Family Law Conference 2024: Trial Strategy & Client Mgmt: Insights into effective courtroom strategies & managing client expectations (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded at the Family Law Conference on 26 September 2024.

In this session, panellists will discuss effective courtroom strategies and the importance of managing client expectations in family court cases. They will share insights on client preparation, the significance of well-drafted affidavits, and the development of a strong theory of the case to guide trial strategy. The session will also address the ethical challenges of client preparation, including cross-examination, and highlight techniques for managing client emotions and expectations through effective communication.

Presenters

Ben Snedden

Ben has been practising family law since 2002. His expertise covers all practice areas including both children and property cases. Teaching and improving advocacy remain an important focus for Ben. He is on the faculty of the NZLS Litigation Skills programme.

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Alissa Bell

Alissa is a partner and Chair of the Board at McVeagh Fleming. She has been practising family law since 2003, initially in Christchurch before joining McVeagh Fleming in Auckland in 2011. Alissa specialises in relationship property, estate, and trust disputes, care of children, family violence and mediation. She is also an accredited NZLS Panel of Mediators Family Specialist, a trained Collaborative Practitioner, and a Lawyer for Child.

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Stephen McCarthy KC

Stephen was a partner in a small suburban Auckland firm for 20 years before commencing practice as a barrister in 2006. He was appointed a KC in 2021. Stephen’s practice is now predominantly property and trust focused but he has appeared in cases involving care of children over the years.

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Moderator

Stuart Cummings

Stuart commenced practising in 1979 as an old-fashioned law clerk while completing his law degree. After admission in 1982, Stuart practised in the criminal and family courts before specialising exclusively in family law from the late 1980s. Stuart has practised as a Barrister Sole since 1990, was a contributing author to Brookers Family Law on Relationship Property and is convenor of TLANZ's Family Law Committee. His practice is now principally in the areas of relationship property and complex COCA cases.

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Details

CPD Hours: 1.00hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $115 GST

Non-Member: $160 GST