Want to make CPD easy this year? Then look no further. Attend the whole day live in Canberra and then choose your core competency session from our extensive list of online programs. The 10 CPD Points Bundle is specifically tailored for you with exceptional local experience and expertise in a variety of areas of law. Unpack the current concerns in estates law, family, property and commercial law. Plus, gain an update in contracts, consumer and employment law developments. 

Presenters

Mr. James Brewster, Barrister and Court Appointed Mediator, ACT Magistrates Court
James (Jim) Brewster practices as a mediator in a wide range of matters and as an arbitrator in family law matters. Until his retirement in July 2016 he was a judge of the Federal Circuit Court having been appointed to the bench in 2000. Prior to that he was a barrister with a wide ranging practice including family law, criminal law, estate disputes, contractual disputes, commercial tenancy matters and personal injury claims.


Mr. Kellin Kristofferson, Principal, Artisan Law
Kellin believes firmly in the duty of solicitors to make the law understandable. Having witnessed the consequences poor preparation can have for even apparently simple Wills, he is dedicated to ensuring that his clients' wishes are carried out, and that they are empowered to make important decisions. Having previously worked pro bono and in connection with charities, Kellin also believes in the need for quality services that are affordable for all clients.


Mr. John Larkings, Barrister, Blackburn Chambers
John Larkings was admitted in 2003 and recently joined the ACT Bar having been a solicitor in a prominent legal firm in Canberra for over 11 years. As a solicitor, he was a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation Law, and was listed in Doyle's Guide as a recommended Canberra Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyer in 2016 and 2017. His background is predominantly in the conduct of commercial litigation, including contract disputes, Corporations Act matters, and equity. His practice in property-related litigation has included matters involving title disputes, enforcement of securities and judgments against real property, the removal of caveats, lessee make-good obligations (including environmental issues), and the duties of mortgagees in effecting seizure and sale orders.


Ms. Mei Ying Barnes, Barrister, Level Twenty Seven Chambers
Mei Ying Barnes has a broad commercial practice, with a focus on building and construction, competition and consumer and property disputes. Prior to her call to the bar in 2018, Mei worked as an associate to the Hon. Justice Margaret Wilson of the Supreme Court of Queensland, and as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills. Mei has acted for Australian and international clients on complex construction disputes, civil penalty proceedings and general commercial disputes in State and Federal Courts. Mei holds a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from the Australian National University, and a Master of Laws as a James Kent Scholar from Columbia University, New York.


Mr. David Toole, Special Counsel, Lexmerca Lawyers
David Toole is a highly regarded and experienced Canberra lawyer having been in practice in the ACT for over 20 years after practising in New South Wales for 6 years. In 2016 David completed a Masters in Wills and Estates with the College of Law (NSW). In addition to having extensive knowledge in the field of Estate Planning, David has a passion for assisting clients to put in place an effective estate plan. David has a good working relationship with a number of local accountant and financial planners. He utilises those connections to bring comprehensive and tax effective solutions for our estate planning clients. Building on his Property Law expertise, David is able to work closely with clients that are transitioning to retirement or aged care accommodation. David was the Deputy Chair and a Board Member of DUO Services Australia Limited before its recent merger. He is also an Associate Member Taxation Institute of Australia.


Mr. Bede Webster, Legal Practitioner, Just Dispute Resolution
Bede Webster is the principal of Just Dispute Resolution, a legal practice that deals almost exclusively in the resolution of civil disputes across a wide spectrum of law including commercial, corporate, government and family law. Bede completed his Master of Laws degree at the University of New South Wales in 2012 specialising in Dispute Resolution. Bede's approach to dispute resolution is to apply the right resolution technique, at the right time in the process for the given dispute and parties. Prior to being admitted as a lawyer, Bede spent 20 years in Information Technology and as a result, information technology is well integrated into his practice. In addition to his legal qualifications, Bede has degrees in Civil Engineering and Art History.


Dr. Juliet Behrens, Barrister, Burley Griffin Chambers
Juliet is a nationally recognised expert in family law. She practised as a solicitor from 2009-2016, specialising in family law, including family law litigation. She was called to the ACT Bar in 2017. Juliet is an accredited mediator under the NMAS. She has completed the national Independent Children Lawyers’ training. Between 1991 and 2010 Juliet was a legal academic at the Australian National University. She has authored many family law publications, including as co-author of Australian Family Law: The Contemporary Context (Oxford University Press), which is now in its second edition and is prescribed reading in Australian law schools. She is an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne where she teaches Family Law in the JD program, and a long-standing member of the Editorial Board of the Australian Journal of Family Law.


Mr. Peter Dascarolis, Partner, Terracon Legal
Peter has a decade of experience acting on a range of structured property transactions, in which he has assisted with the leasing, divestment, acquisition, and development of real property. Peter started his career at Trinity Law in Canberra working for private development groups before joining Blake Dawson (now Ashurst) in 2011. Peter then relocated to Mills Oakley as one of the first nine employees to open the firm’s office in Canberra. Peter was one of just eight finalists nationally in the “Young Gun of the Year” category at the 2015 Australian Law Awards. In April 2018, Peter made the move to open a boutique property firm, Terracon Legal.


Ms. Vanessa Flowers, Principal, McInnes Wilson Lawyers
Vanessa is a Principal in the firm’s Commercial division, providing advice to Commonwealth Department’s and Agencies and private clients. She provides pragmatic advice to her clients and has been involved in negotiating significant and high-value contracts for utility providers, corporate entities and individuals. Vanessa has been part of a team providing probity advice on high-value and sensitive procurement processes for Commonwealth Agencies and Departments. She also advises on Commonwealth grant processes. Vanessa establishes strong relationships with her clients by being approachable and working closely with them to achieve the best outcome.


Mr. Ian Metz, Barrister, Blackburn Chambers
Ian has particular expertise in employment law, commercial law, equity and trusts, tax law, and wills and estates. Ian was called to the Bar in 2020. He began his career as a solicitor at Gilbert + Tobin and was a tipstaff in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court. Ian has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide in multiple categories in 2022 and 2023.