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50 Years of the ‘Australian Legal Experiment’: College of Law
The College of Law celebrates 50 years of service to the legal industry. Since it opened its doors in 1974, the College has empowered over 100,000 professionals to achieve their career aspirations in the law. We take a look at the College’s many legal education milestones and hear from long-standing CEO Neville Carter and Chairman Joseph Catanzariti AM.
The College of Law celebrates 50 years of service to the legal industry. Since it opened its doors in 1974, the College has empowered over 100,000 professionals to achieve their career aspirations in the law. We take a look at the College’s many legal education milestones and hear from long-standing CEO Neville Carter and Chairman Joseph Catanzariti AM.
Graduate spotlight: Michael Tangonan on diversity, purpose and the rewards of in-house legal work
After completing his Practical Legal Training (PLT) at the College of Law in 2021, Michael joined the AMP Financial Services Legal Team – where he still is today. Drawing on his diverse experiences, Michael has carved a niche for himself in the in-house corporate world, where his holistic approach and passion for ESG are making real, meaningful impact. Read on to hear his story.
After completing his Practical Legal Training (PLT) at the College of Law in 2021, Michael joined the AMP Financial Services Legal Team – where he still is today. Drawing on his diverse experiences, Michael has carved a niche for himself in the in-house corporate world, where his holistic approach and passion for ESG are making real, meaningful impact. Read on to hear his story.
Strategies for a stress-free break: The right to recharge
We caught up with Fiona Wong, Partner at Gilton Valeo Lawyers and winner of Lawyers Weekly Migration Partner of the Year 2023 and Lexology Client Choice Award Winner 2024, to learn how she recharges over the break and sets herself and her firm up for success in the new year.
We caught up with Fiona Wong, Partner at Gilton Valeo Lawyers and winner of Lawyers Weekly Migration Partner of the Year 2023 and Lexology Client Choice Award Winner 2024, to learn how she recharges over the break and sets herself and her firm up for success in the new year.
Biggest learnings in 2024 with award-winning lawyer Marianne Marchesi
The College caught up with award-winning lawyer Marianne Marchesi, founder and managing principal of Legalite, for her reflections on the year that’s been. In this interview she shares insights from her personal and professional journey in 2024, highlighting the lessons she learned and the achievements that shaped her year. Have you ever considered the importance of an abundance mindset?
The College caught up with award-winning lawyer Marianne Marchesi, founder and managing principal of Legalite, for her reflections on the year that’s been. In this interview she shares insights from her personal and professional journey in 2024, highlighting the lessons she learned and the achievements that shaped her year. Have you ever considered the importance of an abundance mindset?
New year, new opportunities to get your CPD sorted
Make 2025 your most productive year yet with the CPD Digital Subscription. Access 140+ courses anytime, anywhere – stress-free compliance made simple.
Make 2025 your most productive year yet with the CPD Digital Subscription. Access 140+ courses anytime, anywhere – stress-free compliance made simple.
6 Skills Every Legal Team Needs (and how they can develop them)
Essential skills toolkit for legal teams.
The legal landscape is changing fast. Does your team have what it takes to keep up?We developed this exclusive resource to empower legal team leaders – helping you cultivate high-performing, future-ready teams. Featuring insights drawn from 50 years of industry leadership, practical tips and an invaluable bonus resource, your skills development program starts here.
Essential skills toolkit for legal teams.
The legal landscape is changing fast. Does your team have what it takes to keep up?We developed this exclusive resource to empower legal team leaders – helping you cultivate high-performing, future-ready teams. Featuring insights drawn from 50 years of industry leadership, practical tips and an invaluable bonus resource, your skills development program starts here.
CPD Digital Subscription Course Guide
Discover how to transform your team’s learning and development
Looking to enhance your legal team’s skills and simplify CPD compliance? Download the CPD digital subscription course guide to uncover everything included in our professional development CPD solution.
Discover how to transform your team’s learning and development
Looking to enhance your legal team’s skills and simplify CPD compliance? Download the CPD digital subscription course guide to uncover everything included in our professional development CPD solution.
