Ethics, Professional Skills and Practice Management for Criminal Lawyers
Do you need your compulsory CPD points? Would you like to learn relevant skills that you can use in your practice? Are you interested in hearing from Perth’s top criminal law practitioners? We have you covered with this intensive and in-depth criminal law CPD program. Learn how to effectively prepare your brief to counsel. Hone your ethics skills when preparing witnesses, and gain tips on effective stress management. You are bound to leave this session with a refreshed and elevated skill set. 233W06
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD points including:
1 point in Competency Area 1: Practice Management
1 point in Competency Area 2: Professional Skills
1 point in Competency Area 3: Ethics & Professional Responsibility
This program is based on WA legislation
Chair: Shirley Casey, Barrister, Albert Wolff Chambers
Professional Skills
2.00pm to 3.00pm Tips on Preparing your Brief to Counsel and Instructing Counsel in Court
- How to find suitable counsel
- How to communicate with counsel
- What to include in a brief to counsel
- The division of work between solicitor and counsel
- Assisting counsel in court
Presented by Amanda Blackburn, Project Director - Project 113 Law Reform Commission of Western Australia: Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer, WA, Doyle’s Guide 2021, 2022
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
3.00pm to 4.00pm The Ethical Boundaries of Witness Preparation: Proofing v Coaching and other Hazards
- The difference between coaching and proofing
- Lessons from other jurisdictions
- Practical examples
Presented by Katherine Dowling, Senior Solicitor, Curt Hofmann Barristers and Solicitors; Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer, Doyle’s Guide 2022
4.00pm to 4.15pm Afternoon Tea
Practice Management
4.15pm to 5.15pm Stress Management: A Survival Guide for Criminal Lawyers
- Managing clients and their expectations: avoid becoming your clients’ counselor
- How to deal with intimidating clients
- Drawing the line between work and play
- Effective stress management techniques
Presented by Brooke Sojan, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Presenters
Shirley Casey
Shirley is a barrister specialising in criminal law. Shirley has practiced exclusively in criminal and traffic law since her admission to practice.
She was a Senior Associate of a national law firm before joining a boutique criminal law practice in 2019. She brings with her a wealth of experience and fights tirelessly for her clients.
Shirley is originally from the UK and moved to Australia to practice law. Shirley has the capacity to think clearly in high pressure Court hearings and the ability to clearly explain complex legal matters to her clients in a way they understand.
Shirley particularly enjoys advocacy and has represented clients in both Magistrate and District Court jury trials.
Shirley has appeared in all Courts in Western Australia and robustly defends her clients’ interests in Court without fear or favour.
Amanda Blackburn
Amanda Blackburn graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2004 with a double bachelor degree in Arts and Law. Amanda was admitted as a lawyer in February 2005 and over the past 15 years has obtained extensive experience in all areas of criminal law.
Amanda has close relationships with a number of barristers, including senior counsel, both in Perth and interstate. Amanda has particular experience and interest in working with barristers on large, complex cases (for example, homicides and historic sexual offences) to prepare them for trial or appeal. Amanda holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science (Courtroom Advocacy) and also has connections with a variety of nationally and internationally recognised forensic (scientific) experts.
Katherine Dowling
Katherine graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Law from the University of Western Australia. She commenced her legal career at a top-tier international law firm, working in the area of complex commercial litigation. She has since broadened her practice into general civil litigation and criminal law. Katherine provides advice and representation in all areas of criminal law, traffic law, restraining orders and criminal property confiscation law.
She has extensive experience in the Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Court jurisdictions. She regularly appears as counsel in jury trials, sentencing hearings, bail applications, interlocutory applications and mediations.
Katherine has outstanding interpersonal skills and prides herself on her ability to establish excellent working relationships with her clients to ensure that matters are resolved in a professional, practical and cost-efficient manner.
In addition to her legal work, Katherine previously has sat as an adjudicator for disciplinary hearings on the Football West Tribunal, WACA Tribunal and Rugby WA Judiciary. She was also a committee member of the Criminal Lawyers Association. Has presented at Legal Wise Seminars.
Brooke Sojan
Brooke is an experienced criminal lawyer having appeared in trials, bail applications and sentencing matters across all jurisdictions in Western Australia. She has knowledge of a range of criminal offences and has appeared on criminal matters both in Perth and regional areas around Western Australia.
Before joining the Bar, Brooke worked at Legal Aid WA in both the Perth and Pilbara offices and as a State Prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Brooke is also a committee member of the Law Society of WA and the Criminal Lawyers Association.
Venue
Parmelia Hilton
Level 1, Meeting Room, 14 Mill Street
Perth 6000
WA
Australia
Directions
Nearby Public Transport:
Train Stations - The Esplanade Station
Bus Interchange - St Georges Terrace Cloisters Green
Parking information
Parmilia Hilton - Valet Parking only - Click here to view rates.
Convention Centre - 100 metres from Parmelia Hilton. Click here to view rates.