Expressions of interest sought: Family Law Settlement Initiative

10/05/2012

During the months of July, August and possibly September, it is anticipated that the NSW Bar Association will be participating with the Law Society, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court in a "family law settlement service" initiative to establish a panel of legal practitioners with the aim of mediating a number of outstanding family law property matters.

The details are still being finalised with the Courts, however expressions of interest are sought from barristers with the following qualifications and experience:

1.�Accreditation as a mediator with the NSW Bar Association or some other nationally recognised RMAB;� and/or 2.�Accreditation as a Family Dispute Resolution practitioner; and 3.�Experience in the family law jurisdiction; and 4.�A current NSW practising certificate; and 5.�Is prepared to attend a ‘family law update’ CPD prior to conducting mediations through the service. The CPD will be held in early June subject to confirmation.

Under the arrangements agreed with the Courts, it is proposed that mediations will involve 2 hours towards preliminary conferences and reading and 3 hours for a mediation session at a flat fee of $1,500.00 excluding GST payable. Mediators who wish to operate outside of these arrangements may still wish to make themselves available to parties who volunteer to participate in the initiative. Mediators who operate within the arrangement of charging the flat fee will have matters referred to them from the Courts as well as through consensual parties.

The venue for the mediation will be arranged by the mediator in consultation with the parties. Any cost of hiring a venue will be an additional cost payable by the parties.�

More details regarding the proposed plan will be made available in the coming days.

Barristers who wish to apply be part of the initiative should complete the application form and return to Corinne Brown at the Bar Association by e-mail cbrown@nswbar.asn.au by Thursday 17 May. The applications will be reviewed by a small panel and applicants will be advised of the outcome by Thursday, 24 May.

15 May 2012

---