Australia 11 www.lawyer-monthly.com Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2025 That matter forever changed my approach to advocacy. It exposed the risk of procedural injustice where allegations, particularly of family violence, are accepted at face value without proper scrutiny. While I remain unwavering in my commitment to protecting genuine victims, and I have acted for many, I have also seen the misuse of complex concepts such as coercive control in ways that ultimately harm both parties and children. Cases like these are not isolated. Reports from the Australian Institute of Family Studies and recent commentary in judgments point to a growing tension between ensuring victim protection and reaffirm the need for a measured, evidence-based approach and highlighted the urgency of early intervention to prevent protracted and adversarial litigation. Family law should never become a proxy for punishment. It must remain a space for truth, justice, equitability, healing, and the best interests of children. We fought long and hard and ultimately, after three years in and out of various courts, resolved the matter with a set of orders that were beyond the client’s wildest dreams and saw his time move from mere hours a fortnight to a reversal of care. A few years after the matter concluded, I happened to run into the client and his children at a local grocery store. They were beaming, full of life, laughter, and ease. He shared that they had just returned from a family holiday, and seeing them together, smiling and thriving, was a rare and fortunate experience. In that moment, the human impact of our work was undeniable. It reminded me why we fight so hard — for restored relationships, healing, and hope. Even now, just recalling that moment brings tears of joy to my eyes. Family law can be emotionally charged and complex. What core values guide your practice when supporting clients through difficult family matters? Three values form the foundation of my practice: empathy, accountability, and respect. Empathy is not just a value; it is a practice. It means truly listening, suspending judgement, and understanding that clients often come to us in their most distressed, defensive, or fearful state. When people feel seen and heard, their anger and fear lose their grip. I tell clients regularly: it is okay to not be okay. That permission, simple as it sounds, is often the first step in helping them stabilise. “Law, for me, was never about prestige. It was about purpose. I was always attuned to fairness and driven to create structure and clarity in moments of chaos. The law offered a framework through which I could meaningfully serve people during times of immense vulnerability.” Q
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