Roundtable Autumn Edition

ROUNDTABLE

IN THIS ISSUE

> MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

> FOLLOW FLPA’S NEW INSTAGRAM

> 2023 FLPA RETREAT JUST AROUND THE CORNER - FULL PROGRAM JUST RELEASED

> HEADS UP – SCHEDULED COMCOURTS PORTAL MAINTENANCE

> WHAT A WAY TO WELCOME 2023!

> JUDGE MCARDLE’S APPOINTMENT TO FEDERAL CIRCUIT AND FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA (DIVISION 2)

> FLPA SUPPORTS CLE IN CAIRNS

> MEET THE SILKS SOCIAL FUNCTION

> PLT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT FOR 2022 ANNOUNCED – CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE WALTON

> THE HON. TRAVIS LINDENMAYER AWARD WINNER 2022 – SPOTLIGHT ON MARGIE CASSIDY

> FIRST 2023 TWILIGHT REVIEW – WHEN TO WORRY

> UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2023

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear members

It’s been great to catch up with so many of you at the various FLPA events already held this year. 2023 is simply flying by.

The last-minute blackout in the South Bank area was certainly an unexpected challenge for the function organisers at our Welcome to the New Year event in early February. I was very grateful for the good-natured response and understanding of not only our special guests Judge Willis, Judge Firth and Margie Cassidy but all of those members attending on the night. Fortunately, the issue was soon resolved allowing everyone to make their way up to the rooftop and enjoy the evening with only a few darkened pauses.

I was very proud to be able to announce the presentation of the Hon. Travis Lindenmayer Award for 2022 to Margie Cassidy at that event. Margie is without question a worthy recipient of the award. You will find in this Roundtable a feature on Margie Cassidy, a short tribute from Judge Spelleken, and some great photos from the Welcome event.

In late February, I was pleased to attend in my capacity as President the ceremonial sitting to welcome and acknowledge Judge Jennifer McArdle’s appointment to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). It was, of course, a happy occasion and quite moving to hear her Honour reflect on the support she has received both personally and professionally over the course of her life and career to date. I echo her Honour’s encouragement during her speech, for family law practitioners to become more involved with FLPAnot only by attending events but also by nominating

for, and contributing to, roles within the board.

On the same day as Judge McArdle’s welcome ceremony, FLPA lodged a 25 page submission to the AttorneyGeneral’s Department in response to the consultation draft of the Family Law Amendment Bill. Following a call out to members for feedback about the Bill, FLPA board members Dan Bottrell, Clare Dart and Matt Taylor worked with me to provide a substantive response to each of the questions posed. I am indebted to these board members for their time, knowledge and efforts. Interested members can review the submission here. If you have additional feedback (whether consistent or contrary), please be proactive – let us know so that we can incorporate that feedback into the preparation of any further submissions in future.

In other news, the 2023 FLPA Retreat is now just around the corner and early bird registrations are available now until 28 April. Don’t miss the great savings on the early bird rate as well as the discount for those members in the early stages of their careers, and those members practising further afield. We’ve just released the Retreat program which incorporates a stellar line up of family law speakers and chairs (including a number of judicial officers from both Queensland and interstate).

The program also includes some fantastic presenters

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT cont.

from areas external to family law – including A detailed look at defamation presented by Sue Chrysanthou SC; Criminal issues arising in property and parenting matters presented by Nick Dore and Chris Minnery; and Succession and family law: Out of your depth? presented by Caite Brewer and Jody Pezet – carefully chosen to complement the family law topics.

Finally, you will pleased to hear that the muchanticipated Friday night social evening planning is well underway with a larger venue able to accommodate the all-important dance floor that has been missed in recent years. Pack your dancing shoes.

In this edition, I am also excited to announce the winner of the FLPA / College of Law PLT Scholarship for 2022, Stephanie Walton. Awarded for the third time this year, the scholarship is a relatively recent but welcome addition to the annual prizes which FLPA offers. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie recently, and she is enthusiastic about taking up all of the opportunities that the scholarship provides.

The first quarter of the year brought with it the first of our Twilight series presented by barristers Kathryn McMillan KC and Kylie Chesterman as well as the very recent Meet the Silks social function. Both events were well attended and are great examples of the diversity of events that FLPA arranges. Thanks again to the Hon. Michelle May KC, the Hon. Colin Forrest SC, Kathryn McMillan KC, Philip Looney KC,

Michael Drysdale KC and Douglas Campbell KC for taking time out on a Friday night to mingle and meet with members.

