Law

Heather Breeze, Barrister, Reveals Life Lessons from Family Law

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2023

sylvia J

Heather Breeze Reveals What Family Court Taught Her About Life

Being a family lawyer means gaining a deep insight into relationships, familial conflicts, and life in general, every day. It’s a demanding and sometimes emotional job. But it’s one that teaches you important lessons about life, says barrister and professional mediator Heather Breeze.

Throughout her career, Australian barrister Breeze has had a diverse range of clients. Earlier in her career in England, she represented professionals, in professional negligence insurance claims and malpractice suits. As a mediator, she’s represented corporations in commercial disputes. But there’s one part of her legal practice that’s taught her more about life and human existence than any other. And that’s family law.

“It’s a really important area of law,” says Breeze. “There’s an enormous amount of good that can be done in it. And there’s got to be an angle when you’re working as hard as we all work where you’re really adding value.”

A barrister at Sydney-based 8th Floor Garfield Barwick Chambers — where her husband, barrister and former professional soccer referee Matthew Breeze, also practises — Heather Breeze represents husbands, wives, and parents in all manner of family disputes. Here are three things that working in family law has taught Breeze over the years.

The Best Path Through Conflict Is To Talk It Out

Being a barrister and representing family members in court proceedings means Breeze is accustomed to adversarial situations. In fact, she thrives in such circumstances and is a fierce advocate for her clients. But after decades of experience as a litigator, she knows full well that the most productive way through a family conflict is to talk things out and come to some form of agreement by finding a middle ground.

“Arbitration is a shortcut around the real gravitas of a courtroom,” she avers. “And a courtroom is a somber and acutely uncomfortable place for a litigant to be in. Arbitration is better than that. Mediation however is, has to be, the gold standard.”

It’s easy to get pulled into conflict when the stakes are as high as they are in family disputes. When a parent is threatened with losing their child, it’s entirely natural that the only thing they want to do is fight. And while standing your ground and fighting for what you believe in is important, it can often lead to a winner-takes-all mentality that blinds people to compromises that can lead to positive outcomes.

As well as being an experienced barrister, Breeze is a partner in a mediation practice called Mediate3. While using the same essential skills — negotiation, advocacy, and empathy for her clients — being a mediator in a mediation is very different from being a barrister in a court case.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that works by bringing opposing parties in front of a third-party, independent mediator. The mediator isn’t there to pass judgement or take sides. Instead, the mediator’s role is to bring the parties together in an agreement that’s mutually beneficial.

Heather Breeze says that when it comes to bringing opposing parties to a mutually beneficial outcome, talking it through in mediation is far more successful that litigation.

“Fighting is counterproductive. There’s always a better alternative,” says Breeze. “Litigation is counterproductive.”

Some People See Parenthood as a Right — But It’s a Privilege

One of the most difficult lessons Heather Breeze has learned from representing parents in custody cases is that oftentimes people see parenthood as a right. She’s lost count, she says, of the number of times she’s seen mothers and fathers come to court seeking to articulate their rights as a parent — to custody or visitation.

But courts simply don’t see parenthood in this way, she shares.

“Parents come to this thinking, I’ve got rights. I need to be able to spend time with my child — that’s my right. And I have to say —that [in law] a parent has no entitlement to spend time with their child. They’ve got every obligation to support the child, but a court will never approach any sort of arrangements in relation to a child’s residence with the idea that a parent has a right to their child,” Breeze explains.

In her mind, the legislature has it a little backward in treating parenthood in this way, because the emotional regulation of parents in the family law arena is something she thinks the legislation ignores.

“But it’s something that can’t be ignored. It’s not realistic and it’s not natural,” says Breeze. “Of course, parents believe that they’ve got a right to spend time with their child. Of course, the law turns that on its head. The only rights that matter are the child’s.”

