Developing high-quality trial advocates

We have officially launched this year's Trial Counsel Development Program, with women and diverse counsel making up more than half of the 15 places for Junior Counsel.

It’s the eleventh year of the program which provides training opportunities to the selected junior counsel, by partnering them with senior trial advocates in criminal trials.

In congratulating this year’s cohort, Victoria Legal Aid CEO, Louise Glanville said the program is one important way to improve gender equity and diversity in the legal profession.

'I have a passion for ensuring that we have a diverse profession,' she said.

'We really do need a strong Victorian Bar, and strong public defenders as well to really support the work of the courts and ultimately for the purposes of serving the Victorian people.'

The program is a joint initiative of Victoria Legal Aid and the Victorian Bar.

Roisin Annesley KC, the President of the Victorian Bar, said the program provides a wonderful opportunity for the junior counsel who are selected to participate.

'The program will give you every opportunity to do what juniors do best, which is to improve your advocacy, help with your written submissions under the guidance of really very capable leaders.'

Victoria Legal Aid Chief Counsel, Julia Munster is one of the 50 Lead Counsel who provide feedback and mentoring to the program’s participants.

'Criminal trials are rewarding but increasingly complex and trial counsel often carry a burden. I am grateful for the experienced counsel who mentored me early in my trial practice and enjoy doing the same for less experienced advocates, who are the future of our profession.

'It is great to work with advocates in further developing their written and oral advocacy, to jointly develop case theories and pre-trial arguments, share forensic decisions, prepare cross-examination and addresses, and strategies for managing stresses and challenges.'

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General, Enver Erdogan MP told the event that programs to increase the number of experienced trial counsel were critical to help the justice system respond to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

'This program and the commitment of Victoria Legal Aid to increasing equity through its briefing protocol, go a long way to ensuring there is structural support for candidates to succeed as trial counsel, based on talent and hard work.'

More information

Read more about the Trial Counsel Development Program.

Read about our Equitable Briefing Strategy.

Participants in photo (from left to right): Julia Munster (VLA Chief Counsel), Christin Tim, Lachlan Cameron, Tom Battersby, Martin Radzaj, Heather Anderson, Liliana Dubroja, David De Witt, Louise Glanville (CEO of VLA), Jeremy Karitizis, Bridie Kelly, Rabea Khan, Roisin Annesley KC (Victorian Bar President), Katherine Farrell and Mihal Greener. Absent: Gregory Lascaris and Lisa Andrews.