Coming up later in the year:

• a Twilight seminar/webinar to be presented in May by the ever-entertaining James LinklaterSteele;

• a reprise of the Meet the Associates social event, which was so successful in 2019;

• a FLPA in Central Queensland event to be held in Mackay in early September; and

• a FLPA in the Tropics event happening in Mission Beach during late October.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Retreat. I have been excited to note more than 200 registrations in the first week alone and in the absence of a published program.

As always, please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns.

Rebecca Horsley FLPA President

FLPA will be using social media a little more to get our messages out to members. If you’re an Instagram user, follow us! Tell your friends and colleagues!

Remember we’re also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

2023 FLPA RETREAT JUST AROUND THE CORNER

The finishing touches are coming together and we've just announced the program for the 2023 FLPA Retreat.

With a bigger venue at QT on the Gold Coast, the 2023 Retreat offers a fresh feel and larger capacity to accommodate greater numbers – something we’ve been needing for a while as we have sold out our Retreat in record time each year.

With 10 hours of CPD content developed by family law practitioners for family law practitioners, this year’s Retreat sessions will include thought-provoking plenary sessions, and valuable technical and practical sessions in different streams.

One keynote speaker this year is Brisbane-raised multi-award-winning author and journalist Leigh Sales. Long-running presenter of the ABC’s 7.30 Report, Leigh now anchors the ABC’s much-loved Australian Story.

One of Australia’s most respected journalists, Leigh will captivate and entertain delegates with poignant stories of how ordinary people endure the unthinkable from one of her four books Any Ordinary Day: Blindsides, Resilience, and What Happens After the Worst Day of Your Life. The day that turns a life upside down usually starts like any other, but what happens the day after?

As a journalist, Leigh often encounters people experiencing the worst moments of their lives in the full glare of the media. But one particular string of bad news stories – and a terrifying brush with her own mortality – sent her looking for answers about how vulnerable each of us is to a life-changing event. What are our chances of actually experiencing one? What do we fear most and why? And when the worst does happen, what comes next?

Leigh has interviewed every living Australian Prime Minister and innumerable world leaders and celebrities from Hillary Clinton and Tony Blair to Paul McCartney and Elton John.

She’s smart, witty and entertaining and we can’t wait to welcome Leigh to this year’s Retreat.

In addition to Leigh Sales, delegates will also have the benefit of speakers from the Courts include Judge McArdle, Judge Beckhouse, Judge Firth and Appeals Judicial Registrar Kane. There will also be an abundance of Counsel presenting, including the Hon Michael Kent KC, the Hon Colin Forrest SC, Phil Looney KC, Michael Drysdale KC, Sue Chrysanthou

SC, Tedd Jordan, Greg Shoebridge, Caite Brewer, Simone Fraser, Philip Sorensen, Chris Minnery, Matt Taylor, Bruce Dodd, Avelina Tarrago and Jody Pezet.

FULL PROGRAM OUT NOW

Early bird full registrations are now open with the great value member price of $995. This rate includes:

• attendance at all Retreat sessions

• access to the Trade Exhibition on Thursday, Friday and Saturday

• daytime catering on Friday and Saturday

• one ticket to the Welcome Drinks on Thursday

• one ticket to the FLPA Social Function on Friday

• optional attendance to the complimentary yoga session on Saturday

• one ticket to the Post-Retreat Drinks on Saturday.

So, get in quickly and secure your early bird rate now.

GENEROUS DISCOUNTED RETREAT REGISTRATION FOR EARLY CAREER AND REGIONAL MEMBERS

FLPA is very pleased to announce a $145 discount to registration for members who are less than five years post-admission (specifically a date of admission on or after 8 June 2018) and members whose practice is based more than 300km from Surfers Paradise.

FLPA is offering the discount to improve access to the Retreat for a greater portion of our membership base. The Retreat will offer a third concurrent stream –specifically tailored to early career members – on the Saturday of the conference. Due to room capacity restrictions, the early career professionals’ discount will be capped at 180 registrations.

BOOK NOW

ONLY A FEW RETREAT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES REMAINING

Sponsorship opportunities for the Family Law Retreat are selling out quickly with only a few sponsor spots left including Welcome Gift Sponsors and Concurrent Session Sponsors. Both opportunities have multiple sponsors.

