Barry.Nilsson.

Applications for prenuptial agreements, driven by the 'bank of mum and dad,' are on the rise. This trend reflects an economic climate where increasing financial pressures are prompting more couples to safeguard their wealth and assets. BN Family Law Principal Will Stidston joins 7NEWS Melbourne to discuss this growing trend and the key drivers behind it.

View his full interview here: https://x.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1798248787330433214

The final leg of BN’s inaugural The Insurance Perspective roadshow took us to Sydney last week. A big thank you to our line-up of speakers – Nick White (AI Researcher and Developer), Brett Teychenne (AXA XL) and Catherine Osborne (Marsh), as well as BN’s Henry Silvester for sharing their insights on this year’s theme, Future-Proofing Insurance: AI's Promises, Risks & the Human Element.

The discussions delved into the transformative potential of AI, including its ability to discern patterns, assess probabilities, and enhance risk intelligence. The importance of understanding both the opportunities and limitations of AI was emphasised, noting that AI is not taking over jobs but augmenting our skills. The speakers explored the dual trust model, advocating for human oversight and extensive testing to ensure safety and reliability. Key takeaways included the significance of data quality and ethics, the need for proper training in AI tools, and the role of AI in pre-loss risk assessment and claims processing. There was also a focus on the boundary between 'safe' and 'unsafe' AI use, the power of effective advocacy, and the necessity for leaders to be educated on AI applications.

We hope you found The Insurance Perspective as insightful as we did, and that these discussions continue to inform your approach to successfully navigating the future of insurance and AI. Stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives by subscribing to our insights here: https://bnlaw.com.au/subscribe/

We were thrilled to bring BN’s inaugural The Insurance Perspective to Brisbane last week. A big thank you to our line-up of speakers – Nick White (AI Researcher and Developer), Brett Teychenne (AXA XL) and Catherine Osborne (Marsh), as well as BN’s Samantha Pillay for sharing their insights on this year’s theme, Future-Proofing Insurance: AI's Promises, Risks & the Human Element.

The discussions delved into the transformative potential of AI, including its ability to assess data from quotes or claim forms against policy provisions, allowing for quicker assessments of coverage and freeing up time for more creative tasks. Our panellists also recognised AI as a tool to enhance creativity and address subjectivity, rather than being seen as a threat to employment. There was also an emphasis on the importance of transparency, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks in AI's implementation. While AI can bring efficiency and innovation, human oversight and judgment remain crucial, especially in handling rare events and ensuring empathetic decision making – aspects that are essential to the role of claims handlers.

We hope you found The Insurance Perspective as insightful as we did, and that these discussions continue to inform your approach to successfully navigating the future of insurance and AI. Stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives by subscribing to our insights here: https://bnlaw.com.au/subscribe/

We were thrilled to kick-off BN’s inaugural The Insurance Perspective in Melbourne last week. A big thank you to our line-up of speakers – Nick White (AI Researcher and Developer), Brett Teychenne (AXA XL) and Catherine Osborne (Marsh), as well as BN’s Dian Turner for sharing their insights on this year’s theme, Future-Proofing Insurance: AI's Promises, Risks & the Human Element.

Nick’s keynote provided a comprehensive overview of the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, including the critical role of data in deep learning, the challenges AI faces when encountering unknown information, and the concept of risk intelligence. Nick also emphasised the importance of ethical considerations in AI use and the irreplaceable value of human advocacy in client relations.

Our panellists provided insightful discussions on the potential and limitations of AI in the insurance sector. They explored AI's role in managing global risks, enhancing risk advisory services, and automating tasks. Ethical considerations such as data transparency and preventing bias were emphasised, along with the importance of human oversight.

We hope you found The Insurance Perspective as insightful as we did, and that these discussions continue to inform your approach to successfully navigating the future of insurance and AI. Stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives by subscribing to our insights here: https://bnlaw.com.au/subscribe/

As legal professionals, we might find ourselves navigating emotionally challenging subject matters, graphic material or cases that involve emotionally charged parties. This can, in some instances, lead to 'vicarious trauma'; a phenomenon often experienced in high-stress industries such as law or healthcare.

In the latest episode of The Checkup, BN’s Natalie Laidlaw and Ashlee Sherman talk to Sally Ryan and Carly Schrever; psychologists and the directors of Human Ethos, as they discuss the complexities of vicarious trauma, empathy-based stress, burnout and compassion fatigue. Together, they explore how we can recognise the symptoms of stress, both in ourselves and our colleagues, as well as some strategies to effectively manage and prevent vicarious trauma. Listen to the latest podcast episode on your favourite platform: https://bnlaw.com.au/knowledge-hub/podcasts/episode-25-combatting-vicarious-trauma-in-the-workplace/

The Checkup is a medico-legal, health law podcast hosted by BN. Together with a range of industry experts, we tackle some of the big issues and discuss what’s happening in the world of healthcare – now and in the future.

