Civil Litigation Afternoon

Join us for a comprehensive Civil Litigation Afternoon, featuring three insightful sessions on key topics in the field.

SESSIONS

NAVIGATING LEAVE APPLICATIONS IN PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION

(1 point in core area 4 - substantive law and procedural law)

This session focuses on two key procedural issues increasingly relevant in personal injury litigation: 
Applications for leave under section 79 of the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002, and 
Applications for leave to disclose and present protected confidence evidence under Division 4.4.3 of the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1991.  
Recent decisions in the ACT Courts have clarified the operation and practical application of these provisions, making this session essential for practitioners seeking to stay current with procedural developments and evidentiary requirements in personal injury matters.  
Key topics will include: 

• The circumstances in which leave under section 79 may be granted, including urgent proceedings and terminal condition exceptions; 
• Procedural and evidentiary requirements for applications involving protected confidences, including notice obligations and the role of the counselled person; 
• Practical strategies for preparing and responding to leave applications; 
• Judicial expectations and recent case law shaping the interpretation of these provisions. 
• This session is tailored specifically for personal injury lawyers, with insights relevant to both plaintiff and defendant practitioners. Presenters will include members of the ACT Bar and experienced solicitors working in personal injury litigation.  
• This seminar will deliver actionable insights and practical strategies to help practitioners confidently navigate these nuanced and evolving areas of personal injury law.

By attending, practitioners will: 

• Extend their procedural knowledge in areas directly relevant to personal injury claims; 
• Gain insight into strategic considerations when seeking or responding to leave applications; 
• Improve their ability to manage sensitive evidentiary issues, particularly those involving counselling communications; and 
• Strengthen their litigation readiness and compliance with legislative requirements.

JOHN HENRY

SPECIAL COUNCIL  I  ACT GOVERNMENT SOLICITOR'S OFFICE

John is currently employed as Special Counsel – Litigation at the ACT Government Solicitor’s Office, having worked there since 1990. He has been involved in many significant litigation matters for the Territory  and regularly provides advice on procedure, privacy, negligence and statutory interpretation. More recently he has undertaken a supervisory and mentoring role for more junior lawyers.  

 

WAYNE SHARWOOD

BARRISTER  I  KEY CHAMBERS

After 15 years as a solicitor in NSW and the ACT Wayne joined the bar in 2003. Since then he has developed a busy civil law practice. Wayne regularly acts in succession/Family Provision Act claims, personal injury matters, coronial inquests, and disputes involving commercial, equitable or administrative matters. 

Wayne’s experience as a solicitor commenced in Wagga Wagga initially as an employee but later as a Partner of a small firm providing advice and representation in a wide range of matters. Subsequently, Wayne practised as a Senior Associate with Deacons Graham & James and then Minter Ellison in Canberra. With these firms, he was engaged in commercial litigation and some personal injury work for defendants and insurers. He also undertook some sensitive work for the Commonwealth and for foreign missions. 

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NAVIGATING CIVIL PROCEDDINGS: COUTROOM ETIQUETTE AND ADVOCACY

(1 point in core area 3 - professional skills)

This CPD session is designed to support lawyers with civil procedure by offering practical, experience-based guidance on courtroom etiquette, procedural expectations, and effective advocacy strategies.

Whether you're new to attending court or looking to sharpen your approach, this session provides valuable insights into what the ACT courts expect from practitioners in civil proceedings. Led by experienced members of the judiciary and senior lawyers, the session will explore how to navigate key stages of a hearing and the ethical considerations involved in courtroom conduct.
Session Objective:
To improve the courtroom effectiveness of lawyers working in civil matters by providing practical guidance on etiquette and procedural expectations, while offering a unique opportunity to learn from judicial and practitioner perspectives in an informal and interactive setting. 

JAYNE REECE

JUDICIAL REGISTRAR  I  ACT SUPREME COURT AND ACT COURT OF APPEALS

Jayne Reece has been Registrar of the ACT Supreme Court since September 2020. Between May 2018 – September 2020 she was Registrar of the ACT Magistrates Court. Ms Reece commenced her legal career in private practice in 2004 before moving to the ACT Government Solicitor in 2007. At ACTGS her practice involved acting on behalf of the Australian Capital Territory in personal injury and public liability litigation as well as representing its interests in coronial inquests. Jayne was Associate to ACT Supreme Court Justice Terry Connolly between 2001-2004.