Stop the scramble: Here’s a simpler CPD solution for your organisation
Discover how a Digital CPD subscription can transform your training strategy. With unlimited access to 140+ courses, CPD compliance has never been easier.
Discover how a Digital CPD subscription can transform your training strategy. With unlimited access to 140+ courses, CPD compliance has never been easier.
50 years of expertise in one CPD solution
For 50 years, the College of Law has led the way in practical legal education.
We stand in our own lane – empowering practitioners to become the best lawyers they can be. How? With innovative, hands-on training that evolves with the demands of the legal profession.
Our CPD Digital Subscription is built on this legacy.
For 50 years, the College of Law has led the way in practical legal education.
We stand in our own lane – empowering practitioners to become the best lawyers they can be. How? With innovative, hands-on training that evolves with the demands of the legal profession.
Our CPD Digital Subscription is built on this legacy.
Freezing orders or interlocutory injunctions in TFMs with Tasman Fleming
Tasman Ash Fleming, a barrister and accredited mediator (NMAS), highlights the importance of considering what is the purpose of the order sought. This article looks at the recent decision in Re Estate of Hagendorfer (Injunction) [2024] VSC 482 (‘Hagendorfer’) and addresses potential risks and provides guidance for practitioners to mitigate these risks.
Tasman Ash Fleming, a barrister and accredited mediator (NMAS), highlights the importance of considering what is the purpose of the order sought. This article looks at the recent decision in Re Estate of Hagendorfer (Injunction) [2024] VSC 482 (‘Hagendorfer’) and addresses potential risks and provides guidance for practitioners to mitigate these risks.
Property settlements, pets and children’s arrangements in the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024
Following a series of reviews of the family law system, on 22 August 2024 the Australian Government introduced the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 into the Commonwealth Parliament. The Bill sets out very significant amendments, including those relating to property settlements, pet custody and children’s arrangements, which aim to modernise and improve the family law system in Australia.
Following a series of reviews of the family law system, on 22 August 2024 the Australian Government introduced the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 into the Commonwealth Parliament. The Bill sets out very significant amendments, including those relating to property settlements, pet custody and children’s arrangements, which aim to modernise and improve the family law system in Australia.
How to have the career you want with John Poulsen
How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want? We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights on getting the career you want informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership.
How do you transcend the daily grind to do work you love? When can a career become a calling? What steps can you take to achieve the career you want? We spoke to John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs and Principal of People Passion Performance, for his insights on getting the career you want informed by an illustrious career in law and leadership.
Most Popular Articles
News
‘It expedited my career in succession law by a decade’ – Craig Gregson TEP on postgraduate study
What does it take to become one of the country’s top-performing specialist lawyers?
According to Craig Gregson – who consistently snags a spot in Doyle’s Guide for his work in Wills and Estates – a healthy dose of ambition is key. And so is plenty of quality education.
News
Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.
Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is now easier than ever, with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) presenting an alternative to the often-restrictive Legal Practice Course route. Furthermore, Australia is now on the list of countries where qualified lawyers can apply for an exemption for the SQE2. Alice Payne, Head of Business Development and Marketing at The College of Legal Practice explains how.
News
Why ChatGPT won’t be taking your job in law…yet
Amid the AI hype and calls for a halt to AI, we examined how ChatGPT is used in law and its future impact.
Fiona Kirkman, family lawyer and co-founder of FamilyProperty, has been an early adopter, using ChatGPT for research, reviews, and summaries. We spoke with her to gain insights into its strengths and limitations in daily legal work.
News
Assessing Mental Capacity: A Guide from the Law Council of Australia
For legal practitioners in Wills & Estates, finding clear ways to consider and assess mental capacity in a variety of situations is crucial. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates. Josephine shares key elements from the Law Council of Australia’s Best Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners on Assessing Mental Capacity or ‘the BPG’.
News
How to take your legal career to the USA: everything you need to know
Australians hold a rare E-3 Visa status, a visa class currently exclusive to Australian nationals, and making Australia one of a handful of countries (including Canada) offered special access to prized US work rights. This makes Australian lawyers particularly attractive to US law firms and the job opportunities for lawyers in America are eye-wateringly lucrative. Read on for everything you need to know about taking your legal career to the bright lights of the USA.