As the Welcome Gift Sponsor, you can provide delegates with a welcome gift of your choice upon their arrival at the venue. This unique offer provides excellent exposure as it will make your organisation a constant presence for the duration of the Retreat and beyond. Some Welcome Gift ideas have included:

• Powerbank

• Branded sunscreen

• Branded towel

• Small gift bag with items e.g. trail mix, hand cream, mints, Berocca

• Notepad and pen

• Tote bag

As a Concurrent Session Sponsor, you can align your brand to a specific concurrent session and build brand association. Only a few concurrent session sponsorship opportunities remain available. Once finalised, the program will be provided to enable sponsors to select the concurrent session that best suits their marketing objectives, in consultation with the FLPA Retreat organisers.

HEADS UP SCHEDULED COMCOURTS PORTAL MAINTENANCE AND UNSCHEDULED OUTAGES

Members may have noticed some scheduled maintenance of the ComCourts Portal recently.

PLANNED PORTAL MAINTENANCE

The Courts are making every attempt to schedule system maintenance outside of business hours so as to cause the least amount of disruption to Portal users.

Portal users will be notified of maintenance through the home page of the ComCourts Portal, the Courts’ website as well as social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn.

If you interested in sponsoring the 2023 FLPA Family Law Retreat or taking an Exhibition Booth, take a look at what is still available. You can complete a Sponsorship Agreement Form online or contact Katie at Iceberg Events on katie@icebergevents.com.au for more information.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Once maintenance is completed, Portal users will be able to resume their business with the Court.

UNSCHEDULED OUTAGES

On occasions when there are performance degradation issues and intermittent outages, the Courts will communicate with stakeholders via social media platforms and website notifications. During these unscheduled outages, clients and practitioners can email documents to the local Registry for filing, sealing and uploading. The Registry will file the documents at the earliest opportunity.

WHAT A WAY TO WELCOME 2023!

The Welcome to 2023 – a Celebration of Change event was a wonderful success, despite an unexpected power outage across the entire South Bank precinct!

Held on the Terrace Rooftop Bar at the Emporium Hotel on 2 February 2023, the function acknowledged the remarkable service of Margaret Cassidy, who recently concluded her tenure as a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) and celebrated the arrivals to the Brisbane Registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) of Judge Josephine Willis AM, from her Honour’s previous appointment within the Cairns Registry and Judge Dearne Firth, who was appointed in late 2021.

In addition to being a wonderful celebration of recent changes, this event was also a great opportunity for all practitioners to catch up with other FLPA members after the Christmas break and to bring in a productive new year.

The calm before the storm – FLPA board members Harry McDonald and Hannah Daley wait patiently upstairs while all the guests were stuck downstairs because of a power outage!

JUDGE MCARDLE APPOINTED TO FEDERAL CIRCUIT AND FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA (DIVISION 2)

Former FLPA President, board member and long-time member Jennifer McArdle was appointed as a Judge in the Brisbane Registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) and commenced on 6 February 2023.

Judge McArdle was welcomed to the Courts at a Ceremonial Sitting on Monday 27 February. Many FLPA board members and members attended the Ceremonial Sitting both in person and online to formally congratulate her Honour on the appointment.

Judge McArdle was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1989 and was admitted as a solicitor in the High Court of Australia in 1990. She was called to the Bar in 2010.

In 1987, her Honour commenced her career with Hemming and Hart as an articled clerk and then solicitor until 1995 when she joined Legal Aid Queensland as a solicitor, later becoming Executive Legal Officer in 1998. She was a solicitor with Peter J Sheehy in 1999 then returned to Legal Aid Queensland in 2000 as a solicitor, later as a barrister in 2010.

Judge McArdle has specialised in all aspects of family law and child protection matters. She was a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner from 2009, although had been mediating long before that. She was also an accredited arbitrator through the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators.

FLPA SUPPORTS CLE IN CAIRNS

Always looking for opportunities to support regional members and provide professional development and social opportunities in regional areas, FLPA was pleased to support a half day CLE event in Cairns on Wednesday 15 March run by local family law practitioners.

Thank you to the local organisers including Amanda Millyard, the speakers including Justice Cope and the business card draw hamper prize sponsors and attendees for supporting the event.

