(1 point in core area 3 - professional skills)
This CPD session is designed to equip lawyers with practical, experience‑based strategies for effectively engaging with self‑represented litigants in civil proceedings. It addresses the unique challenges that arose when parties appear without legal representation and offers guidance on maintaining professionalism, fairness, and clarity in communication.
Whether participants are new to court practice or seeking to refine their approach, the session provides valuable insights into what the ACT courts expects from practitioners when interacting with unrepresented parties. Led by experienced members of the judiciary and senior lawyers, the session explores key stages of a hearing, common procedural issues, and the ethical considerations involved in ensuring access to justice while upholding practitioners’ duties as advocates.
HELEN BANKS
JUDICIAL REGISTRAR I ACT MAGISTRATES COURT
Helen Banks was appointed as Registrar of the ACT Magistrates Court in June 2020. As Registrar, Helen undertakes quasi-judicial functions for the Magistrates Court, including case managing criminal and civil matters and hearing interlocutory civil applications, applications for protection orders, care and protection proceedings and enforcement. In conjunction with the Chief Magistrate, Helen is also responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Magistrates Court which comprises over 70 employees, including financial and human resource management.
Prior to this appointment, Helen was a principal solicitor at the ACT Government Solicitor, practising primarily in regulatory and employment matters. She was also the chief financial officer within a Commonwealth Department for a number of years.
Helen holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Canberra and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University. She was admitted to practice in 2001.
JAMIE RONALD
BARRISTER I BURLEY GRIFFIN CHAMBERS
Prior to being called to the Bar in 2016, Jamie was a partner in a longstanding Canberra firm where he practiced exclusively in dispute resolution and litigation.
Since coming to the Bar, Jamie has practiced in a variety of areas including Common Law, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Motor Vehicle, Institutional & Historical Abuse cases and has appeared in several Coronal Inquests. Jamie appears regularly in Courts across many States & Territory’s in Australia.
JESSICA CRUISE
SPECIAL COUNSEL I LEGAL AID ACT
Jessica is Special Counsel of the Family Practice at Legal Aid ACT. She practices in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, predominantly as an Independent Children's Lawyer and in the Children's Court, predominantly as a Child Representative. Jessica is a member of the ACT Law Society's Family Law Committee.
DETAILS
- This is an on-demand webinar you can watch at anytime - a link and password will be sent to you when you register
- Cost: Members - $50, Non-members $70
- CPD: Members will earn 1 CPD points in core area 3
- This event was recorded as part of the March Mastery on Wednesday 11 March 2026
- This recording will expire on 31 December 2026
Registration
| Member | $50.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Non-Member | $70.00(GST incl.) | Register |
