Host Harry McDonald, FLPA's Vice-President, sits down with three family lawyers who've recently come to the Bar - Charlotte Yellowlees, Georgia Taylor and Isaac Douglas - to talk through what the move really takes: passing the bar exams, surviving the six-week Queensland Bar Practice Course, budgeting for the costs, landing the right chambers, and choosing mentors who'll back you. Honest, practical, and occasionally very funny - essential listening for anyone considering the leap to the Bar.

In this podcast, Amy Honan is joined by Lynda McKie of Elston. With more than 25 years' experience as a Certified Financial Planner and Senior Wealth Adviser, Lynda has supported countless clients through significant life transitions, including separation.

In this episode, Amy and Lynda explore why financial planning is about much more than investments. They discuss when separating clients should engage a financial planner, how to create financial certainty after separation, common financial mistakes to avoid, and how lawyers and financial planners can work together to achieve better outcomes for families.

Listen now via the FLPA website or your favourite podcast platform.

Join us from the sunny Gold Coast for a special FLPA 2026 Annual Conference episode, recorded live from the Sheraton Grand Mirage.

Hosted by Amy Honan, this episode takes you behind the scenes of the conference as Amy catches up with delegates to hear their highlights, insights, and memorable moments from this year’s event.

Tune in for a taste of the conversations, connections, and community that make the FLPA Annual Conference such a special gathering for family law professionals.

Lawyers have received a range of information about the expanded regime under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) from different sources.  It can be difficult to know when an engagement for a family law matter 'tips over' into being a designated service.

In today's episode, FLPA Immediate Past President Shannon Daykin is joined by Jess Smith, Director at Grant Thornton.  Jess has over 15 years' experience providing advice and guidance on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.  Most recently, Jess has guided practitioners as they prepare for Australia's expanded AML/CTF regime, and worked with AUSTRAC to support the development of the AML/CTF Starter Kits for Lawyers.

Join us as Jess explains the legislation, what activities undertaken by family lawyers for clients may or may not be deemed a designated service under the legislation, and more.  This is a must listen for all family lawyers.

In this podcast, James Bailey is joined by Jennifer Veitch of Pilot Partners.  Jennifer is a Partner at Pilot Partners who assists family lawyers and client to make complex financial issues clear – so parties can negotiate, resolve or litigate with confidence.   

In this episode, Jennifer shares her insights about when you might engage a forensic accountant, including understanding what a valuation of a business will not cover, using a forensic accountant to investigate personal expenses which have been claimed and getting advice on tax issues including Division 7A matters.   

Difficult conversations are part of everyday practice. Whether it’s delivering advice a client may not want to hear, raising concerns with a colleague, or setting boundaries in the workplace, how we approach these moments can make a significant difference to both outcomes and relationships.

In this episode of FLPA Talks, Emily Ownsworth is joined by Leilanie Pakoa, sport psychologist at Surge (Performance and Wellbeing), and Fiona Pakoa, mentor and coach.

Together, they explore why difficult conversations feel so uncomfortable, the emotional and psychological factors behind them, and practical ways to prepare for and navigate these conversations with greater confidence and self-awareness.

Listen now via the FLPA website or your favourite podcast platform. 

#FLPATalks #FamilyLaw #LegalProfession #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills

In today’s episode, we sit down with Helen Davison and Dora Ko to explore best practice when representing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients in family law.

Dora began her career in private practice before moving to Women’s Legal Service. In 2022, she was appointed as a Judicial Registrar in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), and since 2025, she has been leading a busy mediation practice.

Passionate about educating the profession, Dora regularly writes and speaks on the importance of culturally competent representation. In this episode, she shares practical insights every family lawyer should hear.

#FLPA #FamilyLaw #CALD #LegalProfession #FamilyLawyers #Mediation #ProfessionalDevelopment

In this episode of FLPA Talks: A Family Law Podcast, we explore what it really takes to step out on your own and establish a family law practice.

Host Shannon Daykin is joined by experienced Queensland family law solicitors Judy Stewart, Louise O’Reilly and Erin Shaw to discuss their journeys into practice ownership. Together, they reflect on the motivations behind their decisions, the different pathways they considered, and the realities of running their own firms.

The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of going out on your own, practical insights from the transition, and the lessons they have learned along the way - including some of their personal keys to success.

Whether you are actively considering starting your own firm or simply curious about what practice ownership involves, this episode offers valuable perspectives from those who have done it.

This is a public episode and is available on your favourite podcast platform.
Search for FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast, follow the links on your preferred platform, or visit the FLPA website to listen.

Teams in legal practice can be complex — clients, juniors, partners, support staff and counsel, all working toward the same goal in different ways. In this episode, we’re joined by Leilanie Pakoa, sport psychologist at Surge (Performance and Wellbeing) and Fiona Pakoa, mentor and coach, to explore how to understand your role within a team, build self-awareness, communicate effectively, and create psychologically safe working environments. We also discuss practical strategies for navigating hierarchy and personality differences, and share simple, actionable steps to help you get the best from the teams you work in.

FLPA Board member James Bailey is joined by Mary-Ann Huth of Legal Aid Queensland to talk about How to become an Independent Children’s Lawyer and a preferred supplier for Legal Aid.

Mary-Ann is the Assistant Director for Family Law Services at Legal Aid Queensland and is an experienced family lawyer and Independent Children’s Lawyer. In this episode, Mary-Ann shares insights on why and how to become a:

This session was recorded at the conclusion of the 2025 FLPA Retreat while the farewell drinks were being held.