In additional to the regional discount being offered to regional members to this year’s Family Law Retreat, FLPA will be hosting a FLPA in CQ on Saturday 2 September in Mackay and a FLPA in the Tropics on Saturday 28th October in Mission Beach.

Stay tuned for more details on these events as they come together.

Judge McArdle

MEMBERS MEET THE SILKS

FLPA was pleased to host a fabulous social evening at Persone Bar at North Quay on Friday 24 March for members to ‘Meet the Silks’.

A unique opportunity for the family law community to engage with many of the King’s Counsel and Senior Counsel who practice in family law in Queensland, the event was particularly relevant and invaluable to early career members or those members who have not yet had the opportunity to work with or meet many of our silks.

A fabulous venue, members engaged with and got to know the silks in an informal and friendly setting.

PLT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER FOR 2022 ANNOUNCED – CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE WALTON

FLPA and the College of Law are delighted to announce Stephanie Walton as the 2022 winner of the FLPA and College of Law Practical Legal Training (PLT) Student Scholarship.

A high achiever, Ms Walton completed her honours law degree at Griffith University in July 2022 after first completing a Bachelor of Business. Currently in a graduate position through the ATO Graduate Program, she has worked in many legal roles throughout her studies including most recently as an Associate to her Honour Judge Willis.

Ms Walton was extremely grateful and appreciative to both FLPA and the College of Law for the scholarship opportunity.

“I am so happy about the scholarship – it really will be foundational in my career advancement,” Ms Walton said.

Keen to pursue a career in family law, Ms Walton said she finds it fascinating on a behavioural level and multifaceted dealing with all aspects of family relationships, parenting issues and complex property pools.

“My new role with the ATO will help me gain a deeper understanding of the taxation implications under the lens of property disputes. This knowledge will place me in a unique position as a family lawyer specialising in property matters one day,” Ms Walton said.

Ms Walton wins not only the equivalent of the fee for undertaking the College of Law Practical Legal Training (PLT) course and $1,000 cash, but also mentoring and a work experience placement over the course of College of Law PLT with a FLPA member to help her attain the work experience component of her practical legal training.

On congratulating Ms Walton, FLPA President Rebecca Horsley said FLPA and the College of Law were very pleased with the high standard of applications for this scholarship, which is now in its third year.

“We very much look forward to continuing this partnership with the College of Law and being able to provide this wonderful opportunity for the next generation of family lawyers,” Ms Horsley said.

The College of Law PLT course is the leading program in Australia for law graduates preparing

for admission to practice and is worth almost $10,000.

Coupled with the cash prize and mentoring, this scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for young practitioners. Completion of this program leads to the award of the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP).

Applications will be open for the 2023 FLPA College of Law PLT scholarship in August 2023 and will be announced via FLPA and College of Law social media and member channels.

Applications are open for FLPA members, which is free for full-time students.

THE HON. TRAVIS LINDENMAYER AWARD WINNER 2022 – SPOTLIGHT ON MARGIE CASSIDY

Margaret Cassidy stepped down as a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) in December 2022 and was the worthy recipient of FLPA’s prestigious Hon Travis Lindenmayer Award.

Awarded to a practitioner who embodies ‘integrity, intellect and industry’ in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the family law profession, the award was presented by FLPA President Rebecca Horsley at the FLPA 'Welcome to 2023' event in early February.

Initially appointed as a State Magistrate in 2005, and subsequently as a then, Federal Magistrate, in December 2007, Margie Cassidy has always been a strong FLPA supporter and regularly spoke at professional development events, Twilights and Retreats.

Prior to her appointments, Margie Cassidy practised for 10 years as a member of the Queensland Bar, focusing on family, criminal, anti-discrimination and industrial law. She studied law while lecturing in biochemistry at QUT and working on various medical research projects with the University of Queensland (UQ).

RoundTable was lucky to chat with Margie about her illustrious and impactful career and her future plans as she re-establishes chambers at Inns of Court and commences practice as a private mediator.

Long-time friend and colleague Judge Leanne Spelleken also shares fond thoughts about Margie.

Tell us how you came to choose a career in family law after studying science?

Sadly, science is not securely funded – research grants were typically only one-to-three-year grants. I was doing research into transplanting across a major histocompatibility carrier which had significant potential to cure juvenile diabetes.

As a single mother with two children, I thought there was more security in law as a career and it looked interesting.

