Perth’s flagship CPD event of the year. In one powerful day, hear from the best of the best, the state’s leading barristers, top partners and recognised experts delivering the updates, risks and strategies that matter most right now. With two parallel streams, you’ll tailor your learning to your practice, then finish with Ethics, Professional Skills and Practice Management to leave you fully compliant. Attend in person, live online and up to 5 hours as a recording to be compliant. Real updates, real strategies, ready to use with clients as soon as you need. Save time. Sharpen your advice. Walk out with all 10 units done.

Presenters

John Syminton, Consultant, WSR Law
John Syminton is a Consultant of WSR Law (formerly Warren Syminton Ralph Pty Ltd). Prior to joining the firm, John was a partner of Freehills in Perth for many years. WSR Law has an office in Fremantle and acts primarily on commercial property transactions. The firm currently acts for a number of corporations including a major listed ASX corporation. John’s principal areas of expertise include property, commercial agreements and more recently Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Guardianship. John is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia and for many years was a member of the Law Society Committee which deals with drafting of the General Conditions for Sale of Land in Western Australia. He is the Chair of the Legal Practice Board and prepared the original General Conditions for Sale of Land in WA, which is the basis of the current 2022 General Conditions for the Sale of Land.

Brian Nugawela, Barrister, Michael Kirby Chambers
Brian is an experienced barrister with a broad practice encompassing tort law (including professional negligence), workers’ compensation and Comcare matters, general civil and commercial litigation, insurance disputes (including income protection and TPD claims), and appeals, including select criminal appeals. He is a member of Michael Kirby Chambers and has appeared at all levels of the judicial hierarchy, from tribunal hearings to appeals before the High Court of Australia. Brian frequently shares his expertise as a presenter at Legalwise Seminars and other professional events.

Penny Moore, Partner, Moray & Agnew
Penny Moore is a specialist in insurance and personal injury litigation with over 25 years’ experience. She acts primarily for major insurers in motor vehicle personal injury matters, as well as public liability, industrial disease, and property damage claims. Penny has particular expertise in catastrophic injury and fatal accident dependency claims, and is known for her efficient claims management, strong negotiation skills, and pragmatic advice. She regularly appears in the District Court of Western Australia and has extensive experience in expedited Supreme Court matters, balancing commercial outcomes with a compassionate approach.


John Butler, Consultant, HopgoodGanim
John is a Consultant & Notary Public in Family & Relationship Law and Estate & Succession practice at HopgoodGanim Lawyers. With over 50 years of experience, John brings a wealth of knowledge and consistently achieves the best possible outcomes for his clients. John is experienced in Business & Estate Planning, Wills & Estates, Guardianship & Administration and Family Law. John is an active member of his community, having served in the Australian Army Reserve for 13 years as a Commissioned Officer, is presently on the Reserve of Officers and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Matilda Bay where he leads initiatives that promote humanitarian service, goodwill and peace worldwide.

Prof Stephen Owen-Conway KC, Sir Lawrence Jackson Chambers
Stephen Owen-Conway KC is a senior barrister with more than 40 years’ experience in commercial and administrative law. He appears in the Federal Court of Australia and State Courts across the country, acting in complex disputes involving corporations’ law, insolvency, equity, resources, and real property. Stephen began his career in England as a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple and was called to the English Bar in 1973. After moving to Australia, he joined the Queensland, Victorian and Western Australian Bars, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in both Queensland and Western Australia in 1992. Alongside his practice, Stephen has taught at universities in the UK and Australia and is currently Adjunct Professor of Law at Murdoch University.

Cav. Maria Saraceni, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Cav. Maria Saraceni is a leading barrister at Francis Burt Chambers specialising in regulatory and compliance law, corporate governance, employment law, industrial relations, and workplace health and safety. She is recognised for her strategic approach, achieving practical, commercially responsible outcomes through both negotiated solutions and legal proceedings. Maria also serves as a non-executive director on statutory and not-for-profit boards and is a sought-after speaker and mentor within the legal profession. Fluent in Italian and French, she brings a direct and approachable communication style to her work, assisting a diverse range of clients.

Dirk Feinauer, Director, Feinauer Commercial Lawyers
Dirk Feinauer is the Director of Feinauer Commercial Lawyers, a law corporation based in Perth, and is one of the most experienced German-speaking lawyers practising in Australia. He graduated from the Australian National University, Canberra, with a Bachelor of Arts in 1989 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1991. Dirk is admitted to practise in the Federal Court and High Court of Australia, as well as the Supreme Courts of Western Australia and New South Wales. With extensive experience in complex corporate and commercial matters, Dirk regularly appears in the Superior and Federal Courts, including in cross-border disputes. He frequently presents on a range of legal topics both in Australia and internationally, and has authored numerous articles and publications.

