a lawyer’s professional integrity. The Australian Solicitor Conduct Rules lay out clear standards that emphasise accountability, transparency, and meticulous financial management.  

A lawyer’s duty to act ethically goes beyond simply managing a trust account; it demands a thorough understanding of rules that protect client interests and uphold the reputation of the legal profession.  

This course will take you through:  

1. Ethics in the context of trust accounting  
2. Obligations on principals of law practices; and  
3. Relevant cases, authorities, rules and legislation that apply to you 

Content provider:

Facilitator: 

Frances Moffitt 

Fran has Professional qualifications in Accountancy and Law. She has considerable experience both as a solicitor and trust account investigator. Her professional knowledge and experience include taxation; insolvency; proceeds of crime and 8 years as a trust account investigator. 

Fran was employed as a Regulatory Compliance Solicitor in the Professional Standards Department at the Law Society of NSW for over 16 years where she assisted practitioners with all regulatory aspects of legal practice. During this time Fran developed a detailed knowledge of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 and the Legal Profession Uniform Legal Practice (Solicitors’ Rules) 2015. 

Her professional skills include a strong consultative and education focus in the areas of trust accounts; practising certificates, practice structures and in particular the establishment of new and merging partnerships and incorporated legal practices.

Julian Webb, Professor of Law, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne discussed AI and Ethics in Legal Practice – What you need to know now!

Topics covered include: 

• A brief background and context of legal AI
• ‘Old school’ expert systems
• Machine learning
• LLMs and LGAIMs (Generative AI e.g. ChatGPT)
• The ‘black box problem’
• Accuracy, accessibility and transparency
• AI and Legal Ethics
• Competence, care and skill
• Confidentiality and privilege
• The duty to supervise – systems and users
• Conclusion – A ‘duty’ to innovate?

Content provider:

Facilitator: 

Julian Webb 

Working on the go or away from your desk? Most of us have experienced it. Surely there are some ethical risks and challenges as a legal practitioner. This course led by Cathryn Urquhart, Facilitator of the Legal Practice Management Course in Western Australia will dive into the ethical challenges and dilemmas. 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Cathryn Urquhart

Cathryn Urquhart (Facilitator, The Legal Practice Management Course, WA) studied Law at the University of Western Australia and was admitted in WA in 1988. She has had a diverse career working for national law firms mainly in Insurance and Construction litigation, as well as time spent as a Claims Solicitor at Law Mutual, the professional indemnity insurance section of the Law Society of WA. She has lectured
and tutored at universities in WA.

Currently, Cathryn is the Facilitator of the Legal Practice Management Course at the College of Law in WA. She also has her own business and works for a range of law firms and other businesses as a Professional Skills Trainer and Coach.

In family law, legal practitioners shoulder a unique and multifaceted responsibility. Presented by Kathryn Kearley, this course will take you through the discipline of laws, conduct rules, practice notes, and best practice required by family legal practitioners.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Kathryn Kearley, Lawyer and Accredited Specialist, Family Law

Kathryn has practised at a number of leading national law firms and in her own firm working in the areas of family law, litigation and dispute resolution and property practice.

Kathryn is an accredited family law specialist with the Law Society of NSW, a national accredited mediator and collaborative practitioner.

Kathryn Kearley has over 30 years in legal practice and over 20 years of experience as a law teacher .Kathryn holds degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (UNSW), Master of Laws (Hons) (UNE) and Master of Higher Education (Macquarie University).

Traditionally, in-house counsel have operated as the final gatekeepers of new products or services, brought in at the end of a development cycle to give the stamp of approval – this approach has sometimes led to the perception of legal as the “Department of No”.

Increasingly however, legal departments are working hand-in-glove with the rest of the business, from an early stage of the cycle of product development.

Strategising, planning, and enabling new products or services.

This new way of working presents new challenges and different issues for practitioners, especially maintaining the balance in their responsibility to the court and the administration of justice as a whole and their responsibility to their clients.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Danielle Keyes, Group General Counsel, Nova Entertainment

Danielle Keyes is the Group General Counsel for Nova Entertainment, theowner of the well-known Nova, Smoothfm and Red Room brands (to namea few), where she advises the business across all facets of its audioentertainment activities.

Prior to joining Nova, Danielle was the General Counsel for Guzman yGomez Mexican Kitchen where she established and delivered the legalfunction for the Australian operations and guided the business through itsexpansion into international markets. Her impact at GYG was recognisedat the Corporate Counsel awards with her team being named 2021 FMCGTeam of the Year, and her being named 2022 FMCG Lawyer of the Year.She was also a finalist for General Counsel of the Year at the 2022Australasian Law Awards.

Danielle’s private practice experience spans 12 years as an insolvencyand financial services litigation lawyer at global law firms DLA Piper andNorton Rose Fulbright where she advised clients across a range ofindustries and sectors on a multi-jurisdictional basis. Some of Danielle’shigh profile matters include working on the external administrations of theForge Group; Mirabela Nickel; and Peabody Energy’s Australiansubsidiaries during its US Chapter 11 bankruptcy. She also acted for all ofAustralia’s ‘top 4’ banks providing financial advisory; regulatory advisory;and enforcement work across their national distressed lending portfolios.Her private practice experience saw her twice named on the Best Lawyersin Australia list for Insolvency and Reorganisation.

Danielle is also a former Queensland Law Society Councillor and in herspare time is an F45 Coach!

The traditional adversarial theory of the role of a lawyer doesn’t account for other interests that the client may have – such as preservation of existing relationships, or the broader impact of the client’s actions through their lawyer as agent.

Steve Mark AM, the inaugural New South Wales Legal Services Commissioner, joins David in Curiosity to posit the question of whether we need to rethink our duty to our clients. Touching on lawyers as gladiators vs problem solvers, positions vs interests in negotiation, and how not to massacre Fisher's orange.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Steve Mark, Teaching Fellow, University of New South Wales

Steve Mark is a lawyer by profession, having initially studied in America,the country of his birth, and subsequently in Australia. He practised lawwith a private firm for five years, specialising in criminal law beforetravelling to England where for three years he practised in criminal,immigration and human rights law.

He was President of the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Board from1988 to 1994.

Steve is Chairman of the Australian Section of the InternationalCommission of Jurists. The International Commission of Jurists,established in 1952 and based in Geneva, has consultative status with theUnited Nations.

Steve has lectured and consulted widely throughout Australia on humanrights issues and sound management practices in both the public andprivate sectors including a three-year period as a lecturer in the LawFaculty at Macquarie University. Steve was awarded an Honorary Doctorof Laws at Macquarie University in October 2000.

He was appointed as Legal Services Commissioner when the Office wasestablished in July 1994. The Office of the Legal Services Commissionerreceives complaints against solicitors and barristers in New South Walesand works to improve ethical behaviour of lawyers. He stepped down fromthat position in August 2013.

In 2012, Steve Mark was appointed as a member of the University of NewEngland, School of Law Advisory Board.

In August 2013 Steve was a co-founder of Creative Consequences PtyLtd., an international consultancy with a focus on law, business, andregulatory advisory services.

In 2014 Steve was appointed a Member of The Order of Australia for hiscontribution to law, legal regulation, indigenous people, and the communitySince 2017 Steve has been a Teaching Fellow in the Law Faculty of theUniversity of New South Wales teaching legal ethics. He had also taughtBusiness Law at the Business School at the University.

Too often, the ethics of civil actions are rarely considered. To counter this, you’ll unpack conflicting interests between litigation funders and applicants, discuss cost-risk problems, and review a recent inquiry into class action proceedings.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Stewart Levitt

Stewart is a Principal at Levitt Robinson, Solicitors & Attorneys.

Stewart has had wide international legal experience, strategising and managing litigation in the US, South Africa and PNG.

