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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.

In this episode, the focus is on women who have transitioned into a career as barristers. It explores their experiences, the challenges they have encountered, and the rewarding moments that come with life at the Bar.

In this episode, Foley's List barrister Rohan Hoult and Lee Formica, Partner at Lander & Rogers, reminisce about the early days, sharing personal stories and experiences from that time. Later, Dr Aaron Lane outlines three key reasons people buy cryptocurrency and explains how digital transactions can sometimes be easier to trace than traditional bank transfers.

A Legal Lifecycle: Conversations Accross a Career In this episode, we step beyond the traditional boundaries of legal practice. From government and in-house roles to entrepreneurship and academia. We talk to women who are redefining what it means to work within and adjacent to the legal profession.

A Legal Lifecycle: Conversations Accross a Career This episode focuses on the private practice environment and reflections on what it means to build and sustain a long-term career in that setting.  The episode explores a range of topics from culture and client work to leadership, mentorship, shifting goals and the evolving realities of the professional landscape in private practice.

In this episode, Foley's barrister Philip Barton examines caveats under the Transfer of Land Act, contracts of sale, and related issues. He discusses recent matters covering the power to lodge and effect of a caveat to the Transfer of Land Act 1958, caveat removal, tests for removal under section 90, the position of a nominee purchaser and more.

In this Daze in Court episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult and Harriet Geddes unpack how the new amendments to family violence laws are reshaping intervention order matters, with risk assessments now central to the process. They discuss the importance of identifying the allegations, understanding the risks alleged, and the critical coordination needed between the Family Court and the Magistrates' Court.

In this Daze in Court episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult, Amy Yu, and Partner Tim Gough from Kennedy Partners explore the growing reliance on the "Bank of Mum and Dad" in today's property market. They cover resulting trusts, loan agreements, and the presumption of advancement, highlighting what practitioners need to know when advising clients.

In this Daze in Court episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult, Eliza Tiernan, and Alex Metherell tackle the complexities of add-backs in family law matters, examining their impact on practitioners and the property pool. They also provide essential guidance on the rules of appeal and court etiquette to help legal professionals navigate the judicial system.

Reflections and commentary on the Dynamic Therapeutic Inclusive Intervention Conference program: A must-know about modern option for every family lawyer guiding clients through the maze of assessment and intervention options.  In this episode, Foley's List Barrister Laura Colla, speaks with Child Expert Lisa Bottomley, Clinical Psychologist Vincent Papaleo, and Psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Entwisle.  They delve into the Therapeutic Inclusive Intervention Conference program (TIIC), a multidisciplinary initiative co-developed by Bottomley and Papaleo. This program is designed to assist families caught in high-conflict parenting disputes within the Australian family law system, and they discuss its structure, objectives, features, and accessibility. 

In this Daze in Court episode, Foley's List barristers Rohan Hoult and Robyn Wheeler offer perceptive commentary from the Bar.  They explore recent cases and legislative developments, sharing practical strategies and candid insights into the challenges of effective advocacy for clients in complex legal matters.