David Baxter Cox, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Dr David Cox is a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers. For over 15 years as a solicitor, he specialised in advising clients on the protection, commercialisation, and enforcement of the full spectrum of intangible rights, including confidentiality and privacy. Now at the Bar, David leverages this experience to develop innovative and cost-effective strategies to protect, enhance, and draw value from intangible asset portfolios. He is a former Honorary Fellow at the School of Law at the University of Western Australia and served as Chairman of the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia from 2014 to 2020.

Joel Yeldon, Barrister, Fourth Floor Chambers
Joel Yeldon has practised as a barrister for 18 years and is a member of Fourth Floor Chambers in Perth. He was previously a member of Francis Burt Chambers from 2008, following earlier practice as a solicitor. Admitted to the Supreme Court and High Court in 2000, Joel holds a Master of Laws from Melbourne University (2014) and undergraduate degrees in Law, Business, and Arts from Murdoch University (1999, 1995). He practises primarily in property law, building and construction disputes, and insurance matters, with additional experience in misrepresentation claims, trustee/beneficiary disputes, vendor/purchaser disputes, professional indemnity, and trade practices and tortious claims. Joel has also lectured in law at university level and is a regular presenter at CPD events.

Linda Widdup, Lawyer and Consultant, Linda Widdup
Linda Widdup is a consultant and legal practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in commercial law, specialising in commercial lending, restructuring and insolvency, and contract work across the financial services, mining and agribusiness sectors. Since relocating to Australia in 2011, she has focused on providing specialist advice on the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA). Linda’s expertise is grounded in her extensive experience with PPSA regimes in Canada and New Zealand, the jurisdictions on which Australia’s legislation is modelled. She has guided clients through complex PPSA issues, as well as broader debtor-creditor matters, including financing, commercial credit, insolvency and the provision of goods and services. A widely published author and sought-after speaker, Linda regularly presents at industry seminars on the PPSA’s impact on commercial transactions and is recognised as a leading authority in this specialised area of law.

Yikai Hoe, Director, Provident Lawyers
Yikai is the founder of Provident Lawyers. He practices superannuation and tax law and assists business clients and professional advisers with a myriad of legal solutions on all types of superannuation, tax compliance and commercial matters. He also delivers tailored estate planning and succession strategies to high-net-worth clients and is a SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA), Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and Trusts and Estate Practitioner (TEP). He has presented on various superannuation, tax, estate and succession planning and commercial law topics.

Hector West, Partner, Hall & Willcox
Hector West is a Partner in the Hall & Wilcox Commercial Dispute Resolution team in Perth, with more than 20 years’ experience in commercial disputes, insolvency and bankruptcy. He acts for large corporates, high net worth individuals, financial institutions, accounting firms and government bodies. His work includes disputes under the Australian Consumer Law, financial services law, corporations and partnership law, equity, overdue Federal tax debts and regulatory investigations. Hector has also represented directors and witnesses in ASIC and other regulatory investigations, and regularly advises insolvency practitioners, directors and financial institutions on claims and actions under security agreements, the Corporations Act and the Bankruptcy Act.

Samantha Maddern, Partner, Mills Oakley
Samantha Maddern is a Partner in the Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety team at Mills Oakley in Perth. With 30 years’ experience spanning human resources, employee relations, and employment law, Samantha delivers practical, solutions-focused advice to help clients manage workplace risk—both expected and unexpected. Her expertise spans a range of sectors including oil and gas, mining, tertiary education, and construction, where she is known for her commercial no-nonsense approach and deep legal insight. Samantha regularly handles complex workplace matters such as enterprise bargaining, restructures, general protections, unfair dismissals, discrimination, and executive terminations. She is valued by her clients for her clear, effective guidance and ease of collaboration.

Damian Quail, Director and Principal, Williams + Hughes
Damian has practiced as a commercial lawyer for over 30 years in the business, resources, agribusiness and technology fields. He has managed many small, medium and large M&A deals for a wide range of clients, including stock exchange listed companies, large private family groups and small to medium enterprises. Damian regularly acts for both buyers and sellers.

Richard Price, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Richard Price is a former litigation partner at Freehills, now practising principally in commercial litigation from Francis Burt Chambers. Admitted in 1986 with first-class honours in Law, Richard is recognised for his deep expertise across an extensive range of practice areas, including commercial disputes, banking, consumer protection, corporations law, equity, intellectual property, landlord and tenant, real property, restraint of trade, securities, and trusts. He is valued for his strategic advocacy, depth of knowledge, and practical insights across high-stakes commercial matters.

