In this episode, hosts Emily Ownsworth and Jack Shaw are joined by the Honourable Justice Brasch of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) to share her Honour’s best tips and tricks for advocacy in the family law courts. Drawing on her Honour’s extensive experience as both a barrister and now as a judge, Justice Brasch reflects on what makes an advocate persuasive, common pitfalls to avoid, and the small changes that can make a big difference in court. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for every family law practitioner.

In this episode of FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast, host Emily Ownsworth sits down with family law solicitors Ellie Neuendorf and Jack Shaw to unpack their pivotal first year of working in a family law firm —how they navigated the emotional weight of family law cases, leaned into mentorship and firm culture, and gradually built their professional identity amidst client worries and deadlines. Through relatable stories and candid insights, Ellie and Jack offer valuable lessons on resilience, connection, self-care, and the often-unspoken challenges of starting out in a firm—all delivered with empathy, honesty, and practical advice for new lawyers.

This episode of FLPA TALKS A Family Law Podcast is the next instalment of the recurring series ‘Things I wish I knew’. In this episode, Matt Taylor sits down with experienced practitioner and proud First Nations man Joshua Creamer and Alicia George, a newer member of our profession. Together we discuss the importance of mentorship, representation and community. This is a special podcast episode with two First Nations practitioners and is not to be missed.

In this special episode of FLPA Talks: A Family Law Podcast, we hit the ground at the FLPA Retreat 2025 to bring you a lively vox pop straight from the action. Hear from a range of attendees – including solicitors, barristers, and accountants – as they share their thoughts, insights, and favourite moments from the Retreat. Whether it’s reflections on practice, tips for young professionals, or simply what they loved most about the conference, this episode captures the spirit of connection and learning that defines the family law community in Queensland. We even have a special Q&A with Trent Dalton!

In this episode, Helen Davison sits down with Deanna Musumeci, FLPA's newest regional representative. Together, Helen and Deanna explore the unique challenges and rewards of practising law in regional areas. Deanna shares her personal journey to the bar—navigating that leap while raising young children and the additional challenges of being based in Townsville. She also opens up about overcoming significant health challenges, the realities of juggling a thriving legal career with family life, and what’s ahead for FLPA’s regional initiatives in 2025.

In this episode of FLPA Talks: A Family Law Podcast, hosts Emily Ownsworth and Jack Shaw take you behind the scenes of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia with special guest Amy Ferigo, Associate to the Honourable Justice Baumann.With 14 years of experience, Amy shares her unique insights into the role of an Associate—what the job entails, the challenges, and the rewards. From managing complex and emotionally charged family law matters to supporting judicial officers, Amy offers a rare glimpse into the fast-paced world of the court. She also provides valuable advice for lawyers on how to streamline court proceedings and work effectively with Associates.Whether you're a law student, a family law practitioner, or simply curious about the court system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now!

Deborah Awyzio is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, arbitrator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, as well as a Past President of FLPA.  With over 30 years’ experience in family law, Deborah has a wealth of knowledge to share about preparing your client for a mediation, top tips for the day of mediation, where things can go wrong, insights on the qualities of a good mediator and more.  Whether you are representing clients at mediations, conducting mediations yourself or thinking of becoming a mediator, this podcast is for you.

In this episode, FLPA Board member James Bailey is joined by Sarah Cleeland of Sarah Cleeland Family Lawyers.  Apart from being a family lawyer, nationally accredited mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner, collaborative lawyer and independent children’s lawyer, Sarah is also an experienced parenting coordinator.  Sarah shares her insights about parenting coordination, including whether you can engage the parenting coordinator at an interim stage, the process of engaging the parenting coordinator, costs of the parenting coordinator and positive outcomes for families who have engaged a parenting coordinator.

In this episode, Emily Ownsworth dives into a question that is front of mind for family lawyers at the moment: Am I Ready for Specialist Accreditation? Joining the conversation is Sarah Dibley, Special Counsel at Lander & Rogers, who brings 14 years of exclusive family law experience. As a member of Queensland Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Advisory Committee, Sarah shares expert insights on the accreditation process, and whether this prestigious recognition is the right step for you. Tune in for invaluable advice from a seasoned professional!