He is known as one of Australia’s leading practitioners in securities class actions and banking/finance and insolvency litigation, having instigated and conducted the Storm Financial litigation against major banks. He is not only an industry leader but a prominent public commentator and person of influence, having effectively campaigned for policy reforms, as the author of comprehensive submissions to Federal parliamentary enquiries on institutional and regulatory failures during the GFC (2009), and on the role of ASIC (2013).

Acting for company directors and private businessmen, in board, partnership and joint venture disputes, drafting complex contracts focused on the mining industry, and frequently appearing in criminal and commercial courts, Stewart is not only a versatile lawyer but also a tenacious and skilful litigator, with exceptional tactical and advocacy skills.

He has appeared both with and without Counsel in the High Court of Australia and has acted as agent for firms in Israel and Asia and briefly, as speechwriter for a serving President of the Republic of Nauru.

Stewart has acted as legal counsel for several European consular legations in Sydney. He has also written speeches for significant Australian and foreign politicians and media releases for significant individuals and corporations.

You’ll likely experience conflicts of interest – whether actual, potential or perceived – throughout your career. So understand your obligations, and gain the skills to draft a conflict of interest policy and maintain an active register.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Karen Lee

Karen is the Principal of Legal Know-How and she provides expert advice to firms and businesses on risk management, legal and business process improvement, legal documentation, regulatory compliance and knowledge management.

Test your ethical legal compass as you examine hypothetical scenarios. You’ll learn about legal ethics and morality. And explore how codes of professional conduct regulate the way lawyers ought to behave with clients.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Steve Mark AM

Steve Mark is a lawyer by profession and was the New South Wales Legal Services Commissioner from 1994 to August 2013.

Prior to being appointed Legal Services Commissioner of New South Wales, Steve was President of the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Board from 1988 to 1994.Steve is Chairman of the Australian Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ASICJ), a Council member of International House at the University of Sydney, a member of the University of New England School of Law Advisory Board and an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Law at the University of New England.

Further to that, Steve is a teaching Fellow in legal ethics at UNSW Law School and Business law at the UNSW School of Management and Governance.

Clarify your duty and obligations to the court and your client. This module examines issues unique to government lawyers, including who your client is, who can give instructions, and the importance of model litigants.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Judge Anna Robertson

Judge Robertson (County Court of Victoria) signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2001 and has worked as a solicitor at Coadys Solicitors and a paralegal at Norton Rose in London. Her Honour holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University.

Judge Robertson practiced in general commercial and insurance litigation in the Federal and Sate courts. Additionally, Judge Robertson is regularly briefed in a range of administrative and common law matters for government and regulatory bodies and in a range of disciplinary proceedings.

Understand the need for legal professional privilege and know when communications are privileged. Review relevant case examples as you unpack common misconceptions and gain practical tips to protect legal professional privilege.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Karen Lee

Karen is the Principal of Legal Know-How and she provides expert advice to firms and businesses on risk management, legal and business process improvement, legal documentation, regulatory compliance and knowledge management.

Know how to create and maintain legal privilege to give your clients proper representation. Learn about the benefits of legal privilege, understand the loss of privilege and recognise the unique position of in-house counsel.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Angus Macinnis 

Angus Macinnis (Director of Dispute Resolution, StevensVuaran Lawyers) has a broad commercial practice with a focus on dispute resolution, and in particular, on employment and work health and safety law, and intellectual property law.

He advises employers and employees on all aspects of employment law, from drafting contracts and employment policies, to dealing with employment related disputes, to dealing with employment and safety regulators. 

Explore how to act ethically in practice, discuss your professional conduct responsibilities, and review practising certificates. Know how to evaluate the statutory disciplinary scheme and identify potential professional misconduct.

Content provider: 

Explore how to act ethically in practice, discuss professional misconduct and review fitness to practise. Know how to evaluate the statutory disciplinary scheme and identify potential professional misconduct.

Content provider: 

Explore how to act ethically in practice, discuss professional misconduct and review practising certificates. Know how to evaluate the statutory disciplinary scheme and identify potential professional misconduct.

Content provider: 

Ethical dilemmas can arise without warning. So you need to recognise your obligations – and have a framework to respond responsibly. Learn to identify ethical issues when they arise and harness best-practise strategies to resolve them.

Content provider: 

Ethical considerations – like complex family dynamics and the risk of trauma – make family law a complicated space to navigate. So gain the tools to make informed decisions and provide your clients with nuanced advice.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Kathryn Kearley

Kathryn Kearley (Adjunct Lecturer, The College of Law, Accredited Specialist Family Law) has over 15 years of experience as a law lecturer and over 25 years in legal practice. She has significant experience in family law, civil litigation, property as well as mediation.

Kathryn practised at a number of leading national law firms working in family law, litigation and property before commencing her own firm in 2001. Kathryn is an accredited family law specialist with the Law Society of NSW.

Kathryn holds degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (UNSW), Master of Laws (Hons) (UNE) and Master of Higher Education (Macquarie University).

Review the complaints process and know how you can avoid having a complaint made against you. You’ll examine the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2015 (NSW), and the way its provisions are enforced through disciplinary processes.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Roger Gimblett

Roger Gimblett is the Complaints Manager at the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC) in New South Wales.

Roger was previously an Investigating Solicitor with the Professional Standards Department of the Law Society of New South Wales, a position he held for some 14 years.

In his role at the OLSC, Roger leads a team handling complaints about lawyers, with an emphasis on complaints relating to consumer matters and legal costs. Roger’s previous professional experience includes several years in general practice in New Zealand and work with large firms and a federal Ombudsman in Sydney.

He spent two years working outside law for a major theatre company, then owned by Janet Holmes a Court, in London’s West End. Roger regularly addresses University and professional bodies on the topic of legal regulation.

What lawyers need to consider in negotiation and giving undertakings? Steve Mark AM provides a comprehensive ethical overview in practical legal ethics of negotiation and undertakings.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Steve Mark AM

Steve Mark is a lawyer by profession and was the New South Wales Legal Services Commissioner from 1994 to August 2013.

Prior to being appointed Legal Services Commissioner of New South Wales, Steve was President of the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Board from 1988 to 1994.Steve is Chairman of the Australian Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ASICJ), a Council member of International House at the University of Sydney, a member of the University of New England School of Law Advisory Board and an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Law at the University of New England.

Further to that, Steve is a teaching Fellow in legal ethics at UNSW Law School and Business law at the UNSW School of Management and Governance.

The Stephen Covey Time Management Matrix, also known as the Covey Quadrant. Learn about how to manage your time more effectively and efficiently to achieve your goals and make the most of your time.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Cathryn Urquhart

Cathryn Urquhart (Facilitator, The Legal Practice Management Course, WA) studied Law at the University of Western Australia and was admitted in WA in 1988. She has had a diverse career working for national law firms mainly in Insurance and Construction litigation, as well as time spent as a Claims Solicitor at Law Mutual, the professional indemnity insurance section of the Law Society of WA. She has lectured
and tutored at universities in WA.

Currently, Cathryn is the Facilitator of the Legal Practice Management Course at the College of Law in WA. She also has her own business and works for a range of law firms and other businesses as a Professional Skills Trainer and Coach.

Watch the panel discussion about sexual harassment and bullying. You’ll learn about how to take action to eliminate this harmful behaviour in the workplace. Gain insight into the responsibilities of law firms and officers, and discover how to establish clear policies and procedures to support victims/survivors and bystanders.

Content provider: 

Ever wanted a quick snapshot of wills and estate planning? This crash course breaks down the basics of this highly complex area. Adeline Schiralli, Consulting Principal at Keypoint Law, will guide you through essential concepts and practical insights to get you up to speed. Here is what we’ll cover 

• Will drafting essentials 
• The use of testamentary trusts in estate planning 
• Superannuation and its importance in estate planning 
• Trusts and companies – holistic estate planning 
• Will challenges 
• Incapacity  

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Adeline Schiralli 

Adeline is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law in New South Wales, with extensive experience developing comprehensive and practical estate plans that suit the individual circumstances of her clients. Prior to joining Keypoint Law as a Consulting Principal, Adeline was a Senior Associate in the Wills and Estates team of a large prominent suburban firm. 

