Download your guide to a career in family law for everything you need to know about:
What skills matter most to lawyers? As lawyers’ careers progress, technical expertise develops alongside an ability to ‘read’ what a client wants, needs or might not be saying, as well as other skills like negotiation and business development. Yet the ability to make good decisions is often overlooked as a key skill of good lawyers.
Family law matters are deeply personal and may be emotionally charged. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, these challenges can be compounded by cultural considerations and historical disadvantage.
Anyone who has needed to wade through law school essays, summer clerkships, and legal document reviews will know that the world of law can be more tedious than David E Kelly would have us believe. However, like any other competitive pursuit, the Australian legal scene has seen its fair share of historic moments and game changing events.
Insights spoke to Wayne Attrill, a Senior Investment manager with IMF Bentham, a global litigation funding firm, on how litigation funding works alongside lawyers to help meritorious claims, its somewhat controversial history, and its increasing role in resolving disputes.
Don’t we all just love to watch those onscreen lawyers who thrive on flexible ethics, infuriating tactics, and an unorthodox knowledge of the law? They may even remind us of an adversary or two – wink-wink. The College of Law rounds up the top 10 lawyers you love to hate.
Building strong, mutually respectful relationships with your clients helps you fulfil your professional duties – and makes your professional life much easier. Professional rules require practitioners to act honestly and fairly in a client’s best interests and to act with due skill and diligence in service of the client.
It’s a common question: how do you become an in-house lawyer? Is there a good time to make the move? How do you prepare, via secondments or other relevant experience? What qualities make a great in-house lawyer?
In-house is a very different environment to a law firm, especially as most in-house teams are still relatively small – often between three to six lawyers.
Often touted as a lawyer’s secret weapon for success, perfectionism can boost productivity and improve your case results. But there is a shadow to this trait. We spoke with Shona Rowan on how to spot, harness and tackle perfectionism – for a constructive and sustained legal career.
No law firm succeeds without referrals, but new firms often struggle due to a limited client base. To overcome this, many firms partner with related businesses or more established firms. We've compiled four tips to help you to grow your firm through referral partnerships, to establish your reputation and a steady client flow.
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.
Download this guide to learn more about Dispute Resolution in a nutshell, the core expertise of a Dispute Resolution practitioner, the personal strengths of a Dispute Resolution practitioner, related areas of expertise, as well as specialisation options in Dispute Resolution such as Mediation, Family Dispute Resolution, and Collaborative law.
Learn how Jess Grumelart forged a career in family law through a chance encounter at a careers fair - and an LLM in Applied Law (Family Law). We spoke to Jess about her road to family law, how her LLM helped her connect to a community of supportive family lawyers, and what advice she might have for lawyers wondering to align their legal career with their interests and passions.
Ellie Scarf's clients include major multinational law firms and global organisations. Insights spoke to Ellie about what her role involves, and what advice she might have for lawyers and leaders keen to hit peak performance.
Download this guide to learn about a Career in International Arbitration. International arbitration is sometimes called a hybrid form of international dispute resolution, since it blends elements of civil law procedure and common law procedure, while allowing the parties a significant opportunity to design the arbitral procedure under which their dispute will be resolved.
Looking to optimise legal operations and improve service delivery across your firm?Download the course guide. During this course, you’ll cover everything from strategic planning to information governance to financial management. And you’ll walk away with the expertise and confidence to meet today’s legal challenges – head on.
Nawid Cina managed to evacuate more than 100 vulnerable women and children from Australian-run orphanages in Afghanistan when the Taliban took control in 2021. The orphanages were run by Mahboba Rawi’s Australian charity Mahboba’s Promise, the Australian connection put the women and children living at the orphanages at significant risk from the Taliban. A graduate of the College of Law, we spoke to Nawid to learn more about his human rights work and to gain his legal and career insights.
Managing stress and improving your mental health can help you live a better life - in all areas of your life. John Poulsen, former CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, shares some of his research into the role stress plays in our lives, both necessary and unnecessary, and shares his top 12 stress-busting tactics he has observed successful people adopt.
