In this episode, hosts Emily Ownsworth and Jack Shaw are joined by the Honourable Justice Brasch of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) to share her Honour’s best tips and tricks for advocacy in the family law courts.

Drawing on her Honour’s extensive experience as both a barrister and now as a judge, Justice Brasch reflects on what makes an advocate persuasive, common pitfalls to avoid, and the small changes that can make a big difference in court.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for every family law practitioner.

In this episode of FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast, host Emily Ownsworth sits down with family law solicitors Ellie Neuendorf and Jack Shaw to unpack their pivotal first year of working in a family law firm —how they navigated the emotional weight of family law cases, leaned into mentorship and firm culture, and gradually built their professional identity amidst client worries and deadlines.

Through relatable stories and candid insights, Ellie and Jack offer valuable lessons on resilience, connection, self-care, and the often-unspoken challenges of starting out in a firm—all delivered with empathy, honesty, and practical advice for new lawyers.

This episode of FLPA TALKS A Family Law Podcast is the next instalment of the recurring series ‘Things I wish I knew’. In this episode, Matt Taylor sits down with experienced practitioner and proud First Nations man Joshua Creamer and Alicia George, a newer member of our profession. Together we discuss the importance of mentorship, representation and community.

This is a special podcast episode with two First Nations practitioners and is not to be missed.

In this special episode of FLPA Talks: A Family Law Podcast, we hit the ground at the FLPA Retreat 2025 to bring you a lively vox pop straight from the action.

Hear from a range of attendees – including solicitors, barristers, and accountants – as they share their thoughts, insights, and favourite moments from the Retreat.

Whether it’s reflections on practice, tips for young professionals, or simply what they loved most about the conference, this episode captures the spirit of connection and learning that defines the family law community in Queensland.

We even have a special Q&A with Trent Dalton!

In this episode, Helen Davison sits down with Deanna Musumeci, FLPA's newest regional representative. Together, Helen and Deanna explore the unique challenges and rewards of practising law in regional areas.

Deanna shares her personal journey to the bar—navigating that leap while raising young children and the additional challenges of being based in Townsville. She also opens up about overcoming significant health challenges, the realities of juggling a thriving legal career with family life, and what’s ahead for FLPA’s regional initiatives in 2025.

In this episode of FLPA Talks: A Family Law Podcast, hosts Emily Ownsworth and Jack Shaw take you behind the scenes of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia with special guest Amy Ferigo, Associate to the Honourable Justice Baumann AM.

With 14 years of experience, Amy shares her unique insights into the role of an Associate—what the job entails, the challenges, and the rewards. From managing complex and emotionally charged family law matters to supporting judicial officers, Amy offers a rare glimpse into the fast-paced world of the court. She also provides valuable advice for lawyers on how to streamline court proceedings and work effectively with Associates.

Whether you're a law student, a family law practitioner, or simply curious about the court system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now!

Deborah Awyzio is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, arbitrator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Accredited Family Law Specialist, as well as a Past President of FLPA.  With over 30 years’ experience in family law, Deborah has a wealth of knowledge to share about preparing your client for a mediation, top tips for the day of mediation, where things can go wrong, insights on the qualities of a good mediator and more. 

Whether you are representing clients at mediations, conducting mediations yourself or thinking of becoming a mediator, this podcast is for you.

In this episode, FLPA Board member James Bailey is joined by Sarah Cleeland of Sarah Cleeland Family Lawyers.  Apart from being a family lawyer, nationally accredited mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner, collaborative lawyer and independent children’s lawyer, Sarah is also an experienced parenting coordinator. 

Sarah shares her insights about parenting coordination, including whether you can engage the parenting coordinator at an interim stage, the process of engaging the parenting coordinator, costs of the parenting coordinator and positive outcomes for families who have engaged a parenting coordinator.

In this episode, Emily Ownsworth dives into a question that is front of mind for family lawyers at the moment: Am I Ready for Specialist Accreditation?

Joining the conversation is Sarah Dibley, Special Counsel at Lander & Rogers, who brings 14 years of exclusive family law experience. As a member of Queensland Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Advisory Committee, Sarah shares expert insights on the accreditation process, and whether this prestigious recognition is the right step for you. Tune in for invaluable advice from a seasoned professional!

In this episode, Helen Davison, barrister-at-law, interviews recently retired District Court Judge and Judge of the Planning and Environment Court, Michael Rackemann. He shares his advice on many topics, including:

Lastly, retired Judge Rackemann speaks about mental health and his own health challenges.

This is a powerful interview, not to be missed. 

His speech entitled “How to infuriate a judge” can be accessed here: Speech—How to infuriate a judge.

If you require assistance, the following services are available to the public and members of the Law Society of Queensland and the Bar Association of Queensland: