Law Seminar Series
The JCU Law Seminar Series invites Legal Practitioners to present on a range of legal topics, with many showcasing some of the important and interesting work being carried out in the North Queensland region.
Social Justice as a Superpower
With Julie Mason , North Queensland Women's Legal Service
Discover social justice principles and real-life experiences from Julie Mason, a JCU Alumni and Solicitor at Nth Qld Women’s Legal Service.
Monday 5 February 2024, 10.00am - 11.00am
Dying with Dignity
With Dr Lea Merone , Cairns & Hinterland Hospital
Discover the profound implications of QLD's new Voluntary Assisted Dying Legislation in this engaging presentation by Dr. Lea Merone.
Friday 23 February 2024, 10.00am - 11.00am
The McBride Whistle-blower Trial
With Major David McBride , Lawyer, Writer & Public Speaker
Whistle-blower David McBride shares his firsthand account of the legal aspects of his ongoing trial.
Thursday 29 February 2024, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Insights Into Multicultural Mediation
With Amiel Nubaha , Comprehensive Mediation Services
Principal Mediator Amiel Nubaha, shares insights and strategies into mediation across diverse cultural backgrounds.
Thursday 21 March 2024, 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Hope After Hurt: A Legal Journey
With Matthew Wicks , Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
Matthew Wicks, Associate at Maurice Blackburn shares what it takes to secure treatment and compensation for those facing personal injury.
Monday 25 March 2024, 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Actors vs AI: Exploring Copyright Law
With Karnika Bansal , James Cook University
JCU Law Lecturer Karnika Bansal discusses the ever-growing complexities of Generative AI and Copyright Law in the entertainment industry.
Friday 5 April 2024, 11.00am - 12.00pm
A Legal Lens on Diversity
With Tilé Imo & Olamide Kowalik , Tilé & Olly Meets Podcast
Tilé Imo & Olamide Kowalik (Olly) share their Legal Lens on Diversity, based from their popular legal podcast, “Tilé and Olly Meets".
Monday 27 May 2024, 10.00am – 11.00am
Family Law in Focus
With Toni Bell & Jade Coshaw , Legal Aid Queensland
Legal Aid Queensland’s Toni Bell & Jade Coshaw will offer an overview of the Family Law System, including the role and importance of Independent Children's Lawyers and an exploration of the role of Legal Aid Queensland providing Family Law services in remote and regional areas.
Thursday 6 June 2024, 10.00am - 11.00am
Advocating Change for Rwanda
With Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza , Development and Liberation for All (DALFA)
Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, Rwandan political prisoner and activist to discusses judicial and political reform in Rwanda.
Thursday 13th June, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Keeping the Peace
With Mathai Joshi , Connolly Suthers Lawyers
Mathai Joshi, Associate at Connelly Suthers Lawyers will discuss a broad summary of the Criminal Law in Queensland with a particular focus on the specialist DV Court.
Friday 21 June, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Mayday! Mayday!
With Dr Michael Underdown , Cairns Institute, James Cook University
Join Dr. Michael Underdown, Senior Research Fellow at the Cairns Institute (JCU), for an engaging presentation on Maritime and Port Law.
Tuesday 9 July, 10.00am - 11.00am
Pioneering Prison Abolition
With Debbie Kilroy OAM , Sisters Inside and Kilroy & Callaghan Lawyers
Debbie Kilroy OAM shares her turbulent journey with the prison system and her trailblazing work to abolish it.
Tuesday 16 July, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Examining Medical Negligence
With Laura Neil , Endeavour Chambers
Join Barrister Laura Neil, for an insightful presentation on the legal options available when pursuing a medical negligence claim.
Thursday 25 July, 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Law & Mental Health: Remote Insights
With Diane Godfrey , Lawyer & JCU Alumni
Lawyer & JCU Alumni Diane Godfrey shares her firsthand experience of practicing in Remote communities and how to manage your mental health.
Thursday 1 August 2024, 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Victim Survivors of Family Violence: A First Nations Perspective
With Thelma Schwartz & Isabella Copetti , Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)
This seminar examines a First Nations persons experience as a victim-survivor of family violence within a number of intersecting legal systems.
Tuesday 24 September 2024, 10.00am – 11.00am
Will AI Transform Legal Practice...Really?
With Terri Mottershead , Centre for Legal Innovation at the College of Law
Terri Mottershead, from the Centre for Legal Innovation explores what’s transformed in the world of AI and what is means for the future of the legal industry.
Thursday 1 October 2024, 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Insights into Family Dispute Resolution
With Louise Rees & Cheryl Taifalos , Relationships Australia Queensland
Louise Rees & Cheryl Taifalos from Relationships Australia Qld present on the vital role of accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) in resolving family disputes.