Adeline is adept at advising clients on matters including the implementation of wills (particularly sophisticated testamentary trust wills), powers of attorney and enduring guardianships, superannuation death benefit nominations and properly gifting the control of entities (including private companies and/or trusts) to the appropriate person(s) in the event of death and/or incapacity. Adeline can also assist clients in relation to the administration of a deceased persons’ estate and regularly advises clients in relation to retirement village contracts and aged care agreements. 

Adeline is passionate about obtaining peace of mind for her clients in relation to their estate planning and elder law needs, and regularly presents seminars to other solicitors, professionals and to members of the public in the area of wills, estates and elder law. Her approach is underpinned by her commitment to achieving peace of mind for her clients in relation to their wills, estate planning and elder law needs. She has a “no-nonsense” style to advising clients in all aspects of wills, estates and elder law and her attention to detail is exemplary. Adeline takes a holistic approach to estate planning and works closely with her client’s other advisors (accountants, financial planners etc.) to best achieve her client’s objectives. 

The legal profession mandates that written communications with the Courts adhere to strict protocols and formalities, serving as a proxy for personal appearances before a judge. Understanding and adhering to the legislated obligations is crucial for maintaining professional standards and avoiding potential penalties for non-compliance.  

Caroline Hutchinson, Principal Director and Head of Litigation at Coleman Greig Lawyers, discusses the standards that govern solicitors' conduct when communicating with the courts. Delving into the recent case of Amirbeaggi and key requirements in the Solicitors Conduct Rules, Caroline shares practical advice on how lawyers can avoid awkward pitfalls and ultimately uphold their professional duties to the court. 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Caroline Hutchinson  

Caroline Hutchinson is a Principal Director and Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, who leads Coleman Greig’s Commercial Litigation Team. Caroline has extensive experience in litigation, and she and her dynamic team deal with a wide variety of issues for their clients. These include contractual disputes, intellectual property proceedings, misleading and deceptive conduct as well as insolvency matters.

She brings to the benefit of her clients a pragmatic perspective and has advised on large-scale commercial projects, complex contractual disputes and litigation. Caroline has worked with national clients in various sectors including Australian subsidiaries of multinationals. Utilising her 30 years of experience, Caroline is well-placed to assist in mitigating the risks involving the effects of litigation on a company’s corporate profile with her keen grasp of commercial realities and comprehensive understanding of the differing legislative requirements across the various Australian states.  

Australia’s aging population is leading to a rise in cognitive decline, creating an urgent need for lawyers (and other professionals), to understand and support clients facing diminished decision-making capacity. 

In a legal context, knowing how to screen for mental capacity and cognitive decline is a vital skill that enhances the quality of legal service, strengthening the trust clients and their families place in their lawyer. Being competent is this space shows a commitment to an ethical and  compassionate practice that empowers lawyers to be reliable advocates in critical moments. 

This course will take you through: 

• The ageing demographics 
• Why lawyers should understand mental capacity 
• Mental capacity - the basics 
• The presumption of capacity 
• POA from the client’s perspective 
• ED from the client’s perspective 
• The prudent practitioner 
• Recent cases 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Professor Sue Field 

Sue Field is an Australian Legal Practitioner who has worked both in practice acedeme in the area of Elder Law for over twenty years. During this time Sue has researched, consulted, taught, published and presented widely in this speciality. 

Sue is currently a member of the following NSW Law Society's Committees, Elder Law, Capacity and Succession and Rural Issues; a member of the ALRC Abuse Advisory Committee, a distinguished fellow at the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, a Research Fellow at UWA and a Lead Investigator in the Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre. 

Sue is co-editor of the recently released text on 'Elder Law - A guide for working with older Australians' Federation Press, 2018.

As Australia's population continues to age, the demand for elder law expertise is more pressing than ever. With this demographic shift comes a unique set of challenges that legal professionals must navigate.

It's crucial for lawyers across all practice areas to equip themselves with best practices in risk management and to be aware of the potential pitfalls in this evolving field.

This course is divided into two main modules: 

• Powers of attorney; and 
• Enduring guardianship 

It offers a comprehensive overview, providing essential tips and insights to help you effectively support your elderly clients and their families while ensuring compliance and compassion in your practice. 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Professor Sue Field 

Sue Field is an Australian Legal Practitioner who has worked both in practice acedeme in the area of Elder Law for over twenty years. During this time Sue has researched, consulted, taught, published and presented widely in this speciality. 

Sue is currently a member of the following NSW Law Society's Committees, Elder Law, Capacity and Succession and Rural Issues; a member of the ALRC Abuse Advisory Committee, a distinguished fellow at the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, a Research Fellow at UWA and a Lead Investigator in the Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre. 

Sue is co-editor of the recently released text on 'Elder Law - A guide for working with older Australians' Federation Press, 2018.

Ab Saraswat, Chief Revenue Officer, Lupl and Founder, Fringe Legal discusses everything you need to know about ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Legal …. all the tips and traps. 

Topics covered include: 

• Prompt engineering basics 
• Prompt formatting 
• Types of prompting 
• Techniques, tips and best practices 
• Ethical considerations 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Ab Saraswat

Chief Revenue Officer at Lupl and Founder of Fringe Legal 

Abhijat Saraswat helps lawyers spend less time managing work and more time doing the work. He is the Chief Revenue Officer at Lupl - the task and work management tool for lawyers. Ab is also the Founder of Fringe Legal, though which, for the last six years, he has created cutting-edge content for legal innovators focused on putting ideas into practice. He is a Barrister (non-practising) and was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2015. Abhijat has worked for several large multi-national corporations across a range of sectors and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science and Neuroscience from the University of Keele, UK. 

Defects are an unavoidable aspect of the construction industry, but the legal complexities and responsibilities they bring can be challenging to manage. This session offer an in-depth exploration of defects in construction projects, highlighting key areas such as: 

• Key concepts:
  • What is a defect? 
  • Defective v incomplete 
  • Defect liability periods 
• Types of actions available
  
  • Breach of contract 
  • Breach of statutory warranty 
  • Breach of statutory duty of care 
  • Breach of tortious care 
  • Misleading and deceptive conduct 
• Other key elements: 
  
  • Scott schedules / expert evidence 
  • Mitigation, remoteness, betterment 
• Civil liability: 
  
  • Limitation periods 
  • Standstill agreements 
  • Extended contractual warranties 
  • Proportionate liability 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Alex Ottaway

Partner, HWL Ebsworth

Alex is a Partner in the Sydney Commonwealth Government group. Alex has around 14 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, specialising in construction and infrastructure projects, including project advice, contract-drafting and dispute resolution, which encompasses negotiation, mediation, adjudication, expert determination, arbitration and litigation. 

He advises and acts for Commonwealth Government and other public and private-sector participants in diverse industries such as infrastructure (rail/roads/ports), industrial (chemical/polymer plants), resources (LNG/oil & gas), energy, advanced manufacturing and housing. 

Alex is based in Sydney and regularly advises on projects in all Australian States and Territories. He also practised in London for around six years, advising on projects in the UK, continental Europe and the MENA region. 

Stan Chua, Service Delivery Manager, Technology, Lander & Rogers discussed Large Language Models.

Topics covered included:

• Machine Learning, Large Language Model, Generative AI – What’s the difference?
• Large Language Model: How does it work? How does it learn?
• Transformer – the magic tool behind ChatGPT
• Impact, ethics and risk considerations
• Hallucinations
• Future of Large Language Models

Content provider: 

Ab Saraswat, Chief Revenue Officer at Lupl and Founder of Fringe Legal discussed ChatGPT Plugins – Why? Now? Next? 

