CASE: Schnur & Urbina [2024] FedCFamC1F 374; Kleid v Schnur [2024] FedCFamC1A 236

In April 2024, a family law parenting matter was derailed on the 1st day of trial due to the conduct of the mother's barrister.

The barrister, referred to as Mr B, admitted to not having read all the case materials, to scheduling another court appearance on the same day as the 1st day of trial, and was later discovered not to be eligible to appear in a Federal Court.

This decision related to the father's application for Mr B to be liable for the father's wasted legal costs.

But at the heart of it, the case demonstrates the immense faith and reliance both the client and the Court places in legal representatives to know not only the relevant law, but also the legal processes, and to contribute to a just and effective legal system.