Morgan Solomon, Director, Solomon Hollett
Morgan Solomon is the Founding Director Solomon Hollett Lawyers and a highly experienced lawyer in commercial, business, wills and estates, and estate litigation. He has a particular focus on wills, contested estates, and probate matters, and is the author of the Lexis Nexis practical guides on non-contentious probate, administration, and wills in Western Australia. Morgan’s will-drafting expertise is informed by a broad commercial, business, and litigation background. A third-generation West Australian lawyer, he has held leadership positions including Vice Chair and Chair of Law Australasia, a network of leading independent law firms. Morgan also contributes to the community as Chair of the Perth Theatre Trust, a Founding Member of the WA Chamber of Culture and the Arts, and a Board Member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation WA.

Jeremy Scudds, Barrister and Solicitor, Porter Scudds
Jeremy Scudds is a senior barrister, solicitor and social worker with extensive experience in criminal law, complemented by earlier work in personal injury and commercial litigation. He has practised in both government and private practice before establishing his own firm, where he is now principal of a team of criminal lawyers. Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia in 1984, Jeremy brings a deep understanding of client needs and community connection. He has served in numerous professional and community roles, including “Night Line Lawyer” on Radio 6PR, Honorary Solicitor for WACOSS, and university lecturer. He has also held positions on the Real Estate Agents Supervisory Board, Law Society Committees and the Perth Theatre Trust. Jeremy is a member of the WA Criminal Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defence Lawyers (USA) and the Forensic Society of Australia & New Zealand.

Natasha Leedman, Principal, Natasha Leedman
Natasha Leedman is the Principal of her own consulting practice, specialising in workplace law. She advises and represents both corporate and individual clients on employment law and workplace relations, equal opportunity and discrimination, work health and safety, vocational regulation, privacy, confidentiality, and freedom of information. With more than 20 years of experience across government, private practice, finance sector and senior leadership roles, Natasha is recognised for handling complex workplace matters with practical insight and strategic clarity. She has worked extensively across key sectors including transport, energy and resources, technology, financial and professional services, construction, property, health, education, and retail. Before re-establishing her own practice, Natasha was a Partner in the Workplace group of a leading national firm. She is also actively involved in governance, serving as a board and committee member in the education sector.

Elspeth Hensler, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Elspeth Hensler is an accomplished commercial barrister with extensive experience in banking, corporate, insolvency, revenue, mining and succession matters. She has made significant contributions to the WA legal profession through leadership roles in professional associations, CPD and Bar Reader course coordination, and pro bono initiatives. Elspeth is a Legal Aid WA Commissioner, a former President of Australian Women Lawyers and Women Lawyers of WA and has served on numerous committees and advisory boards. Her expertise, commitment to the profession, and recognition through multiple awards, including the Attorney General’s Community Service Law Award, reflect her standing as a respected leader in the legal community.

Douglas Johnson, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Douglas Johnson is a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers. He maintains a broad commercial litigation and arbitration practice, with particular expertise in construction and engineering, insurance, and professional liability disputes. He is often instructed on highly technical cases involving complex factual and expert evidence. Clients value Doug’s accessibility and collaborative approach, both as sole counsel and when led as part of a team of barristers. Doug recently received the Tom Yuncken Australian Construction Lawyer award for 2023, where referees highlighted his work ethic, creative thinking, and technical knowledge. Before being called to the bar, Doug worked in the dispute resolution teams at Jones Day and King & Wood Mallesons, and practised insurance litigation at Moray & Agnew.

Liam McLagan, Partner, Jackson McDonald
Liam is a Partner at Jackson McDonald with focus on corporate and finance law. He has extensive experience providing legal advice to both large financial institutions and innovative Fintech businesses on regulatory and operational challenges.  With cross-border and top tier experience in both Sydney and London, Liam has advised some of the world’s largest financial institutions on complex regulatory issues.  He also regularly advises on corporate, securities and commercial issues for a wide variety of clients across various sectors. Liam has a particular passion for the technology sector, drawing from his experience as a founder of a successful fintech start-up, which he exited in 2018, allowing him an appreciation for the practical challenges and opportunities encountered by clients.

Ariel Bastian, Senior Associate, Jackson McDonald
Ariel Bastian is a senior corporate and commercial lawyer at Jackson McDonald. She specialises in privacy, data governance, technology, AI and cybersecurity, corporate governance, commercial contracting, and advertising and marketing. A broadly recognised thought leader in privacy law, she is known for turning complex regulatory requirements into strategic opportunities for business. Sought after as a legal advisor, speaker, and trainer, Ariel helps clients navigate regulatory compliance, enabling them to manage risk confidently while leveraging information to drive growth and innovation. Her clients span a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare and life sciences, retail and e-commerce, agribusiness, government, sporting associations, and not-for-profit organisations. With experience in both private practice and as an in-house lawyer, she understands firsthand what it is like to sit in the client’s chair and navigate the often competing demands of regulatory compliance, risk management, and business success.