In this episode, Helen Davison, barrister-at-law, interviews recently retired District Court Judge and Judge of the Planning and Environment Court, Michael Rackemann. He shares his advice on many topics, including: How not to infuriate a judge and advocacy tips The challenges facing judges Working in areas of the law which expose judges and practitioners to distressing content. Lastly, retired Judge Rackemann speaks about mental health and his own health challenges. This is a powerful interview, not to be missed.  His speech entitled “How to infuriate a judge” can be accessed here: Speech—How to infuriate a judge. If you require assistance, the following services are available to the public and members of the Law Society of Queensland and the Bar Association of Queensland: In an emergency call “000” Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 support. Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. For members of the Law Society of Queensland: LawCare - www.qls.com.au/Services/Personal-Services/LawCare For members of the Queensland Bar Association: Bar Care - qldbar.asn.au/baq-cms/bar-care For other resources on mental health for lawyers visit qls.com.au/Practising-law-in-Qld/Resources/Resilience-and-wellbeing/resources-for-individuals

Responding to domestic violence has been one of the great legal and legislative challenges of recent times. With both state and Federal Governments passing recent legislation aiming to reflect our understanding of the nature of this violence and better respond to it. In this episode, FLPA Board member and Secretary Matt Taylor talks with Nadia Bromley, CEO of Women’s Legal Service QLD, to discuss recent changes, what they had seen and what they hoped to see from the State Legislation. And, if that’s not enough he also talked to Barrister Reimin Hii to look at how some of our Pacific neighbours are responding to the challenge.

This episode is the second in our recurring series of podcasts called Things I Wish I Knew. In this series, FLPA Secretary and barrister Matt Taylor brings together a senior member of the profession with a practitioner earlier in their career, and invites them to chat. In this episode, Neil McGregor talks with new barrister Blake Hatchman.

In this episode ‘Bar, Bench and Mediation, FLPA Board Member Amy Honan talks to former Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) Judge, Margaret (Margie) Cassidy. With a career that spans nearly two decades on the bench—first as a State Magistrate and later as a Federal Magistrate and Judge—Margie has been a prominent figure in the family law arena. Now, in her new role as a mediator and arbitrator, she brings a fresh perspective to resolving family law disputes. Tune in as Margie shares reflections from her time on the bench, her transition to mediation and arbitration, and her thoughts on the evolving landscape of family law. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuances of family law, alternative dispute resolution, and Margie’s unique journey from judge to impartial mediator.

This episode of FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast is the first of a recurrent podcast series called ‘Things I wish I knew'. In episodes in this series, FLPA Secretary and barrister Matt Taylor brings together a senior member of the profession with a comparatively less experienced practitioner, and invites them to chat. In this episode of ‘Things I wish I knew’, solicitor, parenting co-ordinator and long term FLPA member Sarah Cleeland talks with her ‘padawan’ from Life Law Solutions on the Sunshine Coast, Tanisha Watts.

Bruce Dodd is a highly experienced and respected barrister working in family law in Queensland.  Prior to coming to the bar, Bruce was an Accredited Family Law Specialist and solicitor for over two decades practising in all areas of family law.  If you’ve ever considered what it's like “on the other side” as a barrister, tune in to hear Bruce talk with FLPA President Shannon Daykin to discuss his journey, his work, his move to the bar and insights gained along the way. 

Expert reports provide important independent analysis and information about issues in dispute in family law matters. Given the significant weight and value placed on an expert report, it is important that you engage the expert in the right way to make sure that any report considers all the issues you think are relevant.     In this podcast, James Bailey is joined by Joe Box of Grant Thornton Partners.  Joe is an Accredited Business Valuation Specialist and Forensic Accounting Specialist with Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand.  For over 20 years, Joe has been involved in preparing expert witness reports including valuations in family law matters. In this episode, Joe shares his insights about the things he sees you can do to get the most out of your expert.  Joe will provide insight about whether to engage a shadow expert before a joint expert and the options for getting further information from your expert including the underutilised option of a conference with your expert.  This is an important episode for all family lawyers look got get the most of their expert accountant.

Queensland became the second jurisdiction in Australia to pass laws to criminalise coercive control as a stand-alone offence.  The legislation will come into force in 2025 and there are myriad issues that family lawyers will need to consider when advising and representing clients.  In this episode, Shannon Daykin is joined by Queensland Law Society President, Rebecca Fogerty.  Rebecca is a partner of Jasper Fogerty Lawyers and an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.  Rebecca shares her insights on the new coercive control laws and discusses some previous changes to the domestic violence legislation in Queensland.  A must listen episode for any family lawyer as Rebecca raises some important issues surrounding the new legislation which may extend to certain aspects of financial matters in family law.

FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast is the Family Law Practitioners Association’s latest member benefit. These free podcasts explore the issues that impact on the practice and well being of family law practitioners.  We hope FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast episodes not only inform and inspire you, but encourage you to reach your potential.