News
Dress for success: How clothes impact your performance and power
What you wear has been proven to impact how you feel and perform, it has also been shown to influence how others perceive and respond to you. Given these findings what you wear to the office, a client meeting, to court, or even a job interview, matters. Experienced style expert and author, Dijanna Mulhearn, provides her expert tips on how lawyers can take their look and feel to the next level and dress for success at work.
News
The state of gender equity in the Australian legal profession
The milestone of Justice Jayne Jagot’s appointment to the High Court and a female majority for the first time in history masks hidden inequities across Australia’s legal profession. The College of Law looks into the realities of gender inequality that persists across Australia’s legal profession.
News
How can you stand out as a junior lawyer? Here are 4 practical tips to get ahead in your career (and mistakes to avoid)
Ever wondered how to stand out and distinguish yourself as a junior lawyer? After running the gauntlet of competitive clerkships, you’ve landed a grad role. In those crucial years, how do you ensure you learn, provide value to your peers, mid-career lawyers, senior associates, special counsel, and partners - and steer clear of the mistakes that might sink or set back your career?
LATEST JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Find the next step in your career on the College of Law’s Jobs Board. With over 100 roles advertised at any one time, it's your source for legal jobs and career opportunities. Better yet, you can sign up for job alerts on the Jobs Board homepage by entering your email address and selecting how often you want alerts.
Job search resources
Resources
How to Write a Legal Resume
Create a standout legal resume with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to format, highlight skills, and polish your resume for your target audience.
The competition is tough, but by knowing what recruiters look for and pitching your skills and experience in their best light, you can make your resume stand out for all the right reasons.
Resources
How to Write a LinkedIn Profile as a Law Student
Take your job search to the next level with our comprehensive resources for law students and graduates. Master the art of crafting a standout LinkedIn profile, including your URL, profile picture, summary, experience, connections, and recommendations.
Graduate Stories
News
Graduate spotlight: Michael Tangonan on diversity, purpose and the rewards of in-house legal work
After completing his Practical Legal Training (PLT) at the College of Law in 2021, Michael joined the AMP Financial Services Legal Team – where he still is today. Drawing on his diverse experiences, Michael has carved a niche for himself in the in-house corporate world, where his holistic approach and passion for ESG are making real, meaningful impact. Read on to hear his story.
News
Graduate spotlight: Jess Popple – a rewarding career in family law
Jess Popple, Senior Associate at Pippa Colman Family Law, has become something of a rising star in her field. Since completing her PLT and a postgraduate qualification at the College, Jess has won the Queensland Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year Award – and served on numerous boards and associations.
News
Graduate spotlight: Stella Richards on how the shift from health to law was like ‘learning a new language’
Since completing her Practical Legal Training (PLT) at the College in 2023, Stella Richards has been a valued part of the commercial team at leading Australian law firm Russell Kennedy. But she started out in a different field entirely. Stella’s story shows that hard work, determination and a good deal of courage can lead you to your perfect career – even if you change direction once or twice along the way.
News
Graduate spotlight: Arnab Ghosh Roy – the migration lawyer who’s on a mission to change lives
We spotlight Arnab Ghosh Roy, a passionate migration and family lawyer on a mission to empower the community with his pro bono work. We sat down with Arnab to learn how his migration experience (along with his insatiable drive to make an impact) has shaped his career.
News
Graduate spotlight: Krystal Bellamy discovers her inner strength in succession law
Navigating the legal world requires a sharp mind and empathy – especially in matters of succession law. Krystal Bellamy, a Special Counsel at HopgoodGanim Lawyers and College of Law LLM graduate, naturally embodies these traits, which have served her well as a Wills and Estates lawyer. Krystal shares the key to thriving in what some would consider a ‘morbid’ field.
News
‘It expedited my career in succession law by a decade’ – Craig Gregson TEP on postgraduate study
What does it take to become one of the country’s top-performing specialist lawyers?
