Events

UPCOMING CPD - CIVIL PROCEDURE IN THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT   The BLA is proud to present the Civil Procedure in the Magistrates Court CPD presented by Peter Cahill.     22 October 12pm - 1pm (1hr) Jury Pool Room - located level 2, Bendigo Law Courts Lunch provided   Peter Cahill is one of Bendigo's most experienced practitioners, and has set the highest standard of professionalism and courtesy for the local profession for decades. An Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, Peter's in-depth knowledge of civil litigation matters matches his experience.  Peter has agreed to share some of his knowledge and insights with us during this CPD. Whether you practice regularly in civil litigation, or if you otherwise work in private practice and have a desire to better understand civil procedure, you should get some value from this session. This CPD aims to provide a brief overview of court practice and procedure, a look a Default Judgements, and a case study using the worked example of a Fencing Dispute. And perhaps most importantly this is another opportunity to take advantage of the knowledge transfer from one generation of lawyers to the next within the local profession.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

The legal profession is rewarding, challenging and deeply impactful—but it can also place significant demands on our wellbeing. Too often, conversations about mental health only happen when people are already struggling. This seminar is about changing that.   Join us for an engaging and practical wellbeing session designed specifically for lawyers. Rather than offering generic wellbeing tips, this seminar will explore the unique pressures of legal practice, why so many lawyers experience stress and burnout, and, most importantly, the practical strategies that help build resilience, maintain perspective and create a long, sustainable and fulfilling career in the profession.   This is an opportunity to step away from the demands of practice, connect with colleagues who understand the realities of working in law, and leave feeling genuinely seen, validated and better equipped with the knowledge and tools to prioritise your wellbeing—both professionally and personally.   We are delighted to welcome Emily Knowles, the Law Institute of Victoria’s Wellbeing Manager, registered organisational psychologist and legal professional from a previous life, as our presenter. Emily brings a unique perspective to lawyer wellbeing, combining her expertise as a psychologist with her lived experience as a former paralegal, law clerk and Supreme Court Judge’s Associate. Having experienced the profession from both sides, she understands the challenges lawyers face and offers practical, evidence-based insights that are relevant, relatable and immediately applicable.   Whether you are at the beginning of your legal career or have been practising for many years, this seminar will provide valuable strategies to help you thrive—not just survive—in the legal profession.   Lunch will be provided by the BLA.     The event will be held at the Bendigo Law Courts in the Jury Pool Room on level 2.   We encourage all members to join us for what promises to be a meaningful and impactful conversation about creating healthier, more connected and sustainable careers in the law.

Members have requested some support around some of the financial aspects of running a law practice, as well as some practical guidance on the proposed changes to Discretionary Trusts and Capital Gains Tax which may impact both those running a practice and their clients.  This session will be an interactive presentation on some of the basics of setting up and running a law firm, and will also be a good opportunity to make sense of the new expected regulatory changes to trusts and CGT.  If you are running a small firm or considering setting up one, or if you act for clients who use trusts (e.g. Conveyancing, Commercial Matters, Estate Planning) then you should all find some value in this session.  This CPD will run over lunch, and as with all our CPD's in this series will be free to members with a light lunch provided. 

Join us for an amazing opportunity to learn about Trauma Informed Practice presented by the BLA's very own Dr Felicity Gerry KC.   This session will cover the following topics: * Court adjustments and use of intermediaries for complainants, witnesses, and accused persons. * Defending victims of coercive control accused of serious crime * Caring for and valuing yourself as a lawyer    About Dr Felicity Gerry KC Dr Felicity Gerry KC is a trial and appellate lawyer at the VicBar living near Bendigo but also admitted in England and Wales. She is on the list of counsel in the ICC and the KSC in The Hague and the DIFC in Dubai and has had ad hoc admission in Hong Kong, Gibraltar, and the Cook Islands. She specialises in trauma informed practice in serious crime (including homicide, terrorism, war crimes, and corporate crimes) and was part of the Advocate’s Gateway two decades ago when the use of intermediaries for vulnerable people was developed. She holds a Masters in International Governance (modern slavery thesis) and a PhD on trafficked women who commit crime which includes research on trauma informed courts. She authors Bourke’s Criminal Laws of Victoria on Modern Slavery, Sex Work, Compensation and Animal Law and is a Senior Consultant for Lawyers Without Borders.    Location: Bendigo Law Courts - Jury Pool Room level 2 When: 4 August 2026 at 1pm - est 1.5 hour session Food and refreshments to be provided

Join us for an evening of networking with fellow young lawyers and law students at the Rifle Brigade Hotel. Hosted upstairs at the Rifle Brigade, this event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, build professional relationships, and share experiences and insights with others at the beginning of their legal careers. Whether you’re a law student looking to meet practitioners, a graduate lawyer finding your feet, or an early-career professional wanting to expand your network, we would love to see you there. The Bendigo Law Association will be providing food and your first drink, so come along, enjoy a relaxed evening, and get to know the local legal community.

Participants in the 2026 Mentoring Program are invited to attend our launch event on 9 July 2026 at The Social from 5pm. We encourage all participants to attend and meet with their partners and other members of the program. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. Please RSVP by Monday 6 July 2026.