Family Law and Guardianship

S7 Episode 8: Roles and Responsibilities for Clients, Solicitors, Barristers and Judges at Family Law Final Hearings

Laura Colla

In this episode, Laura Colla is joined by former judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Judy Small AM and John Spender, partner of Kennedy Partners to debate the roles and responsibilities of clients, solicitors, barristers and the Judiciary in Family Court Hearings, each sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expectations to ensure that matters are conducted effectively and efficiently.

Laura Colla was admitted to practice in November 1994 and signed the bar roll in November 2000. Laura practices exclusively in family law and is available to do appearance work for final and interim hearings, as well as mediations, including as an accredited mediator.

Judy Small AM is a retired Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. She was appointed in March 2013, sitting in the Family Law jurisdiction, after working in private practice for 6 years and for Victoria Legal Aid for 9 years. She retired from the Court in April 2020. She is also an accomplished folk music singer, songwriter and musician.

John Spenderis a partner of Kennedy Partners.  He is recognised throughout the Melbourne family law community as a leading family lawyer and has expertise in all areas of family law, including complex parenting and property disputes, financial and child support agreements, as well as international matters involving forum and jurisdictional disputes.


Episode Length: ~80 Minutes 
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