What similarities and differences between the two do you note?

Both industries require significant commitment and careful preparation to get results.

The law gave me an opportunity to mix with a very

wide group of people, some of whom were very colourful. In contrast, science involved mixing with a narrow group of like-minded individuals. Some of them were exceptional.

I was fortunate to spend some time at the John Curtin School at ANU where I met some very respected scientists including Nobel Prize winners.

What was your most memorable case?

One most memorable case that always comes to mind was very public one at the time involving baby Ferouz – the infant son of asylum seekers who had been confined in an Australian detention centre. I was called late one Friday afternoon to determine whether I should grant an interim injunction restraining the Commonwealth of Australia from removing baby Ferouz from Australia back to an off shore detention centre. The Commonwealth of Australia attended by telephone and provided an undertaking to that effect until further order of the court.

Another memorable case is one I can’t identify.

I was trying to buy a train ticket at Roma Street to go to the airport (I am not good with machines). An elderly lady came up to me and said “Are you Judge Cassidy?”. In my flustered and cautious state, I said “No”. She said, “thank you for giving my son time with my grandson… and you can buy a ticket at the ticket office over there”. I mumbled a “thank you”.

I have had a few of these kinds of incidental moments and they are often the most rewarding and memorable.

Who has influenced you most in your career?

I certainly have been significantly influenced by leading scientists in the field of immunology when I worked in that area.

At the Bar though, there were some very able advocates who helped and guided me. The collegiate nature of the Bar was very much a reality.

When I practised as a State Magistrate and as a Federal Magistrate and Judge, I was always able

to put my head around the corner and run a troublesome case past one of the other judges at the Court – this support was invaluable. Although there are many I could mention, Justice Michael Baumann was certainly a standout role model and support. He is so kind and full of energy. I honestly have never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He’s quite exceptional.

All of these attitudes both guided me and influenced me. I hope in some small way I have been able to offer others the support and assistance I have received during my career as a lawyer.

What are you up to now?

Since leaving the bench, I have set up a practice as a mediator. I have seen the stress and financial burden taking a matter to trial can have on parties. I hope to use the experience I have had as a family lawyer and judge to assist parties to an early resolution of their matter.

I have enjoyed returning to my old Chambers at Inns of Court and being able to have a more relaxed relationship with other lawyers. It is more difficult to have easy going contact with lawyers as a judge.

What are your thoughts on the changes to and future of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)?

Any increased funding to the courts that deal with family law is to be commended. The increase in resources in the form of additional registrars is positive. I have concerns that matters will be delayed once they need a judge to hear and determine the trial.

The increased funding has not provided any additional judges. I suspect it will be at the point after the registrars have finished with the matter that there will be an ongoing problem with delays. This will only be remedied by appointing more Judges.

Tell us what the Hon Travis Lindenmayer Award means to you?

The Travis Lindenmayer Award means a lot to me. When I looked at the names of those presented with the award before me, I was humbled to receive this award.

I value it greatly because it has come from the practitioners who appeared in my court when I was a judge. It means a lot to me to be seen as a practitioner who embodies ‘integrity, intellect and industry’ by the profession.

What are your loves outside of your work?

My loves outside work have become more sedate in recent times. I enjoy spending time with my two daughters, grandson and extended family.

I am also a big fan of 'the long lunch' prepared by

me. I have a table on my veranda that seats 12 people and it is always fun to plan and cook a menu for friends and family. The longest lunch I have had finished at 11pm!

My favourite types of food are Middle Eastern food – they have an amazing ability to layer flavours. I am going to Marrakesh in a few weeks’ time and can’t wait to go to the spice markets there. I hope I can bring some spices back.

What are the biggest differences between practising today and 20 years ago?

The biggest differences between practising today and practising 20 years ago is the impact of the digital world. Everything was done on paper, now it’s all email. I miss the paper but I am learning to use more technology. Do not ask my associates to comment on that last sentence!

What do you think it took to be a good family lawyer when you were new to the profession, and what, if anything, has changed today?

A good family lawyer will first and foremost know and understand the law. Of equal importance is to be able to communicate effectively with clients, other colleagues and the bench.

Both of these requirements assume that you will conduct yourself with integrity as both a lawyer and an officer of the court.

Finally, a good lawyer needs to be able to provide frank and fearless advice to the client and not simply take the client’s instructions. It is always preferable

to deal with the client’s disappointment in your chambers rather than in the court room when the judgement is handed down. I do not think the requirements have changed in the last 20-30 years.