As we wrap up 2023, it's time to unwind, recharge and enjoy the holiday period. A reminder that our offices will be closed from Saturday, 23 December 2023 and will reopen on Wednesday, 3 January 2024.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday, and look forward to working with you in the new year!

BN Principal Will Stidston sheds light on the challenges faced by parents who have financially assisted their adult children in purchasing a home, as featured in The Australian. Will notes heightened conflicts due to cost of living pressures, interest rate hikes and divorces. “I’m seeing more (disputes) in the last six to 12 months than I’ve seen in the better part two decades doing this,” says Will.

Read the full article here:

Bank of mum and dad runs dry Parents are increasingly being left empty-handed after loaning money to their kids to buy a home as repayments to the Bank of Mum and Dad are moved down the priority list.

BN Principal Genevieve Morgan shares her insights on the recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 in the latest episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show. Exploring the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind these changes, Genevieve delves into the short-term uncertainties and emphasises the critical need for re-education in this evolving legal landscape. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/podcast/38606-unpacking-the-passage-of-the-family-law-amendment-bill?utm_source=LawyersWeekly&utm_campaign=04_12_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1&utm_emailID=9e65de2b6192948648c88673f430c87a77dd2e7a114bacaa4673c41a1a40cf61

Find out more about our Family Law team here: https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/podcast/38606-unpacking-the-passage-of-the-family-law-amendment-bill?utm_source=LawyersWeekly&utm_campaign=04_12_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1&utm_emailID=9e65de2b6192948648c88673f430c87a77dd2e7a114bacaa4673c41a1a40cf61

Unpacking the passage of the Family Law Amendment Bill Here, we discuss the recent passing of legislation which the Attorney-General said will make Australia’s family law system “simpler, safer and more accessible” for separating families and their children. What are the implications for practitioners in this space?

Our Brisbane office has now relocated to Level 14, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane at Central Plaza 1.

We look forward to showing you around the new office soon!

View our Brisbane team and contact details here: https://bnlaw.com.au/our-team/?team%5BrefinementList%5D%5Blocation%5D%5B0%5D=Brisbane
View our Brisbane office location details here: https://bnlaw.com.au/get-in-touch/brisbane

Last week, we hosted our annual BN Health Forum in Melbourne for the first time. A big thank you to our line-up of speakers, including Nick McKenzie (The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald), Nisha Khot (Peninsula Health), Kathryn von Treuer (The Cairnmillar Institute) and Fleur Katsmartin (The Royal Melbourne Hospital), as well as BN’s Natalie Laidlaw for sharing their insights on this year’s theme, Going Viral - Healthcare, Media and the Law.

In a captivating keynote address, Nick McKenzie emphasised the role of media scrutiny in improving patient outcomes. Advocating for healthcare professionals to actively engage with the media, Nick emphasised the importance of controlling the narrative based on facts. He warned against victim-playing during scandals, highlighting its detrimental impact on reputation. Nick provided guidance on the effective management of healthcare scandals – from acknowledging and apologising for mistakes to leveraging such situations as opportunities for reform.

Our panellists examined the transformative impact of technological advancements such as electronic medical records and AI in healthcare, including the challenges these advancements bring, particularly in terms of privacy and consent. Notably, the integration of AI in healthcare can lead to a rethinking of malpractice, from solely human error to potential technology error. Our panel also delved into the ethical and legal considerations of using advanced technologies in healthcare, addressing the need to maintain privacy while improving patient care. The impact of social media on the healthcare industry was also explored, including the need for effective social media policies to avoid the potential risks of a digital presence for healthcare providers.

We hope you found the forum as insightful as we did, and that these discussions continue to inform your approach to successfully navigating healthcare, media and the law. Stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives by subscribing to our ‘Health Law’ insights here: https://bnlaw.com.au/subscribe/

We were thrilled to bring our annual BN Health Forum to Sydney for the first time last week. A big thank you to our line-up of speakers, including Dr Norman Swan (ABC), Charlotte Grieve (The Age), Dr David Wood (North Sydney Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre) and Matthew Richardson SC (153 Phillip Barristers), as well as BN’s Hannah Shiel for sharing their insights on this year’s theme, Going Viral - Healthcare, Media and the Law.

