2026 Family Law Conference

Hosted by the ACT Law Society’s Family Law Committee join us for a full-day Family Law Conference exploring key developments shaping practice in the ACT. The program brings together leading practitioners and judicial insight across a range of contemporary topics, from recent case law updates and interim hearings to ethical decision-making under pressure, and judicial bias and disqualification. With opportunities to connect throughout the day, the conference offers valuable learning and practical guidance for family law practitioners at all stages of their careers. 

2026 Family Law Conference

TIME 

SESSION TITLE 

10:00am

Registrations Open

10:25am

Welcome and Introduction

10:30am - 11:30am 

Latest & Greatest: The ACT Perspective
Presented by Graeme Blank, Blackburn Chambers
1 point in core area 4

Barrister Graeme Blank will present on some of the recent family law decisions, with a particular focus on appellate matters on appeal from Canberra matters.

11:30am – 11:50am 

Morning Tea 

11:50am - 12:50pm 

Confidential Information & Family Law Proceeding
Presented by Andrew Berger KC
1 point in core area 1

Family law practitioners regularly handle sensitive information that is subject to strict confidentiality obligations and legal restrictions. This practical session explores the scope of the Harman obligation, the express undertaking attached to subpoenaed material, and the limitations on the use of police, child protection, counselling, family dispute resolution, and expert report evidence. This session will also examine publication restrictions, suppression orders, and the circumstances in which family law material may be used in other proceedings. The session will conclude with practical guidance and risk-management tips for navigating these issues in everyday practice.

12:50pm - 1:50pm

Lunch

1:50pm - 2:50pm  

Ethics in the FCFCOA: Recent Judicial Warnings for Family Lawyers
Presented by Jessica Wynd, Parker Coles Curtis and Stafford Whitfield, Blackburn Chambers
1 point in core area 1

Recent decisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia have highlighted the significant ethical obligations placed on family law practitioners and the serious consequences that can arise when those obligations are not met. This session will examine key cases involving solicitor and counsel misconduct, providing practical insights into the professional standards expected of family lawyers.

2:50pm - 3:50pm

Judicial Bias/ Disqualification Applications – Case Law and Application in Family Law Practice
Presented by The Hon. Justice Simpson
1 point in core area 4

This presentation will address the key principles in relation to disqualification applications for perceived bias.  Topics covered include the nature of actual and apprehended bias, the concept of the fair-minded lay observer, and the timing and procedure of recusal applications.  Throughout the presentation, attention will be drawn to relevant case law and legislation to assist family law practitioners to develop their practical skills as well as theoretical understanding of recusal applications.

3:50pm - 4:10pm 

Afternoon Tea

4:10pm - 5:10pm 

Interim Hearings in Family Law
presented by Senior Judicial Registrar Hiles, FCFCOA and Gavin Howard, Blackburn Lecture and Merrilyn (Mell) Davis, Burley Griffin Chambers
1 point in core area 3

Interim hearings are an important part of family law practice. This two-part series is designed to help practitioners develop the skills and confidence to prepare for and run interim hearings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. 

Part 1 presented at the conference will focus on the key principles of interim applications, including preparation, evidence, case strategy and advocacy. 

Part 2 will be held separately on 10 September 2026, is designed specifically for early career lawyers and builds on the Court’s annual advocacy training program. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a mock interim hearing, gaining practical experience presenting submissions and receiving guidance on effective courtroom advocacy. 

Ideal for family lawyers looking to strengthen both their understanding and practical advocacy skills in interim proceedings.  

5:10pm - 5:45pm  

Networking
 

  

This event is proudly supported by Vincents

DETAILS

  • When: Wednesday 19 August 2026  I  10:30am - 5:45pm
  • Where: ACT Law Society Training Room - Level 1, 5 Constitution Avenue
  • RSVP: Friday 14 August
  • CPD: Members receive 5 points
  • Cost: Members $400, Student Member $110, Non-member $560

Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.

 

MEET THE SPEAKERS

THE HON. JUSTICE SIMPSON

FEDERAL CIRCUIT AND FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA

The Honourable Justice Di Simpson was appointed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) in February 2025.  Prior to her appointment, she was a solicitor with more than 30 years’ experience in family law and in 2007, was a founding partner of DDCS Lawyers in Canberra.  At the time of her appointment, she was the immediate past Chair of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (a position held from 2021 to December 2024).  Justice Simpson was the recipient of the Law Council of Australia President’s Award in 2023 for her contributions to family law and advocacy.

 

SENIOR JUDICIAL REGISTRAR HILES

SENIOR JUDICIAL REGISTRAR  I  FEDERAL CIRCUIT AND FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Senior Judicial Registrar Hiles commenced working in family law in 2008 in Newcastle before also taking up a role as a solicitor with a specialist family law firm in Canberra the next year. Immediately prior to joining the Family Law Courts in August 2021, Senior Judicial Registrar Hiles worked as the Deputy Head of Family Law Practice at Legal Aid ACT. She has attained a Master of Laws (Family Law) and is an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Senior Judicial Registrar Hiles was an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) for many years, part of the teaching panel for ICLs nationally and is currently Chair of the ACT ICL Advisory Committee. Senior Judicial Registrar Hiles was appointed as a Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court at the Canberra Registry in 2021 and was sworn in as a Senior Judicial Registrar in September 2025.