Obtaining clear instructions from your client may seem like a straightforward requirement as a lawyer. However, this can be easier said than done if a client is in a fraught emotional state (and if they are seeing a lawyer this may be the case) or if there are differences in culture. Special Counsel Olamide Kowalik knows this all too well, as part of the Springwood-based Revolution Law team, Olamide advises clients from a wide range of backgrounds. We asked for Olamide’s advice on navigating these issues in order to gain clear instructions.
Space law is a growing field as humanity embraces space exploration with renewed vigour, propelled by private interests and national endeavours. We caught up with Helen Tung, College of Law lecturer in international arbitration, on her pioneering career in space law and to find out about the opportunities available for those interested in exploring the final legal frontier.
The rules governing whether to prepare a land dealing in paper or electronically in NSW can be complex. Here to untangle this complexity is property lawyer and College of Law adjunct lecturer Greg Stilianou, who will step you through what you need to know.
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A recent case before the New South Wales Court of Appeal, Gan v Xie [2023] NSWCA 163, resurfaced issues regarding direct speech, and how it ought to appear in an affidavit. Barrister Jonathan Tsang, a College of Law graduate, spoke to us about the key implications following this decision, and what lawyers need to know moving forward.
You have probably heard it a thousand times before, “confidence is key”. But what does a confident communicator really look like? Research has shown it’s less about ‘what’ you say and more about ‘how’ you say it. Learning to speak clearly and confidently may be hard, but according to Pippa Gardner, Communications Expert and Coach at PG Communications, the results are worth it. Here is Pippa’s Four C Framework to help you speak with influence.
As cyber security becomes the domain of organised crime every Australian individual and business has become an unwilling target. Law firms are rarely early adopters of tech and yet they now face complex cyber security threats. Before you embrace your inner doomsday prepper, we caught up with Lawcover’s Legal Risk Manager, Glenda Carry, to find out how law firms are being targeted by cyber security threats, and what steps they can take to mitigate risk.
With the rise of online learning, it’s easier than ever to collect your CPD points at a time – and place – that suits you. Not all online courses are created equal. So how do you know if an online, or on-demand course will stack up? Here we explore the six markers of an excellent on-demand legal course.
Let’s face it: most of us were drawn to law at least in part because it’s always looked great on TV. Yes, reasons such as “prestige”, “economic prosperity”, and “a desire to contribute to the justice system” may well have been contributing factors, but would the prospect of becoming a lawyer have really seemed so alluring were it not for the efforts of Alan Shore or Alicia Florrick?
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.
If you had the opportunity to sit face-to-face with the Attorney-General for Australia, the Honourable Mark Dreyfus KC MP, what would you ask? What would you want to know? Students and staff at the College of Law’s new international headquarters in Sydney were lucky enough to gain this exciting opportunity.
Family lawyers must be aware of how violence can affect their clients, their client’s case and so be able to identify domestic violence. On 22 September 2023 the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence were released by the Attorney-General’s Department (‘A-G’).
The International Bar Association, The College of Law Australia and The Legal Policy & Research Unit have collaborated to develop a set of e-learning modules designed to assist individuals and organisations make the changes recommended by the 2019 landmark report Us Too? Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession.
Curious about different legal careers? Discover your path as a solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel, or explore roles in NewLaw, courts, community legal centres, government, public notary services, and family dispute resolution. Find the right legal career for you today!
Download your guide to a career in government and public sector law for everything you need to know about government and public sector law in a nutshell, the personal strengths of a government and public sector lawyer, the core expertise of a government and public sector lawyer, related areas of expertise, and career prospects in government and public sector law.
The College delves into the strategies and tactics that lawyers can employ to effectively negotiate salary and conditions. Drawing on insights from certified Executive and Leadership Coach Sue Billen and Mahlab Managing Director Lisa Gazis, we'll explore how to build a strong case for your worth, understand market trends, and navigate the complexities of negotiating with potential employers.
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.
Significant reforms to Family Law have just passed parliament on 19 October 2023.The Family Law Act (1975) is impacted by these Bills - the Family Law Amendment Bill and Family Law (Information Sharing) Bill. We spoke to Family Lawyer and College of Law Adjunct Lecturer Kathryn Kearley about what these reforms involve and what lawyers need to know.
