Presenters

Monique Robb, Partner & Practice Group Leader, Lander & Rogers
Monique is an accredited specialist in family law. Monique has acted for clients in all areas of family law, including parenting (custody) and property matters, child support, spouse maintenance and financial agreements (including pre-nuptial agreements). Monique is known for providing clients with pragmatic, commercial advice and robust representation in both negotiating and litigating a resolution to their family and relationship law concerns. Monique has worked solely in the area of family law since 2007, including as the associate to a judge in the Federal Circuit Court. As a result, she provides clear, strategic advice and representation in matters which require litigation, and, more importantly, to assist clients to avoid litigation wherever possible. In addition to her work as a solicitor, Monique has taught Family Law at the University of Notre Dame, Australia, since 2014. Monique’s family law experience includes handling disputes where one or both parties live overseas. She also has significant experience in drafting financial agreements, including drafting mirror agreements to foreign pre-nuptial agreements. Monique also acts for third parties, including corporate entities, in family law matters. Monique became an accredited specialist in family law in 2015, and additionally has completed a Master of Laws at the University of Sydney, with a focus on family law and areas of law affecting children. Her strong academic and practical expertise are applied to ensure her clients receive efficient, effective advice, particularly in areas where novel issues arise. Monique has been named as a Rising Star in family law in Doyle's Guide. She is also a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.


Matthew Shepherd, Special Counsel, Ramsden Lawyers
Matthew Shepherd has specialised in family law since 1990. He was accredited as a family law specialist by the New South Wales Law Society in 1996. Matthew is also a highly experienced family law mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner, arbitrator and collaborative practitioner. Whilst Matthew is an experienced court advocate, he helps most of his clients reach good agreements through dispute resolution processes other than court. He works with clients to consider not only the best legal and financial outcomes for their family, but also to consider the best dispute resolution process to achieve those outcomes. The choice of dispute resolution process has a big impact on the quality of agreements reached and how well they are implemented. Matthew has a Masters of Dispute Resolution (Honours) from the University of Technology Sydney, where he taught Dispute Resolution Advocacy from 2014 to 2020. In addition to acting for one of the separating parties, Matthew can also work with both parties as a mediator to help them reach fair agreements about their children and finances. Mediation can occur with just the parties, or alternatively with their lawyers also attending. As family dispute resolution practitioner registered with the Australian Attorney General, Matthew can issue certificates advising courts that the parties have participated in mediation about arrangements for their children. Matthew Shepherd is also a registered family law property arbitrator. If both parties consent to enter into an agreement to participate in arbitration, Matthew can conduct a hearing and issue an arbitral award which is binding and can be registered with the Family Court. Arbitration provides a financial settlement quickly and privately.


David Roberts, Principal, David Roberts Consulting
David assists parents through the difficult and often emotionally charged times of relationship difficulties. He is a careful and empathetic listener who works to create a calm space in which in which your situation can be discussed. David’s approach is to find ways to minimise stress and the negative impact separation can have on both children and parents. As a qualified family dispute resolution practitioner, counsellor and child consultant, David offers a unique set of skills to his clients. For over twenty years he has worked in the area of family law. His extensive experience assist clients as they navigate through the legal process. As an industry leader David lectures to lawyers, mediators and counsellors on family dispute resolution and collaborative practice.


Maurice Edwards, Special Counsel, Rafton Family Lawyers
Maurice Edwards is an Accredited Family Law Specialist (NSW Law Society) a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) and an Accredited Family Law Arbitrator (AIFLAM) and a Collaborative Family Lawyer. Maurice has recently been elected as the NSW representative to the board of the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM). As the RAMP leader he heads a team of mediators, arbitrators, FDRP’s and parenting coordinators and conflict coaches dedicated to providing easy access to a family law resolution. Maurice has a special interest and has presented at seminars and conferences on the Hague Child Abduction and Child Protection Conventions, Binding Financial Agreements, Childhood Gender Dysphoria and on various forms of dispute resolution including collaborative law, mediation and arbitration. He has been working in the family law space for over 40 years.