What the Family and Federal Circuit Court merger means for your practice lawyersweekly.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lawyersweekly.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
‘We need to do things differently’: What the new family law system will look like following the major court merger
‘We need to do things differently’: What the new family law system will look like following the major court merger Share
Come September, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will look very different, starting with a faster and less costly family law system. Despite some heavy criticisms from the wider legal profession, Chief Justice Will Alstergren promises that families, victims of family violence and other clients will be better off.
The newly merged Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFC) will officially commence its updated operations from 1 September. It promises to begin delivering “modern, transparent and more efficient systems of justice” for parties to get through the family law system as “safely, quickly and fairly as possible” without unnecessary delays.
ABA throws support behind investigation into sexual harassment allegations
ABA throws support behind investigation into sexual harassment allegations Share
The Australian Bar Association has responded to reports that a Federal Circuit Court judge has resigned after an independent investigation substantiated allegations that he had sexually harassed two junior female court staff over four years.
Two weeks ago, the Honourable Chief Justice Will Alstergren confirmed that former Federal Circuit Court judge Joe Harman had resigned after an inquiry found his conduct towards a junior court staff and a law student was “sexualised in nature”. The conduct included inappropriate communications and two unwelcome hugs.
Family Court judge resigns amid sexual harassment investigation lawyersweekly.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lawyersweekly.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
High Court reviews ‘inexcusable’ relationship between judge and barrister
By Naomi Neilson|25 April 2021
The High Court is considering whether to allow an appeal to a Family Court decision after it was disclosed that the judge and a barrister in the matter had a relationship that included “numerous” text messages and meetings over coffee or drinks.
A Perth real estate agent has brought an appeal to the High Court on the grounds of apprehended bias after his lawyers discovered that the opposing side’s barrister Gillian Anderson had been engaging in a “personal relationship” with the now-retired judge, the Honourable John Walters QC, throughout the course of the proceedings.