 

ANDREW BERGER KC

BARRISTER & ACCREDITED MEDIATOR  I KEY CHAMBERS 

Andrew was called to the private bar in 2022. Before this, he worked as a solicitor and an in-house counsel in the dispute resolution group of the Australian Government Solicitor for over 20 years. He consistently appears on the Doyles Guide leading barrister lists across a range of areas including Family Law, Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Employment and WHS. He enjoys helping his clients find practical and efficient solutions to their legal problems. Andrew is a keen golfer and thrives on the mental challenge of both golf and the law!    

 

GRAEME BLANK

BARRISTER  I  BLACKBURN CHAMBERS 

Graeme is a barrister at Blackburn Chambers practising predominantly in the areas of succession and guardianship, commercial/equity, insolvency, and family law. He has been recognised by Doyles Guide as a leading junior counsel in those areas since 2016.  He regularly appears in State Supreme and Federal Courts. Graeme is also a nationally accredited mediator and conducts mediations in the areas of estates and family provision, commercial / corporate, family law and personal injury disputes. Graeme was also a member of the ANU Law School faculty for 20 years teaching in the GDLP and in Masters courses on advocacy, family law and insolvency law. He is now a sessional lecturer with the College of Law.

 

MERRILYN (MELL) DAVIS

BARRISTER  I  BURLEY GRIFFIN CHAMBERS

Merrilyn is a graduate of Sydney University, obtaining her law degree in 1997 and admission to the Supreme Court Roll in June 1998. Merrilyn joined the Canberra legal community in 1999 when she moved from the NSW to the ACT Women’s Legal Centre. She worked in private practice in a firm specialising in Family Law before joining the Family Law team at Legal Aid in 2002. Merrilyn’s experience of representing a high number of clients in complex litigation matters in the family, domestic violence and care jurisdictions has provided a strong foundation for her joining the bar in 2017. In particular, Merrilyn has been trained and practiced as an independent children’s lawyer since 2003, which brings a specialised perspective to her work in children’s matters.

 

GAVIN HOWARD SC

BARRISTER I  BLACKBURN CHAMBERS

Gavin is a barrister at Blackburn Chambers, Canberra. He specialises in Family Law. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1993 and was called to the Bar in 2010. He is also a member of the ACT Law Society’s Family Law Committee (since 1999) and the Professional Standards Committee – previously known as the Complaints Committee (since 2013) as well as chair of the Bar Association’s Family Law Committee since 2020. He is a regular presenter on Family Law and Ethics topics.

 

STAFFORD WHITFIELD

BARRISTER I  BLACKBURN CHAMBERS

Stafford is a dedicated barrister and mediator with extensive experience in family law, civil law and criminal law. He brings a wealth of knowledge and keen analytical skills to each case, with a particular focus on courtroom advocacy. His career includes roles as a principal lawyer with the ACT Integrity Commission, as well as positions as both a prosecutor and defence solicitor. Stafford holds a Juris Doctor from The University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, where he excelled academically. Known for his meticulous preparation and persuasive advocacy, Stafford has a strong courtroom presence and is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair outcomes for his clients. He has significant experience working with vulnerable and marginalised individuals, advocating for their rights and providing them with robust legal representation.

 

JESSICA WYND

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR I  PARKER COLES CURTIS

Jess is a highly regarded family lawyer known for her calm presence, thoughtful communication and strategic approach to resolving complex disputes. Accredited as a Family Law Specialist by the Law Institute of Victoria, she has practised exclusively in family law across Canberra, Darwin and Melbourne, leading teams and advising clients on property settlements, parenting matters and financial agreements. Jess combines strong advocacy with genuine empathy, helping clients navigate challenging circumstances with confidence. Her extensive leadership experience and commitment to professional excellence make her a trusted adviser to families facing complex legal issues.

 

Event registration terms and conditions

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.

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.

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

The ACT Law Society and it's external providers for catering takes all precautionary steps to ensure dietary, religious and allergen requirements are met, however ACT Law Society cannot guarantee that allergens will not be present in selected and/or provided food.

 

Registration

Full-day Member Registration (in-person) $400.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Full-day Student Member Registration (in-person) $110.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Full-day Non-member Registration (in-person) $560.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Full-day Member Registration (live streaming) $400.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Full-day Student Member Registration (live streaming) $110.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Full-day Non-member Registration (live streaming) $560.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Member Single Session Registration (live streaming) $100.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Student Member Single Session Registration (live streaming) $25.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Non-member Single Session Registration (live streaming) $140.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
 

Schedule

Speakers

Sponsors & Supporters

The 2026 Family Law Conference is proudly supported by Vincents.

For decades, Vincents has been recognised as trusted experts in forensic accounting and litigation support, working alongside counsel, instructing lawyers and their clients in complex family law matters. Our team provide independent, evidence-based financial opinions and expert reports.

We recognise successful dispute resolution often depends on how well an expert understands the issues and presents their opinions in a clear and compelling narrative. Drawing on expertise in forensic accounting, economics, data analytics, financial analysis and investigative research, we gather and analyse the evidence that underpins our opinions.

Whether the matter involves valuations, financial investigations, mediations or quantifying net matrimonial pools, we ensure legal teams navigate complex financial issues with confidence. Our focus is on delivering clear, reliable and persuasive insights that support informed decision-making and effective dispute resolution whilst upholding the value of the clients’ experience.

Contact Vincents Forensic & Litigation experts for advice at every angle.

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