Topics covered include: 

• The difference between APIs, Apps and Plugins 
• How ChatGPT Plugins are solving some of the limitations of ChatGPT, enabling more dynamic, context-aware systems 
• The risks and challenges associated with ChatGPT Plugins, including data security and reliability 
• Predictions about the future of ChatGPT Plugins, including growth trends and advanced integration possibilities 
• The potential for the development of legal-specific plugins and their implications for the legal sector 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Ab Saraswat

Chief Revenue Officer at Lupl and Founder of Fringe Legal 

Caryn Sandler, Partner + Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer and Mitchell Scott, Data and Delivery Manager, both from Gilbert + Tobin, discussed How to Use Generative AI and ChatGPT in Legal Practice. 

Topics covered include: 

• The changing AI landscape 
• The legal generative AI toolkit 
• What’s coming around the corner in legal AI 
• The approaches taken to AI in the legal industry so far 
• Risks and ethical considerations when using generative AI 
• The do’s and don’ts of generative AI 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Caryn Sandler 

Partner, Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer, Gilbert + Tobin 

Mitchell Scott 

Data and Delivery Manager, Gilbert + Tobin 

Cultural competence is a fundamental aspect of effective legal practice, essential for building trust, understanding, and communication with diverse clients and communities. It’s not just about respecting differences; it’s about understanding them and using that understanding to advocate effectively for all individuals, regardless of their cultural background.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Florence Thum 

Florence Thum is a Psychotherapist and Coach, and consults on empowering professionals to maximise their capabilities and agency through her values- and strengths-based practice. Holding postgraduate qualifications in law, psychotherapy and education, Florence‘s current professional life traverses these disciplines.

A former litigation and dispute resolution lawyer for two decades, she is also the Assistant Director, NSW PLT and Lecturer at The College of Law, Australia teaching postgraduate practical legal training, and dispute resolution in the master of applied laws program.

Want to get a basic understanding of the law in Australia without the legal jargon? You’ll learn:

• What the law is and explore different legal systems, including the common law system and its categories 
• How to find the right law for various business situations 
• Get introduced to intellectual property law in Australia 
• Understand simple contracts, what makes them binding, how contracts can be pierced, and the remedies available

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Jenny Buchan 

Jenny Buchan joined the UNSW Business School in 2002. Prior to becoming an academic, she worked as a commercial lawyer in private practice.  Her teaching and research focuses on domestic and international franchise law and policy and its intersection with insolvency. Jenny is the academic lead on the Business School MOOC ‘International Franchise Law: The World is Yours’, for which her team was awarded the UNSW Business School Team teaching Award and UNSW Vice-Chancellor Awards for Teaching Excellence for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in 2016.

The art of presentations is vital to conveying your ideas, persuading stakeholders and showing expertise. Mastering the art of presenting is indispensable for professional growth and success.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Cathryn Urquhart, Facilitator, Legal Practice Management Course, WA

Cathryn Urquhart studied law at the University of Western Australia and was admitted in 1988. She has a diverse career working for national law firms mainly in insurance and construction litigation, as well as time spent as a Claims Solicitor at Law Mutual, the professional indemnity insurance section of the Law Society of WA. Cathryn is the Facilitator of the Legal Practice Management Course at the College of Law in WA. She also has her own business and works for a range of law firms and other businesses as a Professional Skills Trainer and Coach.

In an interconnected economy, it’s important to understand cross-border insolvency (CBI) when dealing with international business transactions and disputes. 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Jenny Buchan 

Jenny Buchan joined the UNSW Business School in 2002. Prior to becoming an academic, she worked as a commercial lawyer in private practice.  Her teaching and research focuses on domestic and international franchise law and policy and its intersection with insolvency. Jenny is the academic lead on the Business School MOOC ‘International Franchise Law: The World is Yours’, for which her team was awarded the UNSW Business School Team teaching Award and UNSW Vice-Chancellor Awards for Teaching Excellence for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in 2016.

There is no doubt that drafting is an essential skill for any legal practitioner. This course provides practical tips for legal practitioners who have the role of drafter of commercial agreements. 

Content provider: 

In this course, the Hon. Robert McDougall KC and the Hon. Peter Callaghan SC discuss the intricacies of decision-making in various legal contexts, including: 

• Arbitration 
• Court reference; and 
• Expert determination 

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

The Hon. Robert McDougall 

Robert graduated with Honours in Arts in 1967, and with Honours in Law in 1971. He practised as a solicitor from 1972 to 1974 and commenced practice at the Bar in 1975. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1990.

Robert’s major practice areas at the Bar included insurance law, construction law, equity and commercial law and trade practices litigation. He appeared in many significant commercial and construction disputes over the years 1990 to 2003.

Robert was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in August 2003. He sat principally in the Commercial, Technology and Construction and Arbitration Lists, hearing and deciding many major commercial and construction cases.

Robert retired from the Court in January 2019 and returned to private practice as an Arbitrator, Referee and Mediator, principally in the areas of commercial and construction law. He is a Fellow of ACICA, a Fellow of the Resolution Institute, and a member of several international panels of arbitrators.

Robert holds the position of Adjunct Professor, School of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney. He has lectured in equity and commercial law, and has delivered numerous papers on a wide variety of topics.

The Hon. Peter Callaghan

The major part of Peter’s work is in the construction industry (building and engineering) and general commercial matters. Other areas in which he has significant involvement are disciplinary aspects of the racing industries, administrative law, personal injuries and industrial law.

As an arbitrator and a Supreme Court and District Court Referee, Peter has conducted numerous hearings in construction law matters and he also practices as a mediator. Peter regularly gives educational and training presentations for the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia, the NSW Bar Association and other bodies (e.g. “Roles and Responsibilities of Lawyers in Mediation” (2007) 26 The Arbitrator & Mediator 39).

His work in the Defence Force involved, in particular, judicial roles in over 60 trials and acting as Counsel assisting in, and as President of, Boards of Inquiry.

Peter also practices as a Mediator and Expert Determiner.  On a part time basis, he has sat for a number of years first on the Administrative Decisions Tribunal (Deputy President) and then until mid-2021 on the Civil & Administrative Tribunal (Principal Member).

In the land of family law, the significance of affidavits cannot be overstated. In this course you will learn, precise application, using the rules of evidence, how to draft ethically, strategic construction and a range of tips that are essential when constructing these documents.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Kathryn Kearley, Lawyer and Accredited Specialist, Family Law

Kathryn has practised at a number of leading national law firms and in her own firm working in the areas of family law, litigation and dispute resolution and property practice.

Kathryn is an accredited family law specialist with the Law Society of NSW, a national accredited mediator and collaborative practitioner.

Kathryn Kearley has over 30 years in legal practice and over 20 years of experience as a law teacher .Kathryn holds degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (UNSW), Master of Laws (Hons) (UNE) and Master of Higher Education (Macquarie University).

With this course, you will recognise the significance of assessing mental capacity and decision-making during mediation, ensuring fair and effective outcomes. Additionally, you will gain practical tools and tips to navigate the complexities of neuro functions in the brain.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

• Olivia Munn
• Paul Lewis
• Dr. Nicole Ash
• Fiona Kirkman; and
• David Roberts

This course will teach you the importance of managing triggers through mindfulness. Empowering you to regain control over reactions and fostering composed and thoughtful responses to challenging situations in both personal and professional life. At the end, you will gain tips for overall emotional intelligence and resilience, contributing to a healthier and more harmonious work environment.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Cathryn Urquhart, Facilitator, Legal Practice Management Course, WA

Cathryn Urquhart studied law at the University of Western Australia and was admitted in 1988. She has a diverse career working for national law firms mainly in insurance and construction litigation, as well as time spent as a Claims Solicitor at Law Mutual, the professional indemnity insurance section of the Law Society of WA. Cathryn is the Facilitator of the Legal Practice Management Course at the College of Law in WA. She also has her own business and works for a range of law firms and other businesses as a Professional Skills Trainer and Coach.

