Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Professional Skills
This program is based on QLD, VIC, NSW legislation
Chair
Elleni Zacharia, Associate, Hugo Law Group
Professional Skills
A View from the Bench: Domestic Violence and Sexual Offence Advocacy Post Reform
Judge Farnden shares practical guidance on preparing persuasive prosecution and defence cases in domestic and criminal violence matters considering:
- What makes effective advocacy: from the bench’s perspective
- Managing multi-jurisdictional matters: similarities and differences
- Preparing for hearings under time pressure
- Observations on recent legislative changes in the courtroom
Presented by Her Honour Judge Sarah Farnden KC, District Court of Queensland
Presenters
Her Honour Judge Sarah Farnden KC, District Court of QueenslandHer Honour was appointed to the District Court in Brisbane in June 2025. Prior to her appointment she was a barrister and King’s Counsel with a practice primarily focused in conducting criminal trials and appeals for both the prosecution and defence.
Elleni Zacharia, Associate, Hugo Law Group
Elleni has a deep understanding of criminal law and procedure, advocacy, and strategy through exposure to a wide range of criminal matters. She has practised exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer throughout her legal career, working on numerous high-profile and complex matters, including murder and sexual assault. She regularly appears in all jurisdictions across NSW in applications, hearings, sentences, trials, and appeals, and also has interstate experience in Queensland. Achieving the best outcome for clients is Elleni’s paramount concern. As a passionate and persuasive advocate, she relishes scrutinising and challenging the merits of the prosecution’s brief of evidence. In complex matters, she works effectively alongside barristers to achieve successful outcomes. Elleni will guide clients through what can be a daunting legal process with expertise, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to defending their rights. This year, her success as a criminal defence lawyer was recognised with a nomination as a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards in Criminal Law.