What are your thoughts on female representation on the bench, in family law and in law generally?

It is always great to see women in the profession and on the bench. These developments have come a long way since I started as a lawyer. I am pleased to see the number of women at the Bar has greatly increased in the last 30 years. When I first started, I was the only female in Chambers. Now my Chambers on Level 14, Inns of Court has more females than males on the floor.

What’s are the highlights of 30 years of practising family law?

My career highlights have been numerous. I have made some very dear friends that I’ve met through law. Also, it was wonderful to act for some fantastic people as well as some 'interesting ones'.

I had a long and involved brief from the Adult Guardian that moved from the Family Court to the Supreme Court over a number of years. The litigant on the other side was declared vexatious in the Supreme Court. What was interesting was to see how a large number of different Judges dealt with this 'very difficult' man.

Another highlight of my time as a Magistrate was to work up in Cape York. We flew everywhere in light planes and saw some fantastic country – one

trip I was not 100% so the pilot flew at 1,000 feet. It was extraordinary seeing the diverse country so close. I also was privileged to meet many wonderful Indigenous men and women in Aurukun and other areas. I have some beautiful paintings and sculptures from my time working in the Cape.

Highlights are best talked about over a glass of wine so let me know when you next feel like a drop!

INSIGHTS ON MARGIE FROM JUDGE LEANNE SPELLEKEN

Fellow Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) Leanne Spelleken is a long-time friend and colleague of Margie Cassidy. She welcomed speaking about her personal and professional qualities.

I have known Marg a long time – working with her on the bench and sitting in chambers down the hall from her for almost 20 years. I would have to say as her friend and colleague, I have been the beneficiary of one of the kindest and most professional people I have ever met. She’s been there for me both personally and professionally, particularly when I have needed it most. And I know I am not the only one who thinks this about Marg.

Marg also has an extraordinary knowledge of the law, particularly case law, and an exceptional lateralthinking mind.

Marg has a remarkable ability to problem-solve even the most difficult of cases. She has an incredible

work ethic (I know she regularly starts work at 4am in the morning to commence her reading) and a real drive to find a solution, sifting through or 'snorkelling through subpoenas', as she says, to find a way through.

These skills have made her a very good barrister and of course an outstanding judge.

As a judge, you don’t have a lot of tools in your toolbox. I know from the things she’s spoken to me about that she has the uncanny ability to see both sides, 'snorkel' and come up with creative and practical solutions that work. No doubt, this will continue to serve her well in her new role as a mediator.

All the best Marg in your new role. It’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you and to call you my friend.

FIRST TWILIGHT FOR 2023 – WHEN TO WORRY

FLPA’s first Twilight seminar and webinar for 2023 on Thursday 16 March was sold out in person and well attended online through the webinar.

The seminar was presented by Barristers Kathryn McMillan KC and Kylie Chesterman and discussed our ethical obligations in the family law space and gave insights into the following:

• When you should withdraw from a matter and how to do so to comply with our legal and ethical obligations;

• In what circumstances you can disclose client communications (in order to warn); and

• Understanding when you are required to make compulsory notifications.

Thank you to speakers Kathryn and Kylie for your time and value information and of course to Grant Thornton for hosting once again.

If you missed this seminar/webinar or any others,

don’t forget they are available for purchase in FLPA’s Webinar shop online.

The Twilight’s PowerPoint presentation is also available free to download in Members - Presentations, Papers and Reports – Twilight PowerPoint presentations or Twilight seminar papers.

UPCOMING FLPA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & OTHER EVENTS

FLPA FAMILY LAW RETREAT 2023

FLPA’s flagship two-day conference will return to the Gold Coast for 2023.

WHEN: Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 June 2023

WHERE: QT Surfers Paradise

Early bird registration open

Discounts for regional members and early career members

BOOK NOW

FLPA IN CQ

FLPA will bring speakers and select topics north!

WHEN: Saturday, 2 September 2023

WHERE: Mackay (venue to be confirmed)

STAY TUNED FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

FLPA IN THE TROPICS

FLPA will bring speakers and select topics north!

WHEN: Saturday, 28 October 2023

WHERE: Castaways, Mission Beach

STAY TUNED FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CHILD SUPPORT CARE ESTIMATOR

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