Artificial intelligence is currently revolutionising entire industries and reshaping the way we live and work. The next few years will determine whether AI becomes a transformative force like the printing press or steam engine, or if it falls into relative obscurity like MiniDisc or certain cryptocurrencies.

Alongside the potential benefits of the technology, there is a growing recognition that AI carries inherent risks that must – or should – be addressed through regulation. Understanding and preparing for the future of AI and the law is a key skill for a modern lawyer.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Raymond Sun, Lawyer, Herbert Smith Freehills

Ray is a technology lawyer at Herbert Smith Freehills, specialising in AI. Ray is also a programmer who has built software products, including apps like Auxtract and SyncTrainer, as well as a website that tracks AI regulatory developments around the world. Ray is passionate about AI, and regularly creates tutorials and content about AI technology, ethics and legal issues on Linkedin, Youtube and TikTok under his handler "techie_ray". Learn more about Ray on his website www.techieray.com.

The Succession Act 2006 (NSW) (Succession Act) is the source of truth for the processes that happen to someone’s estate when they die without a valid will in NSW – this is known as intestacy.

But sometimes the documents which describe and allocate the property of the deceased may not have been updated for quite some time and, in the intervening period, the person may have acquired property which is not mentioned at all in their will when they die. This is known as a partial intestacy.

To make things even more confusing, drafting wills is an area of law in which a simple mistake or just loose drafting may not be discovered until after the death of the client – usually in the form of a dispute between potential beneficiaries.

Wills expert and Principal Solicitor Anne Brown of Marriott Oliver joins host DT to cut through intestacy, partial intestacy, ambiguity and best practice drafting.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Anne Brown, Principal, Marriott Oliver

Anne was admitted as a solicitor in 2006 after graduating from the University of Wollongong. She commenced working in Nowra in 2007 after working in Sydney for a short period in a litigation firm. Anne’s practice area encompasses wills, estate planning, probate and estate administration and estate litigation. Anne is community minded and contributes to many pro-bono activities.

Anne’s sound legal understanding is backed by solid academic credentials and commitment to excellence. She works closely with clients to produce solid legal results which support their wider goals.

Anne aims to become an accredited specialist in wills and estates in the near future. She relishes working with clients to achieve their estate planning goals. Anne particularly enjoys assisting clients through the probate and administration process when clients lose a loved one. She has a strong client focus and works to achieve cost-effective results. Anne’s practice encompasses:

• Wills, power of attorney and enduring guardian documents
• Probate and letters of administration
• Estate administration
• Estate disputes
• Elder law

Anne is community minded and contributes to many pro-bono activities and community initiatives. She participates in free Wills days and is involved in pro-bono work for the Cancer Council. Anne qualified in law after teaching primary school for seven years. She commenced working in Nowra after a short period with a Sydney insurance litigation firm. She enjoys assisting clients through their legal challenges and spending time with her family.

Due diligence is a vital commercial step in the process of a merger or acquisition. The process allows the parties to discover information about each other which may not otherwise be readily available.

Legal practitioners undertaking due diligence are entrusted with identifying legal risks. Understanding how those legal risks interact with the structure of a deal – and when to drill down into or let something go – is vital for any practitioner.

Content provider: 

Facilitator:

Chris Cruikshank, Principal, Assured Legal Solutions

Chris is an insolvency and restructuring specialist with over 15 years’ experience in advising banks, financial institutions, financial advisers and insolvency practitioners on debt restructuring. This includes security enforcement, receiverships and litigation.

Get practical tools to improve your ability to write clearly, succinctly and in a way that interests your target readership. Test your ability in this course with practical and interactive exercises to refine your craft.

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Facilitator:

Elana Benjamin

Elana Benjamin is a qualified lawyer and freelance writer. She is the author of the memoir/history: My Mother’s Spice Cupboard: A Journey from Baghdad to Bombay to Bondi (Hybrid Publishers, 2021).

Elana worked for many years in the corporate insurance sector, specialising in financial lines claims at major Australian and Lloyds-backed insurers and underwriting agencies. Elana holds an Arts/Law degree from the University of New South Wales.

A career in the legal industry is popular, competitive, and lucrative, but depression, anxiety, and burnout are among legal professionals. Recent reports highlight that work/life balance has become highly prioritised than ever by both graduates and senior leaders. Leading firms can also be difficult places to work – late nights, early mornings, high-pressure projects and an abundance of responsibility are part and parcel with climbing the legal career ladder in any size firm.

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Facilitator:

Emma German 

Emma German is the Senior Legal Counsel at Network TEN (Programming). Prior to this, Emma was in-house legal counsel at Stan Entertainment, helping the company transition from its start-up phase to become Australia’s largest local entertainment-on-demand provider. Emma began her career in private practise at King & Wood Mallesons after studying at the University of Sydney. She has always held a strong passion for the media and entertainment industries. Outside of lawyering, Emma is a qualified personal trainer and advocate for mental and physical wellbeing.

Unpack practical case studies as you learn why etiquette matters and what courts expect. You’ll gain tangible tips on: appearing in court with civility, etiquette techniques and the standard procedure to follow in virtual courtrooms.

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Facilitator:

Alistair Oakes

Alistair was admitted to practice in 2013 and was called to the Bar in 2019. He has a broad practice, with a primary focus in the areas of commercial law, administrative & public law, equity, corporations, insolvency and regulatory law.

Alistair (Barrister, Eight Wentworth Chambers) was previously a solicitor in the commercial litigation and banking teams at Allens, focusing on large-scale commercial litigation in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and Federal Court of Australia.

Alistair has also provided full-time service as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy, where he was awarded the Royal Australian Naval College prize for the best overall performer at initial officer training, was a legal adviser to the Commander of the Australian Fleet and lectured in administrative law, international law, operational law and military discipline. He remains an active member of the Naval Reserve.

Bradley Dean

Bradley (Barrister, Eight Wentworth Chambers) was admitted to practice in 2005 and called to the Bar in 2019. He has a broad practice in public and commercial law, and accepts briefs in all areas of law.

Before coming to the Bar, Bradley worked as a solicitor for over a decade, primarily in the area of public and administrative law. He practised as a solicitor at the Australian Government Solicitor for over 7 years and at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office for 3 years. Bradley also worked as an adviser to former Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon. Robert McClelland MP, and former Minister for Justice, the Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP. Bradley has an LLM from the Australian National University, and an LLB (First Class Honours) and BA from the University of Western Sydney.

Learn about how trauma-informed practice in a family law context strengthens the ability of practitioners to screen, understand, and respond to trauma and its impact on a client’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

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Facilitator:

Dr Susan Armstrong

Susan was a researcher, legal educator, curriculum innovator and held a wide range of governance roles at Western Sydney Law School for over 20 years. She is currently appointed an Adjunct Professor in the Law School. Her teaching accomplishments were acknowledged by international, national and university excellence awards. She partnered with western Sydney community legal centres to develop an award-winning program to help law students better understand domestic violence. Collaborating with family law service providers in western Sydney, she led a research team to develop culturally responsive service delivery in family dispute resolution (FDR).

Susan is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Mediator, and is currently the principal in an independent family dispute resolution practice that supports people to separate compassionately through mediation and collaborative practice. She also works for Relationships Australia Mediation Service. Susan is a founding member of the Australian Dispute Resolution Research Network, and has had extensive governance experience.

She was twice elected Law School representative on Academic Senate, chaired the Management Committee of South West Sydney Legal Centre, was Secretary to the Management Committee of Manly Yoga and Meditation Centre and Chair of St John’s Narraweena School Board.

She is currently a committee member of the Family Dispute Resolution Special Interest Group of the Resolution Institute NSW, on a sub-committee of Collaborative Professionals (NSW) Inc, and a member of the Northern Beaches Collaborative Practice Group.

Explore contract law essentials and changes to the unfair terms regime. You’ll learn about terms implied by Common Law and Statute, applications of Australian Consumer Law, and terms that are illegal and unfair. 

