The Law Association of New Zealand

Inside the Family Law Experience

“Inside the Family Law Experience” is an evening designed to give young lawyers and law students a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to practise in family law. This is an opportunity to move beyond textbook understanding and hear directly from experienced practitioners about the realities of the work, the challenges they face, and the pathways they’ve taken in their careers. Whether you are actively considering family law or simply curious, the event is intended to help you better understand if this area is the right fit for you. 

The evening will begin with informal networking, giving attendees the chance to connect with peers and practitioners in a relaxed setting. This will be followed by a seated panel discussion moderated by Mingze Sun, featuring a group of respected family law professionals who will share their insights and experiences. Panellists include Ellen Snedden, Ben Snedden, Ben Jefferson, and Vivienne Crawshaw KC, and Louise Reed. The discussion will offer honest perspectives on day-to-day practice, career development, and the personal and professional realities of working in this field. 

Following the panel, the event will continue with further networking over dinner, providing an opportunity to continue conversations, ask questions, and build meaningful connections within the profession. Dinner will be provided, with a menu to be confirmed, alongside a selection of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

This event offers a valuable and practical insight into family law, combining professional learning with the chance to connect with others at a similar stage in their careers. 

Registration:

Confirm your registration before Monday 25 May via the ‘book now’ button; alternatively, you can email [email protected] to secure your place, subject to availability. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

Cancellation Policy:

Registrations for this event can be cancelled for a full refund, or credit, up to five business days prior to the event. Cancellations after this time are non-refundable. Alternatively, you may send someone else in your place, with prior notice to The Law Association of New Zealand.

Vivienne Crawshaw KC

Vivienne
Crawshaw has been in legal practice for over 30 years, predominantly
specialising in all areas of family law, including relationship property and
trusts.  She has appeared on a number of
leading cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and has
regularly presented for NZLS.

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Louise Reed

Louise is a
barrister at Southern Cross Chambers. She graduated from the University of
Auckland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts (History) and a Bachelor of Laws, and
was admitted in October 2004.

Louise has
practised in Auckland since then, in family law, employment law, insurance law
and general civil litigation.

Since 2009,
Louise has practised exclusively in the area of family law and has interests in
proceedings concerning children’s issues, proceedings under the Protection of
Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, Relationship property, Spousal
Maintenance and Family Violence. Louise is also regularly appointed as court
appointed counsel – lawyer for child and counsel to assist.







Louise is one
of the Family Law Section representatives for Auckland Central as well as being
a member of The Law Association Family Law Committee. 

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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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Ellen Snedden
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Ben Jefferson

Ben Jefferson is an Associate family law lawyer at Haigh Lyon Lawyers in Auckland, New Zealand, specializing in relationship property and childcare matters. 

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Moderator

Mingze Sun

Mingze is a commerical barrister at FortyEight Shortland. He served as an adjunct lecturer for the Commercial Law Department at the University of Auckland, was Senior Lead Tutor for Torts and Equity, taught across core public and commercial law subjects, and serves as a judge of the Auckland Law School Moot Court. He was Editor-in-Chief of the Public Interest Law Journal of New Zealand and has published in the Auckland University Law Review.

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Details

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $15 plus GST
Non-Member: $25 plus GST

Student Price: $10 plus GST (please email [email protected] to receive this price)

Registration

Registration Close Date

21/05/2026

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