What we do

The Family Law Committee brings together young family lawyers throughout NSW and has a number of broad objectives, including monitoring and responding to proposed changes or issues in the family law jurisdiction and organising events and publications on issues relating to family law. Over the past year, the committee has been particularly active in preparing submissions on behalf of the young lawyer body in relation to proposed changes to family law legislation and policies. The Family Law Committee also provides members with the opportunity to discuss issues, share experiences, build and develop knowledge and form networks within the industry.

Our initiatives

• The Family Law Committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss current trends, share ideas in relation to issues that members face in their day to day roles and to discuss proposed changes or issues in the family law jurisdiction.
• The committee regularly arranges educational events for members, including the most popular event in the Family Law calendar, the Professional Skills Series. These events are held throughout the year and enable members to focus on practical skills. Past speakers have included judicial officers, barristers and senior practitioners, each bringing their own experience and insight to the group.
• The committee regularly prepares submissions and open letters to the State and Federal government confronting issues in the Family Law sector.
• The committee holds various networking events throughout the year with the aim of bringing together young family lawyers who may not otherwise confer with one another in a social setting.
• The committee runs a day long course, ‘Confidence in the Courtroom’ once every two years. Young lawyers are invited to attend this program which is run by judges, barristers and solicitors. The program entails practical workshops where young lawyers engage in mock hearings run by judges, barristers and solicitors and are provided with feedback in an informal environment.

Who we are

Chair: Deena Palethorpe
Vice Chair: Natasha Heathcote
Secretary: Nicole Sloane

What’s happening

Please visit our Facebook page to view our upcoming events.