According to Craig Gregson – who consistently snags a spot in Doyle’s Guide for his work in Wills and Estates – a healthy dose of ambition is key. And so is plenty of quality education.
News
When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story
Ankurpreet Singh was thrust into a costly commercial conflict, which made him determine to pursue a legal career. To make his dream a reality, he enrolled in the College of Law’s LPMC – where he bolstered his business competence and confidence.
News
How the LPMC assisted Elena to take her firm to the next level – and grow from there
Elena Leonardos, principle lawyer at Adelaide Legal Solutions, chose to complete her LPMC when the SA's regulation rules changed. Now, she's executing her 12-month plan to expand her business, and seeing an increase in the firm's profitability.
OUR TEACHING STAFF
Deborah Battisson
Executive Director
BEc, LLB, GDLP, MEd
As our ACT-based Executive Director, Deborah is committed to excellence and innovation in the delivery of practical legal education. Deborah is motivated by developing and supporting new lawyers as they transition from law school to legal practice.
Andrew Chen
Senior Partner
Findex
Andrew Johnson
Lecturer
BEng, BA, BLLP(Hons)
Since 2009, Principal at Johnson and Associates Lawyers. Previous roles include solicitor at Groom & Lavers, McCullough Robertson, Herbert Geer, in-house lawyer for Queensland Rail, and lecturer at Griffith University and College of Law (NSW).
Asheesh Kalmath
Lecturer
BA, LLB
Diana Mills
Adjunct Lecturer
BA, LLB, GradDipMentalHealth
Florence Thum
Assistant Director and Lecturer, Psychotherapist and Coach
LLB, GradCertEd, Mcounselling and Applied Psychotherapy, LLM
Former litigation and dispute resolution lawyer with postgraduate qualifications in law, education and psychotherapy, Florence is keen to extend your professional skills in the modern workplace.
Frances Moffitt
Solicitor and Adjunct Lecturer
Glenda Carry
Legal Risk Manager
Lawcover
James Hall
Senior Lecturer
Jane Boyd
Senior Lecturer
LLB, LLM
Jane was admitted in 1979 and has worked as a lawyer since then. She started her own practice in 1984, focusing on property, commercial, wills and estates matters. She has been at the College since 1986 and has been a senior lecturer for 30 years.
Jason Keane
Lecturer
BA(Hons), LLB, LLM
Jason Keane has over 30 years in legal practice and is a member of the Law Society of NSW.
Jim McInerney
Lecturer
BEc, LLB
Jim has practiced as solicitor and barrister for 20 years in NSW. He has experience in Criminal Law defence work. He has been a lecturer at the College of Law since 2008.
Judith Dean
Lecturer
Karina Okotel
Academic Secretary and Lecturer
BA(Hons), LLB
Karina Okotel is Principal Lawyer at the Racial and Religious Discrimination Legal Service Inc. Karina also holds the roles of Academic Secretary and Student Liaison Officer at the College.
Keiko Togami Evans
Lecturer
BA, LLB, GDLP
Since 2016, Keiko has taught PLT with a focus on engaging learning. She explores AI and EdTech, leads the Civil Litigation (NSW) subject, and is pursuing a Master of Education.
Michael Joyce
Assistant Director
LLB(Hons)
I have been a solicitor since 1989 mainly in general practice. I have taught at The College of Law since 2003 and am Head of the Online Courses in NSW since 2020.
Morton Herschderfer
Executive Director
B Political Science, LLB, LLM, Grad Cert Tertiary Education (Management)
Morton was called to the NSW Bar in 1994 and has appeared in all NSW and Commonwealth Courts and Tribunals. He has practiced in a wide range of jurisdictions over the years, primarily specialising in Equity, Insurance, Commercial, Criminal and Personal Injury Law.
Neil Watt
Principal Solicitor
Neil Watt Consulting
Paul Mead
Assistant Director
DipLaw, GradCertHighEd
Paul has, in over forty years in legal practice, engaged in private practice in Sydney and Country NSW, the Law Society of England and Wales (Legal Aid) and Westminster City Council City Solicitors Office, as well as in corporate practice in NSW and the ACT.