 

RACHEL WALLS

BARRISTER  I  KEY CHAMBERS

Rachel is an experienced litigator with significant expertise in common law and professional indemnity claims.
Prior to being called to the bar in 2025, Rachel was a Special Counsel at Wotton Kearney where she acted for commercial insurers, self-insured organisations and government agencies in a wide range of disputes, including personal injury, public liability, professional indemnity, medical negligence and intentional tort claims across jurisdictions.  Rachel also has experience advising insurers on policy coverage and indemnity issues.
Before joining Wotton Kearney, Rachel worked as a senior lawyer in the commercial insurance team at Sparke Helmore Lawyers and in an in-house litigation role at a large Commonwealth department.
Rachel was included in the Best Lawyers in Australia list between 2023 and 2025 for her work in Insurance Law and was named in Australasian Lawyers’ Rising Starts list for lawyers under 35 in 2022 and 2024.

 

LISA QUILTY

SPECIAL COUNCIL  I  MADDOCKS

Lisa is Special Counsel at Maddocks, having been admitted to practice since 2004. Lisa specialises in litigation and dispute resolution and regularly acts for Government clients, insurers and private clients. She has varied cross-jurisdictional experience, having appeared in pre-litigation and litigation processes in most jurisdictions within Australia. Lisa is the current Vice President of the ACT Law Society and a member of the Civil Litigation Committee.

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BEST PRACTICES FOR DEALING WITH SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS

(1 point in core area 3 - professional skills)

This CPD session is designed to equip lawyers with practical, experience-based strategies for effectively engaging with self-represented litigants in civil proceedings. It will address the unique challenges that arise when parties appear without legal representation and offer guidance on maintaining professionalism, fairness, and clarity in communication.
Whether you're new to court practice or seeking to refine your approach, this session provides valuable insights into what the ACT courts expect from practitioners when interacting with unrepresented parties. Led by experienced members of the judiciary and senior lawyers, the session will explore key stages of a hearing, common procedural issues, and the ethical considerations involved in ensuring access to justice while upholding your duties as an advocate. 

HELEN BANKS

JUDICIAL REGISTRAR  I  ACT MAGISTRATES COURT

Helen Banks was appointed as Registrar of the ACT Magistrates Court in June 2020.  As Registrar, Helen undertakes quasi-judicial functions for the Magistrates Court, including case managing criminal and civil matters and hearing interlocutory civil applications, applications for protection orders, care and protection proceedings and enforcement. In conjunction with the Chief Magistrate, Helen is also responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Magistrates Court which comprises over 70 employees, including financial and human resource management.
Prior to this appointment, Helen was a principal solicitor at the ACT Government Solicitor, practising primarily in regulatory and employment matters.  She was also the chief financial officer within a Commonwealth Department for a number of years.
Helen holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Canberra and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.  She was admitted to practice in 2001.

 

JAMIE RONALD

BARRISTER  I  BURLEY GRIFFIN CHAMBERS

Prior to being called to the Bar in 2016, Jamie was a partner in a longstanding Canberra firm where he practiced exclusively in dispute resolution and litigation.
Since coming to the Bar, Jamie has practised in variety of areas including Common Law, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Motor Vehicle, Institutional & Historical Abuse cases and has appeared in several Coronal Inquests.Jamie appears regularly in Courts across many States & Territory’s in Australia.

 

JESSICA CRUISE

SPECIAL COUNCIL  I  LEGAL AID ACT

Jessica is Special Counsel of the Family Practice at Legal Aid ACT. She practices in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, predominantly as an Independent Children's Lawyer and in the Children's Court, predominantly as a Child Representative. Jessica is a member of the ACT Law Society's Family Law Committee and Professional Standards Committee. 

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DETAILS

• When: Wednesday 11 March 2026, 1:30pm - 5:00pm (registration from 1:00pm) 
• Where: ACT Law Society Training Room, live streaming option available
• Cost: $200 Members, $280 Non-member, $65 Student member
• CPD: Members will earn 3 CPD points
• RSVP by Wednesday 3 March
• For further information please contact events@actlawsociety.asn.au

 

Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.