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Facilitator:

• Roman Rozenberg
• Sam Predergast
• Nicolas Gallina
• Lucy Davis

Being culturally aware is key to establishing trust with Aboriginal stakeholders. Our expert will guide you through the importance of cultural awareness, discuss cultural shock, and review examples where lawyers need to be culturally aware.

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Facilitator:

Hema Hariharan

Hema Hariharan is the Managing Practitioner Director of Arma Legal. She has over 14 years’ native title experience in New South Wales and Western Australia. Over the years Hema worked with a multi-disciplinary teams of lawyers, tenure specialists and researchers to deliver social and economic benefits to the Aboriginal people of New South Wales and Western Australia. Hema also has wide-ranging experience in policy research and development, cultural heritage protection and land management. At the forefront of Hema’s approach is an emphasis on collaborating with Aboriginal groups and other non-Aboriginal proponents to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes which in line with Aboriginal People achieving their social, cultural and economic aspirations.

Learn how to draft settlements to resolve disputes at the earliest possible opportunity – outside of costly court trials. And help your clients avoid the stressful culture of adversarial litigation.

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Facilitator:

Albert Monichino

Albert has a general commercial litigation practice in the Supreme and Federal Courts. He advises on and appears in matters relating to building and construction, contractual disputes, minority shareholder and joint venture issues, and intellectual property.

Albert is a Chartered Arbitrator. He has appeared in commercial arbitrations (both domestic and international) as counsel and as arbitrator. He is also accredited as an advanced mediator.

Is streamlined electronic document management part of your litigation toolkit? You’ll learn about the discovery of electronic documents, relevancy and privilege claims, and responding to a Notice to Produce.

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Facilitator: 

Dominique Mayo

Dominique is a commercial litigation specialist in the Corporate Insurance team at Clyde & Co with strong capabilities in managing high profile complex litigation, having acted as a Legal Lead in the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Trains, and Commission of Inquiry into Youth Detention Centres. She brings significant litigation ‘know how’ having worked as an Associate to three members of the Judiciary, at state and federal level, before entering private practice.

Dominique is an expert in running large scale electronic document management in investigations and litigation, including managing issues of privilege and confidentiality.

She also has a strong background in insolvency, having acted for directors to defend claims by liquidators following insolvency events, including unfair preference claims, uncommercial transactions, unfair loans and unreasonable director-related transactions.

Want to prepare and run appeals like a seasoned pro? Enrich your understanding of the various types of appeals, error as a basis for appeal, leave to appeal and appellate advocacy.

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Facilitator: 

Kylie Nomchong SC

Kylie Nomchong SC (Barrister, Denman Chambers) graduated with a Bachelor and Economics with honours from the University of Sydney. Kylie worked as a tutor and part-time lecturer in the Department of Industrial Relations at that University before commencing employment as a solicitor. In 1991 Kylie was appointed as in-house solicitor for Actors’ Equity of Australia, later the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance. During that time, she established her practice in industrial law and employment law.

Kylie was elected as President of NSW Young Lawyers in 1994 and then later, she was elected to the Council of the Law Society of NSW. She was Chair of the Law Society’s Equal Opportunity Committee from 1994 to 1996. Klyie has also held positions on the Board of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, the College of Law, the Equal Opportunity Committee of the Law Council of Australia and the NSW Community Justices Centre.

Kylie was elected to the Council of the Bar Association in 2011 and again in 2017. She has served on the Common Law Committee of the Bar Association and is currently on the Bar Association’s Professional Conduct Committee. Kylie is also Chair of the Wellbeing Committee and is a regular instructor at the Readers Advocacy Courses.

Since 2012, Kylie has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation an independent volunteer, charitable organisation whose objective is to decrease work related psychological ill-health and promote psychological health and safety in the legal community.

Kylie has a strong belief in social justice and human rights. She has represented corporations, government departments, unions, individuals and contractors. She has presented numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars and was part of the team which established the Workplace Research Centre’s Industrial Advocacy Course.

This practical guide will walk you through how to streamline your research tasks. You’ll gain strategies for using databases, know where to start with a set of facts, and learn how to track legislation.

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Facilitator:

Natalie Wieland

Natalie Wieland was a lawyer who went on to study Management Information Systems. This has lead to a career spanning over 20 years teaching legal research in law firms, government bodies and courts. For the last 10 year she has been teaching legal research at the Melbourne Law School.

In this practical presentation, you’ll explore the role of mediation intakes. You’ll learn why intakes are required, the importance of confidentiality, and the need for empathy during intakes.

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Facilitator:

Linda Kochanski

Linda Kochanski has been admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland since 1986, initially specialising in Family and Criminal Law. She gained extensive experience in various areas of law, but discovered a particular interest in family law, and mediation.

Linda subsequently worked for Relationships Australia in various roles including Branch Manager, Coordinator of Mediation, and Senior Consultant in Mediation. She has practised in all forms of relationship mediation. Linda continues to practice mediation and is a member of Bond University’s Dispute Resolution Centre and on the Advisory Board of the Australian Mediation Association.

Linda has been a Tutor and Lecturer since 1991 working initially as a tutor with QUT. In 2001, Linda was a founding Lecturer in the Griffith Professional Legal Training Program instructing in Family, Criminal, Property and Estates Legal Practice. She held the positions of On Campus Coordinator PLT programs at both Griffith University and Bond University

Linda has presented at national and international conferences on Mediation and Family Law and has published in these areas as well. Since 2016, she has been an elected Director of the Mediation Standards Board.

Linda is the current Practice Leader at the College of Law for both their Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice and their suite of mediation programs. Linda is also an Adjunct Lecturer for the College for their Applied Law Postgraduate Program, in Family Law.

In part 2, you’ll gain practical tips on what to include in intakes, and explore conflict resolution styles and analysis. You’ll sharpen your skills to conduct intakes with competence and confidence.

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Facilitator:

Linda Kochanski

Linda Kochanski has been admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland since 1986, initially specialising in Family and Criminal Law. She gained extensive experience in various areas of law, but discovered a particular interest in family law, and mediation.

Linda subsequently worked for Relationships Australia in various roles including Branch Manager, Coordinator of Mediation, and Senior Consultant in Mediation. She has practised in all forms of relationship mediation. Linda continues to practice mediation and is a member of Bond University’s Dispute Resolution Centre and on the Advisory Board of the Australian Mediation Association.

Linda has been a Tutor and Lecturer since 1991 working initially as a tutor with QUT. In 2001, Linda was a founding Lecturer in the Griffith Professional Legal Training Program instructing in Family, Criminal, Property and Estates Legal Practice. She held the positions of On Campus Coordinator PLT programs at both Griffith University and Bond University

Linda has presented at national and international conferences on Mediation and Family Law and has published in these areas as well. Since 2016, she has been an elected Director of the Mediation Standards Board.

Linda is the current Practice Leader at the College of Law for both their Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice and their suite of mediation programs. Linda is also an Adjunct Lecturer for the College for their Applied Law Postgraduate Program, in Family Law.

When you encounter high-conflict clients, you need to adjust your writing to avoid becoming their next target of blame. You’ll learn how to recognise high-conflict clients and strategically adapt your communication style.

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Facilitator:

Bree Williams

Bree Williams is a Monash University Doctorate candidate, researching clear legal writing education in Australia. Bree was Maurice Blackburn's Knowledge Support Lawyer for 5 years prior to that. She provided training and resources for the firm nationally on legal research and clear writing. Bree now works in the Legal Academic Skills Centre at Melbourne Law School as an academic teaching writing.

Bree's professional experience began with private legal practice in Victoria and Queensland from 2003. Bree has worked at Victoria Legal Aid, as a Professional Support Lawyer and Australian Encyclopedia of Forms and Precedents, Product Developer/Senior Legal Editor.

Bree holds a Masters of Global Communication, Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and training qualifications.

Poor mental health and burnout are common symptoms of our high-pressure industry. But you can strengthen your capacity for resilience. Learn how to identify barriers to wellbeing and develop strategies for managing stress.

