The ACT Law Society in collaboration with the ACT Bar Association invites you to join us for a special CPD session with the Honourable Justice Baker, who will deliver insights from the Bench about the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses. Gain practical insights from witness intermediary, Sarah Cocco who will share their perspective on better communication with vulnerable witnesses. Sharyn Hall SC will round out the session with techniques you can use for more effective questioning.
Networking drinks will follow the session.
THE HON JUSTICE BELINDA BAKER
ACT SUPREME COURT
The Honourable Belinda Baker was sworn in as a Justice of the ACT Supreme Court on 25 November 2022.
Her Honour graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws with the University Medal in 2000. In 2003, her Honour was awarded a Sir Robert Menzies Scholarship for study at Harvard University, where she completed a Masters in Law in 2004.
Prior to her appointment at the ACT Supreme Court, her Honour worked as Counsel Assisting the New South Wales Solicitor General and Crown Advocate, as a senior solicitor and solicitor advocate in the New South Wales Crown Solicitor’s Office, and as a barrister in private practice. Her Honour was appointed a NSW Crown Prosecutor in 2016 and a Deputy Senior Crown Prosecutor in 2020.
SHARYN HALL SC
SAMUEL GRIFFITH CHAMBERS
Sharyn Hall SC is a barrister based in New South Wales. She practices predominately at the criminal defence Bar with a particular focus on sexual assault trials.
Before coming to the Bar, Sharyn was a solicitor with the Western Aboriginal Legal Service and Legal Aid New South Wales. Sharyn was called to the Bar in 2007 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2021.
Sharyn has been involved in the introduction of the witness intermediaries and pre-recording of the evidence of child witnesses in NSW since its inception. She continues to sit on the implementation management group overseeing the conduct of these matters. Sharyn has also been involved in the training of lawyers, judges and witness intermediaries throughout Australia.
Sharyn is an experienced advocacy instructor, having taught around Australia and internationally. Sharyn is a senior instructor and Board member of the Australian Advocacy Institute and the current convenor of the criminal stream for the Australian Bar Association Advanced Trial Advocacy Intensive.
SARAH COCCO
ACT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Since 2019, Sarah has worked as a Senior Intermediary at the ACT Human Rights Commission, facilitating the communication of vulnerable individuals in the justice system. She advises police, lawyers, and courts on effective communication strategies and intervenes during evidence-gathering processes to promote meaningful participation and ensure best evidence is obtained. Her earlier career spans the child protection, aged care, and disability sectors.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Critical Psychology), a Diploma of Professional Counselling, and a Bachelor of Laws. She was enrolled as an ACT lawyer in 2023.
In 2024, Sarah was formally recognised by the WA Attorney General for her contributions to the implementation of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA), including the development of the WA Communication Partner Program.
DETAILS
- When: 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Thursday 17 July 2025 (registration opens at 4:30pm)
- Where: ACT Law Society Training Room - Level 1, 5 Constitution Avenue
- CPD: Members receive 1.5 points in core area 3
- Cost: ACT Law society and ACT Bar Association Members $130, Student Members $50, Non-member $180 (price includes networking drinks following the session)
- RSVP by Monday 14 July
- Note: ACT Bar Association members, please contact events@actlawsociety.asn.au to register.
Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.
Event registration terms and conditions
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General
ACT Law Society invoices have payment terms of 14 days. Fees are payable upon registration. A 1.2% surcharge may be incurred on payments processed via credit/debit card. The Society reserves the right to cancel or alter events at its discretion, and in such circumstances, attendees will be notified via email.
Definitions — 'Registration' means any booking given to the Society in writing, on our website, or by phone. 'Member' means any member of the ACT Law Society, including associate members and honorary members. 'New Lawyer' means any member who has held a practising certificate for five years or less. 'CLC' means any member working for a recognised community legal centre, or holding a volunteer practising certificate. 'Student' means any member holding a student membership.
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Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be made in writing, and all cancellations will incur a fee, however, no charge will be incurred for substituting another person. Outside of the cancellation periods given below, a $10 administration fee will be incurred for any cancellation made. If a registered attendee fails to attend without notifying the Society in writing, no credit or refund will be offered and 100% of the total cost will be retained by the Society.
CPD Events — In the case of CPD events held at an venue other than the Law Society, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event. In the case of CPD events held at the Law Society, for cancellations made up to two working days prior to the event, 50% of the total cost will be retained by the Society as a cancellation fee and the balance may be used as a credit towards other CPD events or be refunded. If you choose to keep a credit it will remain valid for 12 months from the event date, after which time it will expire. For cancellations within two working days of the event, no refunds or credits will be applicable.
Webinars — In the case of live or on-demand webinars, as connection details are sent when registration is completed, no refund or cancellation is available.
Social events — In the case of social events, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event.
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Notice of Filming and Photography
Attendees of events consent to filming, photography and sound recording as members of the audience. By registering and attending this event you agree to being filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes
Registration
| Member Registration (live streaming) | $130.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Student Member Registration (in-person) | $50.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Student Member Registration (live streaming) | $50.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Non-member Registration (in person) | $180.00(GST incl.) | Register |
| Non-member Registration (live streaming) | $180.00(GST incl.) | Register |
