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.

In this episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult, Laura Colla and Cassandra Soliman from OurFamilyWizard discuss the key features and functions of the co-parenting app and how it supports separated families.

They're joined by guests Tim Gough, Daniel Myers and Danie Mellas, who reflect on their highlights of the year and share some notable High Court cases.

In this episode, Foley's barrister Paul Holdenson KC, Ruth Champion and Director of Public Prosecutions Raelene Sharp KC explore the fundamentals of the law of conspiracy, examining how agreements between parties to commit an unlawful act are treated under criminal law.

They break down key legal principles, case examples, and practical considerations for practitioners navigating this complex area.

In this episode, Foley's List barrister Laura Colla is joined by Judy Small AM, former Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, and John Spender, partner of Kennedy Partners, to debate the roles and responsibilities of clients, solicitors, barristers and the Judiciary in Family Court Hearings, each sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expectations to ensure that matters are conducted effectively and efficiently.

A complimentary paper is available on foley's website www.foleys.com.au.

In this episode, the discussion explores what it means to move from the Bar into judicial leadership and how roles on the bench have evolved through periods of challenge and transformation. The conversation goes beyond positions and titles.

It examines identity, impact, and what it means to serve the legal profession at its highest levels with purpose, reflection, and courage.