The Piddington Society

Family law is a complex area where emotions run high. All lawyers have ethical responsibilities, but a unique pressure is placed on family lawyers.

In collaboration between the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) and The Piddington Society, this session is led by Nicola Jansen (O’Sullivan Davies) where she will be joined by the Hon Justice Richard O’Brien (Family Court of Western Australia) and Rod Hooper SC to discuss issues of conflicts and ethical dilemmas that arise when acting for a client in family law litigation.

Under the umbrella of duties to the court and protecting your reputation, the presenters will consider issues like disclosure, the timing of disclosures, conflicts, client expectations and how to avoid being a mouthpiece for the client.

Speakers Profile:

Ms Jansen was admitted as a lawyer in 2011 and has practised family law exclusively ever since. In 2017, Nicola completed Family Law Accreditation exams making her one of only approximately 70 practitioners in Western Australia recognised by the Law Societies of all States as having specialist knowledge in family law.

Ms Jansen regularly appears in the Family Court and has experience in all aspects of family law including divorce, simple and complex property settlements, child support and parenting disputes. She is the current President of the Family Law Practitioners’ Association and sits on other committees and working groups in that capacity.

The Hon Justice Richard O’Brien obtained a Bachelor of Laws at The University of Western Australia and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia in 1983. From 1982 to 1986, he worked at Legal Aid WA, where he was a solicitor in the family law division.

In 1986, His Honour joined the firm of Jackson McDonald.  He became an equity partner three years later and was elected as the managing partner of the firm in 1993. In 2001, His Honour joined specialist family law practice O'Sullivan Davies where he was an equity partner for more than 10 years. In 2016 His Honour was appointed as a Judge to the Family Court of Western Australia.

Rod Hooper SC was admitted to practice in 1984 and was appointed as senior counsel in 2012. In 2025 he was listed in Doyles as one of the leading family law senior counsels in Western Australia.

Attendees will be eligible for 1 point in CA3 (Ethics and Professional Responsibility).