Briefed: Commercial Law Updates

In this episode, His Honour Judge Bernard Porter KC of the District Court of Queensland, together with Florence Chen and Jonathan Hohl of Level Twenty Seven Chambers, presents "Dos and Don’ts in the Courtroom" in conjunction with Queensland Young Lawyers. 

This seminar is the second in the three-part Queensland Young Lawyers × Level Twenty Seven Chambers 2026 trial series.

Held in the Banco Court, this practical and interactive workshop demystifies courtroom advocacy and explores courtroom protocols, call-over processes, preparing for applications, providing accurate time estimates, drafting orders, communicating with opponents and managing court materials.

The presenters also conduct a mock application hearing to demonstrate common mistakes and best practice, highlighting the importance of listening carefully to judicial questions, handling documents effectively and understanding jurisdictional limits. The discussion concludes with practical guidance on costs, service requirements and the appropriate procedures for appearing in court applications.

Who should listen?

Graduates, junior lawyers, law students and practitioners seeking practical guidance to develop their courtroom advocacy skills and better understand what distinguishes an effective trial advocate.

Presenters

His Honour Judge Bernard Porter KC
Florence Chen, Level Twenty Seven Chambers
Jonathan Hohl, Level Twenty Seven Chambers

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

In this episode, David Chesterman KC and Oliver Cook of Level Twenty Seven Chambers discuss Extending liability beyond the primary wrongdoer: accessorial and vicarious liability. They explore how liability can extend beyond direct wrongdoers, the limits of vicarious liability under recent High Court authority, and the broader equitable doctrines of knowing receipt and knowing assistance. The discussion also highlights practical issues in proving knowledge in corporate settings, pleading considerations, and tracing remedies.

Who should listen?
Commercial advisory, insolvency and litigation lawyers.

Presenters
David Chesterman KC
Oliver Cook

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Preparing for Trial is the first instalment of the three-part Queensland Young Lawyers x Level Twenty Seven Chambers 2026 seminar series, which follows the lifecycle of a trial. Participants are welcome to join the full series or attend individual sessions.

What will the seminar cover?

Oliver Cook and Dayle Buckley (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) will present with the Queensland Young Lawyers on the topic of Preparing for Trial.

Oliver and Dayle will focus on the early stages of trial preparation. Attendees will hear directly from counsel on how to brief effectively, communicate clearly to avoid delays and unnecessary costs, develop a strong practical case strategy, and steer clear of common mistakes junior lawyers often make.

Who should listen?

Ideal for graduates and lawyers, this session offers practical insights to sharpen your advocacy and discover what sets a great trial lawyer apart.

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Join four members of the AACL Queensland Chapter Committee as they break down some of the most significant and engaging Constitutional Law decisions of 2025.

Chaired by Sarah Spottiswood (Barrister, Level Twenty Seven Chambers), this episode features insightful contributions from:

• Kent Blore, Crown Counsel, Crown Law
• Tim Gordon, Partner, Clayton Utz
• Felicity Nagorcka, Barrister, Higgins Chambers
• Gabriel Perry, Barrister, 8 Petrie Chambers

Together, they explore the key principles and practical implications arising from the following High Court cases:

• Ravbar v Commonwealth [2025] HCA 25
• Farmer v Minister for Home Affairs [2025] HCA 38
• G Global 120E T2 Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] HCA 39
• Cherry v Queensland [2025] HCA 14

This episode is highly relevant for lawyers, in-house counsel, legal advisors, academics, and students seeking clarity and expert analysis on recent constitutional developments.

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Florence Chen and Oliver Cook of Level Twenty Seven Chambers discuss the art of Evidence in Chief. They share practical insights for lawyers aiming to sharpen their trial advocacy and explore what aspiring barristers should know when considering a career at the Bar. 

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Whilst the introduction of expedited arbitration procedures by institutions aimed to reduce the delay and expense associated with arbitral proceedings, it is not always easy to strike the right balance between procedural efficiency and due process when applying these rules. The panel will discuss their experiences with expedited procedures, sharing insights on their practical use and effectiveness. The audience will leave with a refreshed understanding of the expedited procedures currently available, including the newly introduced SIAC Streamlined Procedure. 

Presenters

Moderators: Lucinda Brabazon (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) & Michael Neumeier (Jones Day)

Panelists: Russel Thirgood (Independent arbitrator), Annie Leeks (Jones Day) & Dan Butler KC (Gerard Brennan Chambers)

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

What will the seminar cover?

Claire Schneider, Salwa Marsh and Emily O’Brien (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) will present with the Queensland Young Lawyers on the topic of Thriving at the Bar. This event will present the skills and mindset needed to thrive in advocacy, the pathways to joining the bar and insights into the day-to-day life of a barrister.

Who should listen?

Whether you’re considering a move to the bar or simply curious about the profession, this event is a great opportunity to gain insights from the barristers at Level Twenty Seven Chambers and level up your advocacy skills.

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Florence Chen and Oliver Cook (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) present to The Queensland Young Lawyers on the topic of Cross-Examination at Trial. This seminar breaks down the essential strategies, tips, and techniques to master this critical part for the Cross-Examination of witnesses.

Whether you are a solicitor advocate or regularly brief counsel, this event is a great opportunity to gain insights from the barristers at Level 27 Chambers and level up your advocacy skills.

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

In an internal seminar to the members of Level Twenty Seven Chambers, David Chesterman KC, Oliver Cook and Tim Elliss present a discussion on the Ethical Considerations In Dealing With Witnesses. 

The panel covers the topics of direct speech in affidavits, witness preparation (including mock hearings) and engaging expert witnesses. 

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au

Trustees’ Indemnities and Fiduciary Obligations, presented by Paul McQuade KC and Lauren Gamble. 

The High Court of Australia appeal in Naaman v Jaken Properties Pty Ltd raises the question whether a successor trustee owes a ‘fiduciary obligation’ to a former trustee to preserve the former trustee’s right of indemnity.

Following last years presentation “Succession of Trustees: am I still indemnified?”, this seminar will involve a detached examination of today’s High Court decision, including:

• Overview of the proceedings
• What the High Court determined and why
• The High Court’s description as to a trustee’s right of indemnity
• What is the practical impact of the decision

The session will interest commercial advisory and litigation lawyers, and insolvency practitioners.

Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.

Want to join future seminars live, in person or online? Register your interest.

Website: www.level27chambers.com.au