An internationally-recognised practitioner and trainer in collaborative law will be hosted by Queensland Collaborative Law (QCL) later this month.
Collaborative lawyer, mediator, writer and educator, Victoria Smith, will visit the Gold Coast on 25-26 July.
The Canadian Adjunct Professor in Collaborative Lawyering at Osgoode Hall Law School will give a special two-day Intensive Collaborative Training Workshop to QCL members at the Palazzo Versace.
Collaborative practice is a unique form of dispute resolution, suitable for separating couples who are keen to resolve issues privately, with minimal conflict and with dignity and respect.
Unlike litigation, collaborative practice enables couples to work together with their collaboratively trained lawyers and other experienced professionals to resolve family law differences. Couples are embracing this form of dispute resolution particularly as it avoids going to court.
QCL president Freda Wigan said Victoria Smith’s visit was an opportunity for QCL to hear from a leading expert in collaborative practice.
“Collaborative law is a fresh alternative to litigation that is growing rapidly throughout Queensland and worldwide,” said Ms Wigan.
“Collaborative practice is being enthusiastically received by clients wishing to avoid litigation and practitioners including lawyers, accountants, financial planners, communications professionals and family professionals who wish to challenge their thinking and training about how best to support their clients through separation and divorce.
“This is a great opportunity for Queensland’s family lawyers to learn from an international expert who brings a recognised capacity to negotiate creative settlements when the dynamics are challenging and the issues complex.
“Victoria Smith is at the forefront of collaborative practice in the world today and her insights into developing the skills needed to achieve compassionate conflict resolution that fosters a respectful process in the clients’ best interests, will be very beneficial.”
Queensland Collaborative Law estimates there are more than 100 collaboratively-trained professionals throughout Queensland. Many are also members of the International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners (IACP).
Victoria Smith will also conduct an introductory training workshop in Townsville on 1-2 August.
For more information on Victoria Smith visit www.victoriasmith.ca
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Merrett Pye Caroline Thurlow
Altitude PR Altitude PR
0422 096 049 0414 565 575
About QCL
Queensland Collaborative Law was established in 2006 and is the leading association for collaboratively trained professionals in Queensland. For more information go to www.qacp.org.au.