Monday 4 November 2024, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Balancing Security and Freedoms
With Trent Glover , Barrister
Barrister Trent Glover examines how national security laws significantly impact human rights and exploring mechanisms for their protection.
Thursday 10 October 2024
Emergency Mental Health Laws
With Alan Clough , James Cook University
Professor Alan Clough discusses Qld’s pathways for emergency mental health, assessing the effectiveness of these laws and examining their human rights implications.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Reinventing Legal Practice
With Tia Cox , Organic Legal
Tia Cox from Organic Legal will explore how her firm has disrupted through innovation the traditional legal practice model.
Thursday 31 October 2024, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Cultural Rights in Conservation
With Professor Gary Meyers , James Cook University
JCU Professor Gary Meyers presents on the debate over the cultural rights of hunting for indigenous peoples and environmental conservation.
Thursday 14 November 2024, 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Mastering Large-Scale Legislation
With David T Forbes , Barrister
Discover insights into the intricacies of large-scale litigation within the superior jurisdictions of Australia with Barrister David T Forbes.
Thursday 21 November 2024, 10:00am - 11:00am
Reimagining Justice
With Michael Murray , Townsville Community Legal
Michael Murray presents on high-profile coronial inquests in Queensland, exploring human rights and coronial jurisdiction reform.
Thursday 3 August 2023, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Insights Into Commercial Practice
With Lucas Hickey , Creevey Horrell Lawyers
Lucas Hickey, Senior Associate at CreeveyHorrell Lawyers shares insights into the practical and legal considerations of commercial practice.
Tuesday 15 August 2023, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Get Your Governance On
With Rebekha Sharkie, MP , Federal Member for Mayo
Rebekha Sharkie MP, long standing representative of Mayo, South Australia shares her passion and experiences for effective governance.
Monday 21st August 2023, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Restorative Justice as a Secret Weapon
With Filitsa Kounias , James Cook University
Filitsa Kounias, JCU Law Lecturer delves into Restorative Justice principles and practices within the captivating realm of Youth Justice.
Monday 28 August 2023, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Queensland's Historic Milestone
With Commissioner C'Zarke Maza , Office of the Commissioner Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa
Commissioner C’Zarke Maza presents on the ground-breaking cultural recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practice.
Tuesday 5 September 2023, 10.00am-11.00am
Animal Law and the United Nations
With Paul Tweddell , Global Animal Law GAL Association
Paul Tweddell from Global Animal Law (GAL) discusses the growing area of Animal Law and the need for a UN convention on Animal Protection.
Tuesday 12 September 2023, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Unlock Your Advocacy
With Dan Rogers , Robertson O'Gorman
Dan Rogers, Principal of Robertson O'Gorman Solicitors explores the value of effective advocacy for your clients and your community.
Monday 18 September, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Mabo, Native Title & The Voice
With Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen , Barrister (Retired), Writer & Activist
Renowned retired barrister, writer, and activist Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen shares with us his captivating journey & insights on Mabo, Native Title and the Voice.
Tuesday 17 October 2023, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Justice for Robodebt
With Justin Greggery KC , 31 Sturt Chambers
Justin Greggery KC, shares his journey and experiences as the head lawyer leading the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.
Thursday 26 October 2023, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
The Other Side of Crime
With Helen Armitage , Legal Aid Qld
Legal Aid Qld’s Senior Principal Lawyer, Helen Armitage, discusses the prevalent legal issues surrounding youth crime and domestic violence, as well as sharing her personal journey as a criminal lawyer.
Tuesday 28 February 2023, 5pm - 6pm
From JCU to the United Nations
With Bill Mitchell , Townsville Community Legal
Dr Mitchell discusses his journey from law student, and one of JCU's first law graduates, to human rights advocacy work in the United Nations.
Tuesday 7 March 2023, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Battle of the Brands
With Donna Patane , Dripl Legal
IP Law expert Donna Patane will share with us her journey, what IP law involves and some examples of cases she has had, specifically trademark disputes, where often she is acting for David's against Goliaths.
Tuesday 14 March 2023, 12pm - 1pm
The Planning & Environment Court
With Dan Morton , wilson/ryan/grose
Dan Morton, Partner at wilson/ryan/grose shares with us his professional journey and helps us understand and explore matters that arise in the Planning and Environment Court.
Monday 20 March 2023, 12pm – 1pm
The Ups & Downs of a Criminal Lawyer
With Simon Bright , ATSILS
Simon Bright, currently Regional Manager of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Cairns shares his experiences working as a Criminal lawyer in Government, Private Practice and Not for Profit.
