Tough Talks: How to Say the Hard Stuff with Fiona Pakoa and Leilanie Pakoa

FLPA CONFERENCE 2026 - Vox Pops

Join us from the sunny Gold Coast for a special FLPA 2026 Annual Conference episode, recorded live from the Sheraton Grand Mirage. Hosted by Amy Honan, this episode takes you behind the scenes of the conference as Amy catches up with delegates to hear their highlights, insights, and memorable moments from this year’s event. Tune in for a taste of the conversations, connections, and community that make the FLPA Annual Conference such a special gathering for family law professionals.

The expanded AML/CTF Regime - what family lawyers need to know

Lawyers have received a range of information about the expanded regime under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) from different sources.  It can be difficult to know when an engagement for a family law matter 'tips over' into being a designated service. In today's episode, FLPA Immediate Past President Shannon Daykin is joined by Jess Smith, Director at Grant Thornton.  Jess has over 15 years' experience providing advice and guidance on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.  Most recently, Jess has guided practitioners as they prepare for Australia's expanded AML/CTF regime, and worked with AUSTRAC to support the development of the AML/CTF Starter Kits for Lawyers. Join us as Jess explains the legislation, what activities undertaken by family lawyers for clients may or may not be deemed a designated service under the legislation, and more.  This is a must listen for all family lawyers.

What is the role of a forensic accountant in family law matters?

In this podcast, James Bailey is joined by Jennifer Veitch of Pilot Partners.  Jennifer is a Partner at Pilot Partners who assists family lawyers and client to make complex financial issues clear – so parties can negotiate, resolve or litigate with confidence.    In this episode, Jennifer shares her insights about when you might engage a forensic accountant, including understanding what a valuation of a business will not cover, using a forensic accountant to investigate personal expenses which have been claimed and getting advice on tax issues including Division 7A matters.

Tough Talks: How to Say the Hard Stuff with Fiona Pakoa and Leilanie Pakoa

Difficult conversations are part of everyday practice. Whether it’s delivering advice a client may not want to hear, raising concerns with a colleague, or setting boundaries in the workplace, how we approach these moments can make a significant difference to both outcomes and relationships. In this episode of FLPA Talks, Emily Ownsworth is joined by Leilanie Pakoa, sport psychologist at Surge (Performance and Wellbeing), and Fiona Pakoa, mentor and coach. Together, they explore why difficult conversations feel so uncomfortable, the emotional and psychological factors behind them, and practical ways to prepare for and navigate these conversations with greater confidence and self-awareness. Listen now via the FLPA website or your favourite podcast platform.  #FLPATalks #FamilyLaw #LegalProfession #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills

Best practices when representing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) family law clients

In today’s episode, we sit down with Helen Davison and Dora Ko to explore best practice when representing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients in family law. Dora began her career in private practice before moving to Women’s Legal Service. In 2022, she was appointed as a Judicial Registrar in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), and since 2025, she has been leading a busy mediation practice. Passionate about educating the profession, Dora regularly writes and speaks on the importance of culturally competent representation. In this episode, she shares practical insights every family lawyer should hear. #FLPA #FamilyLaw #CALD #LegalProfession #FamilyLawyers #Mediation #ProfessionalDevelopment