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.   

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

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

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.

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:

1. preferred supplier for Legal Aid Queensland, the panels available, the continuing professional development available and the areas of need; and
2. Independent Children’s Lawyer, including the steps involved and the benefits associated with taking on this unique role.  

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

• How not to infuriate a judge and advocacy tips
• The challenges facing judges
• Working in areas of the law which expose judges and practitioners to distressing content.

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:

• In an emergency call “000”
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 support.
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
• For members of the Law Society of Queensland: LawCare - www.qls.com.au/Services/Personal-Services/LawCare
• For members of the Queensland Bar Association: Bar Care - qldbar.asn.au/baq-cms/bar-care
• For other resources on mental health for lawyers visit qls.com.au/Practising-law-in-Qld/Resources/Resilience-and-wellbeing/resources-for-individuals

In this episode, FLPA Board member and Secretary Matt Taylor talks with Nadia Bromley, CEO of Women’s Legal Service QLD, to discuss recent changes, what they had seen and what they hoped to see from the State Legislation. And, if that’s not enough he also talked to Barrister Reimin Hii to look at how some of our Pacific neighbours are responding to the challenge.

In this episode, Neil McGregor talks with new barrister Blake Hatchman.

With a career that spans nearly two decades on the bench—first as a State Magistrate and later as a Federal Magistrate and Judge—Margie has been a prominent figure in the family law arena. Now, in her new role as a mediator and arbitrator, she brings a fresh perspective to resolving family law disputes. Tune in as Margie shares reflections from her time on the bench, her transition to mediation and arbitration, and her thoughts on the evolving landscape of family law.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuances of family law, alternative dispute resolution, and Margie’s unique journey from judge to impartial mediator.

In episodes in this series, FLPA Secretary and barrister Matt Taylor brings together a senior member of the profession with a comparatively less experienced practitioner, and invites them to chat.

In this episode of ‘Things I wish I knew’, solicitor, parenting co-ordinator and long term FLPA member Sarah Cleeland talks with her ‘padawan’ from Life Law Solutions on the Sunshine Coast, Tanisha Watts.

If you’ve ever considered what it's like “on the other side” as a barrister, tune in to hear Bruce talk with FLPA President Shannon Daykin to discuss his journey, his work, his move to the bar and insights gained along the way. 

In this podcast, James Bailey is joined by Joe Box of Grant Thornton Partners.  Joe is an Accredited Business Valuation Specialist and Forensic Accounting Specialist with Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand.  For over 20 years, Joe has been involved in preparing expert witness reports including valuations in family law matters.

In this episode, Joe shares his insights about the things he sees you can do to get the most out of your expert.  Joe will provide insight about whether to engage a shadow expert before a joint expert and the options for getting further information from your expert including the underutilised option of a conference with your expert.  This is an important episode for all family lawyers look got get the most of their expert accountant.

In this episode, Shannon Daykin is joined by Queensland Law Society President, Rebecca Fogerty.  Rebecca is a partner of Jasper Fogerty Lawyers and an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.  Rebecca shares her insights on the new coercive control laws and discusses some previous changes to the domestic violence legislation in Queensland.  A must listen episode for any family lawyer as Rebecca raises some important issues surrounding the new legislation which may extend to certain aspects of financial matters in family law.

We hope FLPA TALKS: A Family Law Podcast episodes not only inform and inspire you, but encourage you to reach your potential.