Peter Driessen
Lecturer
BA, LLB, GAICD
I have a diverse legal background as a suburban, city and rural practitioner as well as a corporate counsel specialising in legal professional indemnity. I am proud to impart my knowledge and experience to the next generation of lawyers.
Rina Sheftalovich
Lecturer
BBus, LLB, LLM
Rina is a senior commercial litigator, with experience in a wide range of commercial disputes predominantly in medium-sized legal practices in Sydney. She is currently a co-chair of the NSW Civil Litigation Practice Group.
Robyn Bradey
Mental Health Consultant/Trainer
RB Counselling & Consultancy Services
Sharyn Croke
Lecturer
DipLaw, MHist, GradCertArts, PGCertLaw, LLM
With 25+ years in law, Sharyn mentors future lawyers, sharing insights on ethics and justice.
Tania Digges
PLT NSW Assistant Director - Head of Campus Course
Bec, LLB (Hons)
Tania Digges is a senior lecturer who has taught in both the Masters of Applied Law program and across all of College’s PLT offerings. She is a specialist in construction law with experience in engineering and infrastructure projects in Australia, the UK, Europe, South East Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Tiffany Thomas-McCarthy
Assistant Director
BBus, LLB, GDLP
Prior to commencing work at the College of Law in 2011, Tiffany worked in medium sized firms and a small boutique firm specialising in instance litigation, product liability and property claims, and estate litigation.
Timothy Walter
Lecturer
BA, LLB
Tim Walter has worked for the NSW Port Authority, for law firms in London, and for medium and large city law firms in Sydney and Canberra, as well as in general practice with suburban law firms, eventually becoming an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, before joining the College of Law as a lecturer.
Tony Dyer
Lecturer
Dip Law SAB
Yvette Boulos
Lecturer
BA, LLB, GDLP
Yvette is an experienced practicing lawyer who is passionate about using her skills, knowledge, and experience to guide and mentor PLT students and ensure they have a positive start to their career and maintain good mental health.
Anita Hall
Senior Lecturer
BA, LLB(Hons), GCHEd, MEd, MQLS
From a professional background in commercial litigation, Anita now helps new lawyers develop skills for legal practice in the PLT program. Anita also volunteers at Caxton Legal Centre, advising on civil and human rights issues.
Ann-Maree David
Executive Director
BA, LLB, GDLP, LLM, MEd, GAICD
She worked in the area of insurance litigation until September 2003, before taking up a position as a solicitor with the professional indemnity insurer of the Queensland Law Society. She returned to private practice in April 2006 before joining the College of Law at the end of 1997.
Graeme Haas
Senior Lecturer
LLB
Jennifer Sturgess
Lecturer
BA, BEcon, LLB(Hons), GDLP, LLM
Jennifer was admitted as a solicitor in 1996. She has over 11 years’ experience as a practitioner in private practice working for general and professional indemnity insurers.
Kali Astill
Assistant Director
BA, LLB(Hons)
With over 20 years in the legal industry in Brisbane, Kali is passionate about legal education and supporting the growth of students’ confidence and capability, as they achieve their goals.
Leisa Flatley
Adjunct Lecturer
LLB, GDLP, Dip of Law
Miriam Yates
Director and Research Fellow / Adjunct Lecturer
Equitus and University of Queensland
Tara Cush
Lecturer
BSc, LLB(Hons), GDLP
Tara has been employed by the College of Law as a lecturer since September 2012. Prior to this, she was employed as a solicitor in private practice for 11 years.
Graham Jobling
Executive Director
College of Law
Bteach (EdTrainAdults), GradCertEdStud (DigitLrn)
Beth McKenzie
Lecturer
LLB, GDLP, LLM
Dr Alan Davis
Director of Academic Policy and Senior Lecturer
PhD (Monash), BMus (Edinburgh), MA (Law) (Bristol), Postgrad Dip. Bar Vocational Studies (Cardiff)
Joanna Abraham
Lecturer
BJourn, JD, GDLP
Joanna Abraham is the President of Victorian Women Lawyers and an award-winning lawyer in Administrative, Immigration & Refugee Law. She is listed as one of Australia’s leading lawyers in Human Rights Law 2024 and Australia's 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians.