Thursday 30 March 2023, 3pm-4pm
A Game of Torts – Winter is Coming
With Sarah Singh , Slater & Gordon
Sarah Singh, Senior Associate at Slater and Gordon talks about the ever-changing world of Tort Law, discusses her own experiences from law student to what it’s like to work for a National firm.
Tuesday 4 April 2023, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Beware of What You ‘Share’
With Dr Louise Floyd , JCU
Dr Louise Floyd helps us navigate the new developments in Employment Law and discusses the legal do’s and don'ts of entering the workforce including afterhours conduct and social media. She also touches on AI & work, changes to the law on enterprise bargaining, bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Thursday 27 April 2023, 2pm – 3pm
Law As a Service
With Mark Fenlon , Qld Police Service
Mark Fenlon Senior Prosecutor for the Queensland Police Service shares with us through his own personal experiences how engaging in different service opportunities will help you build your legal career.
Tuesday 2 May 2023, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Privacy & Data Law
With Andrew Hynd , Holding Redlich
Andrew Hynd, Partner at Holding Redlich shares his professional journey in the private sector as well as insights and experience with Privacy & Data Law.
Tuesday 9 May 2023, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Fear and Failure
With Merissa Martinez , Paloma Chambers
Barrister and JCU Alumni, Merissa Martinez talks about the importance of stepping out of comfort zones into growth, what we can learn from our own failures and the "failure" of cases, doctrines and movements, as society and law progresses and changes.
Tuesday 16 May 2023, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Seller Disclosure Changes to Property Law
With James Harding , Harding Property Law
James Harding of Harding Property Law outlines the changes in Queensland’s new Property Law Act and seller disclosure regime.
Thursday 6 February 2025, 10.00am – 11.00am
Insights Into Federal Criminal Law
With Madonna Hayes , Barrister
Madonna Hayes provides an overview of the federal criminal law regime, its operation within State and Territory courts and the specialised work of the Commonwealth DPP.
Thursday 13 February 2025, 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Mediation & the Dangers of Diluting the Process
With Tanjil Whitnell , James Cook University
Tanjil Whitnell explores the critical risks associated with mediation’s growing popularity and increasing use in mandated contexts.
Tuesday 18 February 2025, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Using the Law to Prevent Homelessness
With Stephen Grace , LawRight
Stephen Grace from LawRight discusses how legal services can be a powerful tool in preventing and ending homelessness.
Tuesday 25 February 2025, 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Youth Justice: Rights & Dignity
With Hayley Fox , Legal Aid Queensland
Hayley Fox from Legal Aid provides an in-depth exploration of the legal framework and principles governing Youth Justice in Queensland.
Tuesday 11 March 2025, 10.00am – 11.00am
The Modern Company Secretary
With Sean Johnson , Lakefield Drive
Governance Expert Sean Johnson discusses the regulatory demands and compliance required for the role of the modern company secretary.
Tuesday 18 March 2025, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Youth & DV
With Maneesha Prakash , Youth Advocacy Centre
Maneesha Prakash presents on the complex and often overlooked experiences of youth applicants and respondents in domestic violence matters.
Monday 31 March 2025, 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Hot Pursuit
With Dr Michael Underdown , James Cook University
Dr. Michael Underdown presents on the legal and operational complexities of "hot pursuit" in international maritime law.
Thursday 29 May 2025, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Navigating NDIS Reform
With Nathan Lee , Centacare FNQ
Nathan Lee from Centacare FNQ explores the impact of NDIS reforms on service providers and the disability sector in Queensland.
Thursday 5 June, 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Employment Law Essentials for 2025
With Dr Louise floyd , James Cook University
Dr Louise Floyd discusses the key changes and developments in Employment Law for 2025.
Tuesday 10 June, 1.00pm - 2.00pm
The Right to a Healthy Environment
With Naim Santoso-Miller , Environmental Defenders Office (EDO)
Naim Santoso-Miller explores how changes to Qld’s Human Rights Act could impact Queensland’s legal and environmental landscape.
16 June 2025, 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Child Protection & QCAT: Do No Harm
With Julie Ford , Tribunal Member
Julie Ford presents on the critical role of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in child protection cases.
Tuesday 8 July 2025, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Indigenous People, Crime & Punishment
With Lorelei Billing , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS)
Lorelei Billing from ATSILS explores the complex relationship between Indigenous people, crime and punishment.
Wednesday 23 July 2025, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
The Power of Conflict Coaching
With Dr Judith Rafferty , James Cook University
Dr Judith Rafferty explores how Conflict Coaching helps individuals navigate and resolve conflicts effectively.
Tuesday 29 July, 11.00am - 12.00pm