This episode is a recording of the online CPD from 19 March 2026, presented by Foley's barristers Neill Hutton SC, Paul Kounnas and Alice Cooney.

This practical session is designed to equip Solicitors with valuable insight into identifying applications that may arise before and during criminal trials, preparing for, and anticipating, such applications, and recognising when to seek assistance and how best to do so.

In this episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult and Bronia Tulloch alongside Annette Lakey, Founder of Lakey Family Law, explore the key documents that shape interim property hearings, including financial statements and the use of tender bundles.

The episode unpacks how these materials are prepared and strategically deployed to support effective advocacy at the interim stage.

In this session, Foley's barristers Paul Holdenson KC and Jack O'Connor summarises the learnings from some recent decision of the Court of Appeal, taking an indepth look at duties imposed upon the prosecution, appeals against conviction following a plea of guilty, geolocation evidence relating to an accused's electronic devices, and the effect of media reporting during a criminal trial.

In this session, Foley's barristers Peter Matthews SC, Simon Thomas, Olivia Kefford and Lauren Gurry examine the ethical and professional risks arising from the use of artificial intelligence in legal practice.

It explores practitioners' duties under the Conduct Rules, the consequences of misuse, emerging regulatory guidance, and whether there may soon be an ethical imperative not just to supervise AI, but to engage with it effectively.

This is a recording of session 3 of the 2026 foley's February criminal law series.

In this session, Foley's barristers Philip Dunn KC, Michael McGrath, Candice Jackson and Tom Smedley examine modern committal practice and the role of s198B hearings in serious criminal matters. They provide practical guidance on how to use these procedures to assess the prosecution case, narrow issues and inform trial strategy.

This is a recording of session 2 of the 2026 foley's February criminal law series.

In this session, Foley's barristers Peter Chadwick KC, Hayden Rattray, Nicole Menegas and Rory Hudson and Senior Forensic Engineer Tia Gaffney provide an overview of managing expert evidence in serious motor vehicle collision cases.

They explore common pitfalls, strategic considerations and practical approaches to ensuring expert material assists rather than derails your case.

This is a recording of session 1 of the 2026 Foley's February Criminal Law series.

In this session, Foley's barristers Michael Stanton SC, Heather Anderson, Vincent Vuu and Christina Gómez Vázquez examine character evidence in criminal trials under the Uniform Evidence Acts.

They explore its legal foundation, forensic risks and evidentiary limits, drawing on leading cases and practical guidance to assist practitioners in managing character evidence effectively and responsibly.

Michael Stanton SC has a broad practice in public and criminal law, with a focus on appellate work and inquiries. He has appeared in the High Court, in conviction and sentence appeals before the Court of Appeal, and in Royal Commissions and inquests.

Heather Anderson has extensive experience in criminal law in Victoria, and Western Australia. Heather holds a current Indictable Crime Certificate and is on Victoria Legal Aid's Preferred Barrister List. She is experienced in all types of matters including family violence, sexual offences, assaults and fraud.

Vincent Vuu accepts briefs to advise and appear in criminal and quasi-criminal matters. He is regularly briefed to appear in contested hearings, committals, bail applications and pleas in all Victorian criminal courts.

Christina Gómez Vázquez accepts briefs in all criminal matters, including quasi-criminal, administrative, regulatory and disciplinary matters, coronial inquests, investigative matters, and appeals, across all metropolitan and regional courts.

In this episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult and Sarah Fisken SC discuss the process of applying for Senior Counsel and share insights into what the journey to silk involves.

Later, Radu Catrina, Partner at Berry Family Law, shares recent authorities as they explore the key considerations and reasons underpinning applications for a change of residence.

In this episode, Julie Condon KC, Erik Dober, Leigh Crosbie and Edwina Dane discuss the current framework for committal proceedings, outline the background to the new amendments, examine the key changes, and offer practical insights on the issues practitioners can expect to encounter going forward.

Presentation slides and annotated changes notes are available on Foley's List website. https://foleys.com.au/resources/gone-gone-committals-are-gone

In this episode, List member Dr Jason Harkess, alongside Bill Doogue, Perry Q Wood, and Kristina Kothrakis, discuss how practitioners are navigating the rise of AI, acknowledging it as a helpful tool when used responsibly and with proper verification.