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Facilitator:

Florence Thum

Psychotherapist and executive coach with extensive experience in the legal profession.

High-quality briefs enable counsel to consider matters quickly, reduce distractions and save clients money. Gain the skills to summarise a brief’s critical features, collate supporting evidence and draft effective observations.

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Facilitator:

Prudence Stone

I am a Content Editor at the College of Law, but my main focus is on developing practical legal content for the future of law practice. I am also a lawyer with experience in civil litigation across insurance and planning and environment matters.

Effective legal drafting is a powerful communication tool. Sharpen your skills as you examine what details affidavits require, practise client interview techniques, gain drafting tips, and identify errors in witness statements.

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Facilitator:

Paul Venus

Paul Venus (Managing Partner, Holding Redlich) is a partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution and Litigation group and has over 20 years’ experience in complex litigation, intellectual property, information technology law, commercial law and competition law issues. Paul’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, principally in trade practices law, product liability law, information technology law, franchising law, and patent and trademark litigation. Paul is an accredited mediator, regularly acting as mediator in franchising disputes and is a graded arbitrator. Paul is an accredited specialist in Commercial litigation with the QLS.

Repeat business is often more lucrative than new business. So it’s vital you nurture rich relationships – existing and emerging – through every matter. Discover what your firm can do to retain clients and drive repeat business.

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In any settlement, you need to know how to correctly draft a balance sheet. Learn to identify legislative requirements, apply property valuation methods, and prepare detailed balance sheets for your clients.

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Poor communication can mislead your clients and lead to costly errors. Examine the importance of plain language drafting, and gain strategies to reduce ambiguity in your writing and avoid unnecessary queries.

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What skills do you need to present with confidence in judicial forums? Hear from Mary Jerram AM as she shares insights and tips from her experience as a judge in adversarial and inquisitorial courtrooms.

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Facilitator:

Mary Jerram AM

Mary Jerram AM was the first woman to become State Coroner of NSW. Born in NZ, where she completed a BA in languages at Otago University, she came to Australia with two young children, and studied law at Sydney while teaching high school languages and subsequently working as an industrial advocate for the Independent Teachers Union.

She became a criminal defence lawyer for Legal Aid, and in 1994 was appointed as a Magistrate. For two years she was also Deputy Chief Magistrate, before taking an early semi-retirement to farm in New Zealand with her husband, Philip Taylor, an architect, although working in Sydney part time as a magistrate for those years. Finally returning to Sydney she was reappointed in 2006, and as State Coroner in 2007. After retiring in 2013, she works part time as a Deputy President of the Mental Health Tribunal. She was appointed AM in 2018 “for significant service as the State Coroner, and as a role model for women in the law.”

Want insider insights into what happens after closing submissions? The Honourable Michael Kirby discusses his difficult decision in Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs v B [2004] HCA 20.

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Facilitator: 

The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG

When he retired from the High Court of Australia on 2 February 2009, Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest serving judge.

He was first appointed in 1975 as a Deputy President of the Australian Conciliation & Arbitration Commission. Soon after, he became inaugural Chairman of the Australian Law Reform Commission (1975-84). Later, he was appointed a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, then President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal (1984-96) and, concurrently, President of the Court of Appeal of Solomon Islands (1995-6). His appointment to the High Court of Australia followed in 1996 and he served thirteen years. In later years, he was Acting Chief Justice of Australia twice.

In addition to his judicial duties, Michael Kirby has served on three university governing bodies, being elected Chancellor of Macquarie University in Sydney (1984-93). He also served on many national and international bodies. Amongst the latter have been service as a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Commission on AIDS (1988-92); as President of the International Commission of Jurists, Geneva (1995-8); as UN Special Representative for Human Rights in Cambodia (1993-6); as a member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (1995-2005); as a member of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Judicial Reference Group (2007- 9) and as a member of the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights(2004-).

Following his judicial retirement, Michael Kirby was elected President of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia from 2009-2010. He served as a Board Member of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (2009-14). He has been appointed Honorary Visiting Professor by twelve universities. And he participates regularly in many local and international conferences and meetings. He has been awarded a number of honorary doctorates at home and abroad. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Laws of Australia (2009 - ).

He served 2011-12 as a member of the Eminent Persons Group on the future of the Commonwealth of Nations. He was a Commissioner of the UNDP Global Commission of HIV and the Law 20112012. He was appointed to the Advisory Council of Transparency International, based in Berlin in 2012. In 2013- 2014, he was appointed Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in North Korea. He a Commissioner of the UNAIDS Lancet Commission on AIDS to the Right to Health (2013-2014); the Global Fund’s Equitable Access Panel (2015-16); the UN SecretaryGeneral’s High Level Panel on Access to Essential Medicines (2015-16); and UNAIDS/OHCHR’s panel on overreach of criminal law (2017); and Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (2018 - ).

He was awarded the Gruber Justice Prize in 2010 and has been Patron of the Kirby Institute on Blood Borne Diseases in UNSW Sydney, Australia since 2011. In May 2017, he was invested by Japan with the insignia of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in Tokyo, with an audience with the Emperor of Japan.

Brilliant advocates aren’t born. They’re made – and they meticulously plan and prepare for their appearances. This module will equip you with techniques to prepare for appearances and develop a complete understanding of your case.

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Facilitator: 

The Hon Justice Lucy McCallum

Justice Lucy McCallum is a Judge of the NSW Court of Appeal. Her Honour commenced her legal career in 1986 as a solicitor at Mallesons Stephen Jaques, specialising in commercial litigation, and then joined the Director of Public Prosecutions, firstly for the Commonwealth, and subsequently for Queensland. She was called to the Bar in 1991, where she practised at Sixth Floor Selborne Wentworth Chambers, took silk in 2005, and was appointed to the Bar Council in 2007. During her time at the Bar, she had a wide and varied practice including: crime, commercial litigation, administrative law, environmental law, professional negligence, defamation, insurance, trade practices, and competition law.

A balanced diet is essential for your brain health and work performance. Explore the latest research, unpack the science behind the nutrition behaviours of busy people, and walk away with tips to improve your eating habits.

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Facilitator:

Talia Braun

Talia began her career as a Food and Therapeutic goods chemist for Nestle. She subsequently went on to become a Food Scientist for George Weston Technologies where she developed and tested nutritional panels and food claims.

Since 2012, Talia has worked as a Hospital Scientist at Prince of Wales Hospital (NSW Health Pathology). She is an HPLC and LCMS expert, of biochemistry and endocrinology markers. She works on method development and validation of new biomarkers and serves as a clinical projects coordinator; collaborating with numerous national and international hospitals and research laboratories.

It is within this role that Talia has presented at national and international conferences and act as a consultant on the national Advisory Committee for Biogenic Amines as well as the national Advisory Committee for Vitamins. She has also contributed to many pioneering scientific papers - her work can be found in Journal of endocrine society, Journal of hormone and metabolic research and molecular genetics and metabolism.

Talia now serves as the NSW health pathology representative, and as a consultant for the Agency for Clinical Innovation in the field of Test Diets in which she reviews dietary requirements for various scientific tests. More recently Talia has obtained a Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics from University of Wollongong.

Poor sleeping habits can harm your health and wellbeing. So learn about the link between sleep, burnout and deteriorating passion for your job. And equip yourself with evidence-based strategies for a better night's sleep.

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Facilitator:

Dr Carmel Harrington

Dr Carmel Harrington has been working in the world of sleep for nearly 20 years. A former lawyer and educator, she has a PhD in Sleep Medicine from Sydney University and consults with companies and educational institutions both here and overseas on sleep health.

An internationally recognised sleep expert, Dr Harrington is amazed at the seemingly little importance given to sleep. Research shows that sleep is critical to our physical and mental health and is fundamental to our ability to think and learn. Emerging research clearly shows that sleeping well is a key component to optimal performance and health and if we want to be at the top of our game we need to ensure we get the best sleep possible.