Family Law is undergoing a series of major reforms to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) which involves proposed changes as set out in the Family Law Amendment Bill (No. 2). Family lawyer and College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley provides an overview of the second tranche of reforms which have been moving through a consultation process, this ended on 10 November 2023. Here is a brief covering the Consultation on the Family Law Amendment Bill (No.2) 2023.
Unlock the insider insights to becoming a Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP) in this exclusive recorded webinar by the esteemed experts at the College of Law.
Whether you're a legal professional eager to elevate your skills or a mediator aiming to expand your toolkit, this session covers all the essential details on the journey to becoming an FDRP.
Download your guide to a career in-house for everything you need to know about in-house practice in a nutshell, the personal strengths of an in-house lawyer, the core expertise of an in-house lawyer, related areas of expertise, and career prospects in-house.
Adeline Schiralli, Consulting Principal at Keypoint Law (NSW), is a master of Wills and Estates law. Literally. Adeline traces her journey to specialisation, highlighting the College of Law’s LLM as a crucial step to accreditation.
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.
Download your guide to a career in family dispute resolution practice for everything you need to know about FDR in a nutshell, the personal strengths of a FDR Practitioner, the core expertise of a FDRP, related areas of expertise, and career prospects in FDR.
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.
Jo Bragg, a solicitor in regional Tasmania, started as a generalist lawyer. Her personal experience of separation, along with increasing client demand, prompted her to move into family law. Insights spoke to Jo about what attracted her to family law, what her day-to-day life looks like in practice, and her advice for lawyers looking to move into the area.
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’.
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.
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.
The law concerning off-the-plan purchases can be complex. However, as buyers seek affordable entry points into the property market, this kind of purchase has become more and more common. To help demystify this area of law, we spoke to property lawyer Jane Macdonnell, who is a College of Law lecturer in our popular LLM program.
Becoming a specialist can be a smart career move. It’s a pathway to new knowledge, opportunities and challenges. But it’s also a commitment. So is specialising the right move for you? Learn the ins, outs, and must-knows of specialising – and what you need to know before you take the leap.
Four years ago, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles barely registered, even today many people are left asking – “what is ESG?”. In a nutshell ESG is a framework that is used to assess a businesses’ sustainability and ethical performance. ESG principles are an ever-growing part of doing business today. For those wanting to know more about ESG the College of Law will be holding a free ESG in Australia seminar Thursday 18th of May onsite at the College headquarters in Sydney and online.
Recently, the Supreme Court of New South Wales introduced combined Succession & Probate Lists, applicable to family provision claims and contested probate applications. Queensland is also trialling a Wills and Estates List and there are likely to be further implications for other jurisdictions. We spoke to College of Law Lecturer Josephine Pignataro, Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth, about what you need to know and how this will impact your practice.
Overcoming procrastination is quite simple: passion. There must be an internal desire, not dependent on anything except ourselves. That’s why we enable our learners to choose the courses and practice areas that matter most to them - from family law to advocacy - we’re helping lawyers reclaim their power and focus on the areas that they are passionate about.
In Australia, the legal profession is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and complex demands from clients and employers. Legal operations professionals, not necessarily with legal backgrounds, are pivotal in integrating new technologies, project management, and process improvements to meet modern market needs.
The College delves into the key requirements, steps involved, and potential challenges of cross-qualifying as an Australian lawyer in the UK. We spoke to Duha Al Hassnawi, an Australian foreign lawyer based in London, for her insights on the dual qualification process. Duha is currently enrolled in The College of Legal Practice’s SQE1 prep course.
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.
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.
There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.
The law is a complex field heavily reliant on knowledge, interpretation and advice. This makes for a profession that can have far reaching consequences and, as a result, lawyers are held to high standards. Athol Opas presents annual ethics updates to firms to keep them abreast of recent cases of misconduct and/or common ethical breaches. We spoke to Athol to find out about the most common ethical breaches lawyers should be mindful of and to gain his top tips on complying within ethical obligations.
The College of Law investigates which legal practice areas are most at risk of negligence claims and why. We spoke to Lawcover’s Legal Risk Manager Glenda Carry about the practice areas most affected by negligence claims, what behaviours can lead to adverse claims by clients, and what risk mitigation strategies law practices can put in place.