Dr Swan's keynote provided a comprehensive overview of the interplay between healthcare, media, and politics during crises. He unpacked the overshadowing effect of media-driven topics, the government's influenza-like approach to COVID-19, and the crucial role of journalism in scrutinising the credibility of sources, particularly on emerging issues within healthcare. Dr Swan also explored the issue of trust in journalism and healthcare, the impact of divergent views between media and government, and the public’s tendency towards negative news stories that are linked to emotional change.

Our panellists delved into the media's influence on healthcare perceptions, the complexities of defamation claims, and the lasting effects of negative media coverage on health practitioners that are the subject of legal proceedings. They highlighted the impact of misinterpreted comments on public trust and the role of the media as a catalyst for medical reforms, emphasising the need for journalistic rigor in verifying stories. The discussion also identified strategies for protecting practitioners' interests amid disciplinary actions, including the need to consider the one-year limitation period and the dangers in commencing defamation proceedings before disciplinary actions have finalised.

We hope you found the forum as insightful as we did and that these discussions continue to inform your approach to successfully navigating healthcare, media and the law. Stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives by subscribing to our ‘Health Law’ insights here: https://bnlaw.com.au/subscribe/

We were thrilled to host our annual BN Health Forum in Brisbane last week. A big thank you to our line-up of speakers, including Hedley Thomas (The Australian and News Corp), Richard Douglas KC (Callinan Chambers), Justine Nolan (BBS Communications) and Dr Mellissa Naidoo (Viridis Consultants), as well as BN’s Melissa Carius, Sarah Carlisle, Lisa Fairley, Remy Crozier and Bonnie Lawler for sharing their insights on this year’s theme, Going Viral - Healthcare, Media and the Law.

Our legal experts unpacked the complexities of Australia's legal system and freedom of the press, sharing fascinating perspectives about its influence on healthcare providers. We also navigated through the intriguing landscape shaped by AHPRA's expanded authority to make statements about practitioners or incidents the subject of complaints prior to investigation. Meanwhile, our panel session offered a range of perspectives on the essential role that both media and legal professionals play in advancing healthcare quality. Transparency and engagement with media emerged as crucial elements in managing public opinion, turning potential challenges into meaningful opportunities for growth within healthcare.

We hope you found the forum as insightful as we did, and that these discussions continue to inform your approach to successfully navigating healthcare, media and the law. Stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives, including BN’s upcoming Health Forums in Sydney and Melbourne, by subscribing to our ‘Health Law’ insights here: https://bnlaw.com.au/subscribe/

Supporting adult children can be the cause of disagreement, particularly in cases where parents have separated. These disputes often intensify when a child turns 18 and child support is no longer payable. If you or someone you know could benefit from adult child maintenance it’s important that you seek legal advice so that your application is properly prepared.

In this article, BN's Will Stidston discusses when a parent can claim adult child maintenance, a practical example, and the takeaways for someone considering seeking adult child maintenance. Read more here: https://bnlaw.com.au/knowledge-hub/insights/financially-supporting-adult-children/

You might have heard about ChatGPT and are thinking you can use it to help with your family law matter. It is easy to use and for the moment it’s free, so what have you got to lose? In this article, BN Principal Will Stidston, an accredited Family Law Specialist, shares some of the traps to look out for when relying on artificial intelligence when it comes to solving complex and emotional family law issues. Remember artificial intelligence is not yet a replacement for real world experience and advice.

Read more here: https://bnlaw.com.au/knowledge-hub/insights/will-artificial-emotional-intelligence-replace-family-lawyers/

We are thrilled that three more BN team members have recently completed training with the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals to become collaborative practitioners!

Our team is committed to helping clients find ways to resolve family law disputes that best meet their circumstances, and collaborative practice is another way we can do just that. Collaborative practice is a method of dispute resolution that focuses on cooperation and negotiation, and where parties and their lawyers agree to stay out of court – minimising conflict and giving parties better control of the settlement process.

BN Principal James Steel, Special Counsel Thea Davies and Associate Brittany Anderson have now met the requirements to work as collaborative practitioners, and are able to assist their clients with this form of dispute resolution. These team members join BN Special Counsel Genevieve Morgan, who is also a trained collaborative practitioner and the current Co-President of the Central Sydney Collaborative Forum – a group of lawyers, mediators, financial experts and mental health professionals who are committed to collaborative practice.

Thank you to the Association and lead trainers Dr Anne Purcell and Cassandra Poulos for sharing their extensive knowledge and experience with our team.

You can find out more about dispute resolution and collaborative practice, or get in touch with the team here: https://bnlaw.com.au/family-law/dispute-resolution/

We were thrilled to attend this year's Soiree For A Cure evening on 4 February – which raised over $385,000 for cancer research!

Now in its fourth year, the Soirée is Brisbane's premier fundraiser supporting local children's cancer researchers. In 2022, the Soirée For A Cure had reached it’s goal of raising $1 million to help fund local children's cancer research, support and prevention. This year, the event raised $385,000 and reached their goal of funding Professor Di Yu's project from the Ian Frazer Centre for Children's Immunotherapy Research to the value of $200,000.

BN was a silver sponsor at this year’s event, and has been a longstanding corporate partner of the Soirée For A Cure. We can’t thank this committee enough for an amazing night and the incredible research they are supporting in our local community.

Find out more about Soirée For A Cure, their achievements and the event here: https://soireeforacure.com.au/

2023 marks BN's 60th year and we are feeling nostalgic! Join us as we look back to where it all began.

In 1963, Barry.Nilsson. was founded by John Barry. The firm opened its doors as a general commercial and property law firm. How times have changed!

In the early 1970s, John's brother, David Barry, was joined by Jack Nilsson to form Barry & Nilsson. The firm later expanded into Family Law and Insurance & Health Law, and changed its name to Barry.Nilsson. in 2010. The dots were born...

Between 2014 - 2017, we progressively expanded our footprint to establish offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, and Perth, strengthening our Insurance and Family practices along the way.

A lot has happened in 60 years. What's next for BN?

Congratulations to BN's Melanie Rubin who has been appointed to the Pacifica Congress Board!

Pacifica Congress is a leading multidisciplinary not-for-profit organisation comprising family law professionals in the Pacific region including Hong Kong, Japan, Aotearoa New Zealand, Singapore, and Australia. The organisation's work involves ensuring that children and families are better equipped to overcome the harm caused by family conflict, thereby enhancing their lives.

As a Board member, Melanie will have the opportunity to provide valuable input into a range of family law issues and actively contribute to the ongoing work of Pacifica Congress.

Melanie is a Principal, Accredited Family Law Specialist, and leading member of BN's national family law team. She began her career in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to Australia where she focussed her practice in family law. With over 25 years' experience, Melanie specialises in complex property / financial law settlements, parenting and children's matters, child support and divorce.

Find out more about Melanie: https://www.bnlaw.com.au/page/Our_Team/All_Team/Melanie_Rubin/

We’re thrilled to see BN’s Thea Davies nominated for the FLPA Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland elections for 2022. Thea has been a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association since 2009 and a General Board Member since December 2021.

Thea is a Special Counsel, Accredited Family Law Specialist, and a leading member of BN’s national family law team. With more than 15 years’ experience, she works with clients across an extensive range of family law issues but has particular interest and expertise in resolving complex financial and parenting matters. She is also a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, the Queensland Law Society, and the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland.

Good luck, Thea!

Find out more about Thea: https://www.bnlaw.com.au/page/Our_Team/All_Team/Thea_Davies/

Congratulations to all the graduates and prize winners, with a special mention to Anne Maree Salt, the winner of the Barry.Nilsson. Best Graduating Student in Family Dispute Resolution Practice.

As a firm that's committed to ongoing professional development, we are proud to be an award sponsor and we look forward to providing continued support.

Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August.  These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma o...

We were thrilled to attend the QUT Law Society - QUTLS ‘Meet the Profession’ last month!

Held annually, this QUTLS event gives QUT law students the opportunity to meet and mingle with graduate lawyers from across the industry. From BN, we sent recent graduates Olivia Lambert, Piers Langbroek, and Remy Crozier to represent the firm and provide some insight into our culture, the types of work we do, and what we offer here at BN. Thanks for having us QUTLS!

Applications for our clerkship programs in Brisbane and Melbourne are currently open but close soon. Find out more about our graduate and clerkship programs here: https://www.bnlaw.com.au/page/Careers/Graduate__Vacation_Clerk_recruitment/

A huge congratulations to Aaron Wilson who completed the Kokoda Challenge last weekend!

The Kokoda Challenge is one of Australia's toughest team endurance events which raises funds a variety of youth programs and aims spread awareness of the heroic defense of Australia against imminent invasion in 1942, and instil the Kokoda values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice into the community of today.

Aaron, a Senior Associate in our Brisbane Family Law team, covered 96km and over 4,000m of elevation (almost half the height of Everest), to finish the course in a cracking 18 hours and 51 minutes – a new personal best. Aaron (pictured on the right) tackled the challenge with two legal comrades, David Jones (Qld barrister at Queens Arms Chambers) and John Davis (Associate at Kennedy Spanner Lawyers) who placed 14th overall (228 teams) and 7th in the Men’s division (53 teams). As well as an impressive race result, they also raised more than $2,400 for the Kokoda Youth Foundation!

Well done to Aaron and the team on this achievement!