This session is proudly hosted in collaboration with the ACT Bar Association, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting practitioners in criminal law practice.
Due to the overwhelming state of criminal lists and the desire for proactive case management, there seems to be an increasing incidence of clients entering guilty pleas only to subsequently traverse the plea at the time of sentencing.
This is resulting in an increase in the number of applications to change a plea. The reality is that the Court allowing an accused to change a plea from guilty to not guilty is almost exceptional. This creates problems for both the client and practitioner because in relation to the latter, there is a risk of clients lodging formal complaints.
John Masters of Counsel has recently been briefed to appear in several applications for a change of plea and is delivering a 1-hour presentation in relation to the law, procedure and strategy in making an application. He will highlight the different approaches taken in NSW and the ACT.
JOHN MASTERS
BARRISTER I BLACKBURN CHAMBERS
John is a criminal law barrister at Blackburn Chambers. John concentrates on financial matters, which requires detailed analysis.
He acts for governments and agencies in major international asset recovery, and is on a number of international panels for anti-money laundering training.
Before joining Blackburn Chambers, John was an international prosecutor and reached the level of Specialist Crown Advocate in the United Kingdom and Senior Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands. He has worked on major covert operations in the UK, Cayman Islands and joint international operations, including with the FBI.
He has UK accreditation for Direct Public Access. He has a current practising certificate as a Direct Access Barrister in the United Kingdom and is willing to accept briefs in the UK from Australian firms who need representation in England or Wales.
He also has a record of publishing and is regularly called upon to deliver both domestic and international seminars. John is regularly recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a leading ACT Criminal Law Barrister.
DETAILS
- When: Tuesday 11 November 2025 I 5:00pm - 6:30pm (registration opens at 4:30pm)
- Where: ACT Law Society Training Room - Level 1, 5 Constitution Avenue
- CPD: Members receive 1 points in core area 4
- Cost: ACT Law society and ACT Bar Association Members $120, Student Members $45, Non-member $170 (price includes networking drinks and nibbles 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.
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Social events — In the case of social events, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event.
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Registration
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In-person Registration Options
Member Registration (in-person) $120.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Student Member Registration (in-person) $45.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Non-member Registration (in person) $170.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart -
Live Streaming Registration Options
Member Registration (live streaming) $120.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Student Member Registration (live streaming) $45.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Non-member Registration (live streaming) $170.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
