The Law Society of New South Wales accredited specialist scheme has been running for over 30 years now.
To qualify as an accredited specialist, a solicitor must have been in practice for a minimum of 5 years, do 25% of their work in the field of specialisation and pass an exam in the field of specialisation.
The most recent exam for accredited specialisation in family law in New South Wales produced an overall pass rate of less than 30% of candidates, so passing the exam is a real achievement.
To maintain specialist accreditation in family law, the practitioner must complete 10 hours of Continuing Professional Development, in addition to the 10 hours that all solicitors are required to undertake each year in New South Wales.
There are real benefits to being represented by an accredited specialist. They include:
- The practitioner has an advanced knowledge of family law and the procedures and principles applicable to family law practice. The Federal Circuit and Family Court (Family Law) Rules are a very specific set of rules governing the conduct of matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Courts – accredited specialists are very experienced in running matters in compliance with those rules and have a good working knowledge of all the provisions of the rules. In our experience, most accredited specialists in family law spend most if not all of their time working in the family law field of practice and are very familiar with the rules, the leading cases and the general principles governing family law practice and the resolution of family law cases.
- The practitioner regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and will be used to appearing before the various judicial officers and registrars who make up that court. The benefits are that the practitioner will be familiar with the various court processes and will be known to and generally respected by the judicial officer.
- The practitioner will usually be well known to the other accredited specialists practicing in their geographical area. There is a level of general respect between the various accredited specialists, which means that their opponent will treat their correspondence and other communications more respectfully than might be the case otherwise.
The benefit of being represented by an accredited specialist in family law is also significant in other ways. A representative who has regularly been to court and seen cases through to hearing quickly learns what a court is likely to rule in a particular fact situation. With that knowledge, an accredited specialist can provide the client with sound advice in relation to how a case might be settled.
When each party is represented by an accredited specialist, it is likely that each of them will be looking for opportunities to discuss the proceedings being settled and to be taking those opportunities to discuss the possibility of settlement with their client and the opposing practitioner.
Generally, representation by an accredited specialist ensures that your case is run in a highly professional manner, with all the benefits you would expect to come from having specialist family law representation.
Written by
Stephen Rugendyke
Special Counsel
In most instances, it is important to speak to a family lawyer first. We have experienced solicitors in Newcastle and the Central Coast area that can help you through your family law matter.
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