John Molloy
Lecturer
BA, LLB (Hons), GDLP, LLM
John Molloy has worked as a legal practitioner and judge's associate in Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart and Phnom Penh. His interests include privacy, technology, human rights and administrative law.
Kate Ross
Lecturer
BA, Bbus, LLB
Kate’s career encompasses private practice in both top-tier and small law firms, as well as roles in the union movement and legal assistant sector. Most recently, she was the Director of Legal Services at a large Community Legal Centre for five years, where she developed innovative legal programs and championed community advocacy.
Katherine Baldanoff
Lecturer
BA, LLB, GDLP
Katherine joined the College in 2021 after returning from 20 years in Asia. Her background is litigation and insurance law, and she is also an accredited mediator. Katherine maintains a current Practising Certificate in Victoria.
Lee Horton
Assistant Director
BA (Crim Justice), Dip Law (LPAB) GDLP, Cert IV (TA), LLM
With expertise in litigation, admin law, wills, estates, and property, Lee teaches PLT and CEM and has 20 years' experience as a practising lawyer.
Maria Corbisiero
Assistant Director
BBSc, BSW, GradDipIRP, LLB (Hons), GDLP
Maria’s experience includes private practice and 15 years as a Barrister. She has taught at the College since 2007, using her experience to prepare students for entry to the profession.
Ryan Licastro
Assistant Director
LLB (Hons), GDLP, Cert IV Learning and Teaching
Ryan joined the College in 2018, after 8 years in litigation practice. Since joining the College, Ryan has focused on legal education with a passion for curriculum and mentoring law graduates.
Sophie Williams
Academic Staff Representative and Executive Director
BA, BBus, LLB(Hons)
Sophie joined the College in 2017, after a career focused on the dual disciplines of law and education. She maintains her Principal Practising Certificate and is presently completing an LLM (Dispute Resolution) with Monash University.
Uthra Ramachandra
Lecturer
BA, LLB, LLM
Uthra has recently joined the College of Law from the Victorian Bar, where she had experience appearing in criminal, family, administrative and Children’s Court matters. She began her legal career in a large commercial law firm.
Catherine Stokes
Executive Director
BA, LLB(Hons), Grad Cert Leadership
Experienced, professional leader and educator. Experience as a lawyer in private practice and in government legal practice, in Perth and in London. Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor, including Mental Health First Aid courses for Workplaces and for the Legal Profession.
Cathryn Urquhart
Adjunct Lecturer and Facilitator, Legal Practice Management Course
The College of Law
Greg Wolff
Lecturer
Katherine Thomas
Adjunct Lecturer and Facilitator, Legal Practice Management Course
The College of Law
Kathy Bogoyev
Assistant Director
BA, LLB (Hons), GradCertMed (Fam), GAICD
Kathy is a senior legal practitioner with broad and diverse experience as General Counsel and Company Secretary, a Senior Solicitor in the government legal service and Principal Solicitor at a community legal centre.
Lucy Dickens
Senior Associate and Adjunct Lecturer
Birman & Ride and The College of Law
Max Lewington
Lecturer
BA Jurisprudence, MA
Before working at the College, Max was Practice Director, Legal Services, Department of Communities (formerly Child Protection). Prior to that, Max was Solicitor-in-Charge Dispute Resolution Program, Legal Aid WA and was in Private Practice as partner, sole practitioner and employed solicitor working across Criminal Law, Family Law, Conveyancing and Property, Commercial Litigation and Wills and Estates.
Nigel Siegwart
Senior Associate and Adjunct Lecturer
Birman & Ride and The College of Law
Pia Castelli
National Director of Co-operative Programs
Video Library
Where's Next
Transition from Classroom to Courtroom
Practical Legal Training Power Hour
From LLB to LLM
Becoming an FDRP: What You Need to Know
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