The numbers of domestic violence matters are exploding. Explore representing clients on both sides of domestic violence matters plus the relationship with Family law matters. Gain effective courtroom strategies including practical insights into cross examining expert witnesses and analyse recent sentencing decisions. Beyond legal updates, this practical guide also gives you real advice that you can implement in the best interests of your clients.

Presenters

Sharon Auburn, Barrister-at-Law, Albert Wolff Chambers
Sharon is a Barrister at Albert Wolff Chambers (Fourth Floor). She accepts briefs in all family law matters and criminal law matters. She regularly represents clients in Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Court trial matters. She has also done Appeal work. She has experience in dealing with murder manslaughter and serious criminal matters. Sharon was admitted to practice in 1991. She had her own law firm in Broome for 15 years and has worked in Perth for Frichot and Frichot as a Consultant and then as Special Counsel at Robertosn Halyes Lawyers. Sharon was called to the Bar in 2018.


Katherine Bromfield, Legal Practitioner Director, Bromfield Family Law
Katherine Bromfield is an experienced family lawyer and Director of Bromfield Family Law. Katherine represents clients in respect of parenting and financial issues arising from separation and the associated proceedings in the Family Court of Western Australia and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Katherine has a special interest in family violence, in particular the dynamics of coercive control and systems abuse, and regularly appears in restraining order proceedings in the Magistrates Court of WA. Katherine’s practice also extends to the Protection and Care jurisdiction of the Children’s Court of WA, representing respondent parents and foster parents. Katherine completed her Articled Clerkship and found her feet as a junior lawyer at Legal Aid WA, gaining experience in both criminal law and family law, then worked at a number of different private family law firms before starting her own family law practice in 2020. Family law disputes damage families and Katherine is committed to finding alternative pathways to litigation and practical solutions which allow families to move forward. Katherine is trained in mediation and collaboration and is currently serving as Vice President of Collaborative Professionals WA.


Shirley Casey, Barrister, Albert Wolff Chambers
Shirley is a barrister specialising in criminal law. Shirley has practiced exclusively in criminal and traffic law since her admission to practice. She was a Senior Associate of a national law firm before joining a boutique criminal law practice in 2019. She brings with her a wealth of experience and fights tirelessly for her clients. Shirley is originally from the UK and moved to Australia to practice law. Shirley has the capacity to think clearly in high pressure Court hearings and the ability to clearly explain complex legal matters to her clients in a way they understand. Shirley particularly enjoys advocacy and has represented clients in both Magistrate and District Court jury trials. Shirley has appeared in all Courts in Western Australia and robustly defends her clients’ interests in Court without fear or favour.


Katherine Dowling, Senior Solicitor, Curt Hofmann Barristers and Solicitors
Katherine graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Law from the University of Western Australia. She commenced her legal career at an international law firm, working in commercial civil litigation. She quickly realised, however, that she enjoys advocacy and working with ordinary people so started practicing in criminal law after completing her restricted practice. Katherine provides advice and representation in all areas of criminal and traffic law. She has extensive experience in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Court jurisdictions. She is counsel in jury trials, pre-trial applications and sentencing hearings. She has also assisted and briefed other prominent barristers. Katherine has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and prides herself on her ability to establish excellent working relationships with her clients and peers to ensure that matters are resolved in a professional, practical and cost-efficient manner. She has been repeatedly recognised as a leader in her field of criminal law, evidenced by her nomination in Doyles Guide from 2018-2023. In addition to her legal work, Katherine has sat as an adjudicator for disciplinary hearings on the Football West Tribunal, the WACA Tribunal & the Rugby WA Judiciary, was a committee member of the Criminal Lawyers Association from 2020.


Tom F Percy KC, Albert Wolff Chambers
Tom Percy KC was admitted to practice in 1978 after graduating from UWA. He was elected to the WA Bar Association in 1984 and took silk in 1997. He practices primarily in the area of Criminal trials and appeals. He is a former National Director and State President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance. He won the WA Civil Justice Award in 2006, The WA Law Society Community Service Award in 2007 and the WA Lawyer of the Year award in 2013. He is currently Head of Chambers at Albert Wolff Chambers in Perth.