Family Law Evidence Workshop - 5 part series of 'Affidavits' lead by the Honourable Justice Jarrett

Family Law Evidence Workshop

5 part series on 'Affidavits' lead by the Honourable Justice Jarrett

Registrations are now open for the 5 part series on ‘Affidavits’ lead by the Honourable Justice Jarrett.

This series has been designed by the Honourable Justice Jarrett to offer practitioners a deep-dive into the ‘art’ of drafting Affidavits, with a view from the Bench. The program is extensive and starts from the basics of the questions of “what is an affidavit” and “what are our professional obligations when drafting affidavits” before moving through how to draft admissible and probative affidavits and finally, covering off on the formal requirements of an affidavit. Each session is accompanied by a paper for participants to take away.

Together with Justice Jarrett, the program will include insights from the Honourable Justice Riethmuller, Prof. John Devereaux, Mr George Kalimnios, Mr Alexander North, Mr Ben Taylor, Mr Scott Moon, Mr Matt Pollock and Ms Jessica Tree.

While designed for Early Career Practitioners (0-5PAE), this is the perfect opportunity for practitioners at all stages of their career to revisit and expand on their drafting skills. There will certainly be something for everyone and this is not a program to miss.

This years program will consist of the following:

1.   Session 1 on Thursday, 5 September 2024

Presented by the Honourable Justice Jarrett and Ms Jessica Tree of Counsel

This session will cover the basics and origins of Affidavits including “What is an affidavit?” “What are the origins of affidavits and why have they come to be used in matrimonial proceedings as a substitute for oral evidence?” and “What are the key professional obligations that bear upon the preparation and use of affidavits in matrimonial proceedings?"

The session will run for approx. 1 hour.

At the conclusion of the session, there will be a networking event for the participants to interact and meet the judicial officers, mentors and other participants in a social setting.

2.    Session 2 on Thursday, 12 September 2024

Presented by the Honourable Justice Riethmuller and Mr Matt Pollock of Counsel

This session will cover the task of drawing affidavits including a consideration of:

• relevance;
• the purpose to which the affidavit is to be put;
• taking instructions; and
• the rules of evidence, their application and their relaxation.

This session will expand on the task of drawing affidavits, including a consideration of specific types of evidence such as conversations, observations and documents. The session will also cover how to draw written evidence that is admissible and probative.

Session length approx. 1 hour.

4.    Session 4 on Thursday, 26 September 2024

Prof. John Devereaux and Mr Alex North of Counsel

This session will cover the formal requirements for affidavits including:

• the requirements of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021;
• affidavits by deponents under incapacities or who do not speak English;
• affidavits by deponents outside of the jurisdiction;
• using affirmations and oaths of various types;
• stylistic considerations; and
• filing and service.

The session will run for approx. 1 hour.

5.    Session 5 on Thursday, 3 October 2024

Presented by the Honourable Justice Jarrett and Mr Ben Taylor of Counsel 

This final session will cover the use of affidavits, including a consideration of practical matters affecting their use. There will also be discussion around consideration of cross-examination where evidence-in-chief has been given on affidavit.

Following this session, there will be a concluding networking event for the participants to interact and meet the judicial officers, mentors and other participants in a social setting.

Further details about the program and networking events will be provided to participants closer to the commencement on 5 September 2024.

Places are strictly limited and will sell out, so don’t miss your chance to get involved.

Details:

Every Thursday, from 5 September 2024 until 3 October 2024 – 5:15 pm for a 5:30pm start in person (at a Brisbane CBD location to be advised) or by webinar)

Cost:
$200 for FLPA members - in person
$280 for non members - in person

$140 for FLPA members - via electronic attendance
$200 for non members - via electronic attendance

The cost includes networking drinks on 5 September 2024 and 3 October 2024.

RSVP: Please click here for the online form and make payment by Friday, 30 August 2024 to secure your spot.

CPD: Rule 48(2) of the Queensland Law Society Administration Rule 2005 and the Bar Association of Queensland CPD Policy permit, on a self-assessment basis, the treatment of attendance at a conference as a CPD activity at the rate of 1 CPD point per 1 hour of attendance (excluding refreshment breaks).

Cancellations non-refundable, substitute permitted.