Dr Harrington is the Managing Director of Sleep for Health and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Children's Hospital Westmead. She is a founding member of the Sleep Health Foundation and a member of the Australasian Sleep Association.

The legal profession values IQ – yet often overlooks EQ. So learn about the five domains of human social experience, recognise the importance of regulating your feelings, and strengthen your resilience muscles.

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Facilitator:

Mandy Holloway

As a leadership trailblazer who put courage into action to achieve significant "firsts" in her career, Mandy (Co-Founder, Courageous Leaders) now inspires people to be courageous in the way they lead themselves, others and the organisation.

Starting her career as an audit junior she blazed a trail to become the first female partner in Australia at PKF (now BDO) followed by admittance as a partner at KPMG, Sydney. She was the first partner to take paid maternity leave in KPMG Sydney - blazing the trail for the many female partners who now both take maternity leave AND return to a part-time partner role.

This career success was anchored in her strong business skills, ability to develop trusted relationships and the courage she brought when expressing her leadership mastery while consistently challenging the status quo.

Mandy is a passionate, energetic and inspiring presenter who captivates participants with her style of delivering intriguing and practical content with enthusiasm and realism. Her empathetic style and ability to intimately understand the ongoing pressure faced by business leaders is clear and grounded in her personal leadership experiences and her design capability.

Want to know what it takes to become a trusted advisor – and change the way your team engages with you? Harness strategies to create constructive relationships and discover how to influence your team effectively.

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Facilitator:

Mandy Holloway

As a leadership trailblazer who put courage into action to achieve significant "firsts" in her career, Mandy (Co-Founder, Courageous Leaders) now inspires people to be courageous in the way they lead themselves, others and the organisation.

Starting her career as an audit junior she blazed a trail to become the first female partner in Australia at PKF (now BDO) followed by admittance as a partner at KPMG, Sydney. She was the first partner to take paid maternity leave in KPMG Sydney - blazing the trail for the many female partners who now both take maternity leave AND return to a part-time partner role.

This career success was anchored in her strong business skills, ability to develop trusted relationships and the courage she brought when expressing her leadership mastery while consistently challenging the status quo.

Mandy is a passionate, energetic and inspiring presenter who captivates participants with her style of delivering intriguing and practical content with enthusiasm and realism. Her empathetic style and ability to intimately understand the ongoing pressure faced by business leaders is clear and grounded in her personal leadership experiences and her design capability.

Regaining confidence is like recovering from physical injuries – it takes time. So don’t place extra pressure on yourself. Explore criticism in the legal profession and gain practical tips to rebuild lost confidence.

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Facilitator:

Pierre Johannessen

Pierre (Partner, Johannessen Legal) is an Australian litigator, Human Rights activist, journalist and recipient of the ACT Young Australian of the Year award for 2010. He has never been in a courtroom he doesn't love.

Pierre is also the current CEO of the international NGO Big Bang Ballers whose aim is to use the game of basketball to tackle poverty and social disadvantage. Pierre's expertise in international human rights and development was cemented with his involvement in an Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development posting in Bangladesh.

A former Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, and a University of Canberra Chancellor's Distinguished Young Alumni award winner, Pierre has distinguished himself in the community for both his passion and his exemplary conduct.

An accomplished speaker and writer, Pierre has presented to schools, corporate groups, has had writing published and has been a TEDx speaker.

Pierre has coached and counseled charities worldwide through Johannessen Legal and Johannessen & Gass, with a focus on social, grass roots development.

Learn evidence-based strategies to master public speaking and deliver powerful presentations. Gain practical skills to manage intrusive thoughts and feelings of judgement. And take steps to find joy in your craft again.

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Facilitator:

Sarah Marshall

Sarah is an experienced Performer, Teacher, Adjudicator and Examiner who provides Counselling and Psychotherapy for performing artists and performance students.

She has a Bachelor of Psychology and postgraduate training in Counselling and Psychotherapy to complement her tertiary training and experience as a performer.

Sarah has worked with many performers assisting them to stay vibrant and energised by their art and create performances they feel justifiably proud of.
She helps artists to recognise their strengths and use them to compensate for areas of weakness. Sarah assists artists to manage what is and to develop skills to create what they would like to become.

Sarah adopts a person-centred approach where the client is the expert on themselves. Modalities she works with with include:- Narrative Therapy- Solution Focused Brief Therapy- Art Therapy- Emotion Focused Therapy- Action Commitment Therapy.

From jumping between matters to juggling deadlines, time management is an essential skill in your legal toolkit. Receive useful tips to manage your time and break up tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

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Facilitator:

Pierre Johannessen

Pierre (Partner, Johannessen Legal) is an Australian litigator, Human Rights activist, journalist and recipient of the ACT Young Australian of the Year award for 2010. He has never been in a courtroom he doesn't love.

Pierre is also the current CEO of the international NGO Big Bang Ballers whose aim is to use the game of basketball to tackle poverty and social disadvantage. Pierre's expertise in international human rights and development was cemented with his involvement in an Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development posting in Bangladesh.

A former Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, and a University of Canberra Chancellor's Distinguished Young Alumni award winner, Pierre has distinguished himself in the community for both his passion and his exemplary conduct.

An accomplished speaker and writer, Pierre has presented to schools, corporate groups, has had writing published and has been a TEDx speaker.

Pierre has coached and counseled charities worldwide through Johannessen Legal and Johannessen & Gass, with a focus on social, grass roots development.

When is ‘good enough’, good enough? In this candid talk, Pierre Johannessen explores dealing with stress in law. He draws on real-life learnings to tackle unrealistic expectations and perfectionism – so you can rise above.

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Facilitator:

Pierre Johannessen

Pierre (Partner, Johannessen Legal) is an Australian litigator, Human Rights activist, journalist and recipient of the ACT Young Australian of the Year award for 2010. He has never been in a courtroom he doesn't love.

Pierre is also the current CEO of the international NGO Big Bang Ballers whose aim is to use the game of basketball to tackle poverty and social disadvantage. Pierre's expertise in international human rights and development was cemented with his involvement in an Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development posting in Bangladesh.

A former Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, and a University of Canberra Chancellor's Distinguished Young Alumni award winner, Pierre has distinguished himself in the community for both his passion and his exemplary conduct.

An accomplished speaker and writer, Pierre has presented to schools, corporate groups, has had writing published and has been a TEDx speaker.

Pierre has coached and counseled charities worldwide through Johannessen Legal and Johannessen & Gass, with a focus on social, grass roots development.

Overcome the misconception that it's better to do everything yourself. Learn how to manage your workload to focus on your priorities. And develop your delegation skills to empower your team.

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Facilitator:

Mandy Holloway

As a leadership trailblazer who put courage into action to achieve significant "firsts" in her career, Mandy (Co-Founder, Courageous Leaders) now inspires people to be courageous in the way they lead themselves, others and the organisation.

Starting her career as an audit junior she blazed a trail to become the first female partner in Australia at PKF (now BDO) followed by admittance as a partner at KPMG, Sydney. She was the first partner to take paid maternity leave in KPMG Sydney - blazing the trail for the many female partners who now both take maternity leave AND return to a part-time partner role.

This career success was anchored in her strong business skills, ability to develop trusted relationships and the courage she brought when expressing her leadership mastery while consistently challenging the status quo.

Mandy is a passionate, energetic and inspiring presenter who captivates participants with her style of delivering intriguing and practical content with enthusiasm and realism. Her empathetic style and ability to intimately understand the ongoing pressure faced by business leaders is clear and grounded in her personal leadership experiences and her design capability.

Keeping file notes is both crucial and unavoidable in legal practice. Learn about how to prepare effective file notes effectively.

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Knowing how to effectively take instructions and maintain your files are two key skills every lawyer needs to know, irrespective of whether you are in private practice or work in-house. How to manage matters effectively is a key to good risk management practice.

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