But while she thinks the law should recognise the way parents feel about their rights, there is nonetheless a lesson to be had in the way the legislation determines the question of custody: First and foremost, parenthood is a privilege, and an obligation. Viewing parenthood in this way, thinks Breeze, will not only make you a better parent, but if you’re faced with familial conflict, it will better help you understand how to deal with the situation — and the courts.

Happiness Comes From Contentment and Contentment Comes From Hard Work

The last lesson Heather Breeze has taken from her work in the family courts is one that doesn’t come from the actual work she does. Instead, it comes from the process of doing the work, and her long years of experience and commitment.

Working as a family law barrister isn’t an easy gig. It’s long hours. It’s emotional. It’s opening yourself up to difficult situations. And it’s making sure you’re there for your clients — whenever and wherever they need you. In other words, it’s damn hard work. But that’s one of the things Breeze loves about her job. Working in family law has taught her about the value and importance of working hard.

“What I say to my kids and what I was taught, is that happiness comes from contentment. And contentment comes from hard work,” says Heather Breeze. “I say it all the time. We all want to be happy, but it’s understanding what [happiness] is.”

Heather Breeze adds that among her friends and colleagues, she apprehends that she may be regarded as being rather clever and rather successful and extremely vivacious.

“But I’m not. I’m just a regular person who works very hard. And I like work. There’s no magic to it,” she says. “My greatest success is the five extraordinary children that I have, who are all absolutely phenomenal. They work hard [and are] decent people. And that’s really all you need to do [to be happy]. Work hard and be a decent person.”

Law

A Detailed Overview of the Litigation Process

Published

3 days ago

March 31, 2025

sylvia J

A Detailed Overview of the Litigation Process

Litigation is the formal legal process used to resolve disputes between individuals, businesses, or other entities. This process plays a crucial role in ensuring justice in cases such as personal injury claims, contract disputes, and divorce proceedings.

If you are interested in Litigation Crowdfunding, check this read Litigation Crowdfunding: Do’s and Don’ts — 8 Tips to Maximize Success Civil Litigation and Court Jurisdiction

Civil litigation can occur in either state or federal courts, depending on the nature of the dispute. In the United States, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern cases in federal courts, aiming to provide a just, speedy, and cost-effective resolution for all involved parties.

The Litigation Process

While the specifics of litigation can vary by jurisdiction, the general process follows these key steps:
1. Filing a Complaint
When the plaintiff formally submits a claim to the court, describing the disagreement and the legal foundation for their position, the procedure officially starts. After that, the court notifies the defendant about the lawsuit through papers.
2. Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery
Motions may be submitted by any party asking the judge to render particular decisions. Typical motions consist of: A motion to compel discovery asks the court to mandate that the other party provide crucial information; A motion for summary judgment is a proposal to settle a case without a full trial when one side is legally entitled to win and the facts are undeniable.
The next step is the discovery phase, during which both parties collect evidence, share documents, and conduct depositions in order to strengthen their views.
3. Trial Proceedings
The case goes to trial if it is not dismissed or settled. Both sides offer arguments and supporting documentation during the trial.
Witnesses may be cross-examined and called to testify.
The burden of proving claims, such as proving negligence in a personal injury case, usually rests with the plaintiff.
4. Verdict and Judgment
The verdict of the case is decided by a jury or a judge. The right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution if the plaintiff seeks monetary damages over $20, unless all parties agree to forgo this right. A judge typically renders a decision in cases involving non-monetary remedy, like an injunction.
5. Appeals and Enforcement
A party may file an appeal with a higher court to request a reconsideration of the decision if they are unhappy with it. The verdict is implemented through the judicial system if the appeal is denied.

Arbitration: An Alternative to Litigation

Arbitration is a form of alternative conflict resolution that is useful for people who want to avoid drawn-out and expensive court cases. An unbiased arbiter considers the matter and renders a binding ruling in lieu of a trial, which frequently results in a quicker and more economical resolution.

The Problem of Frivolous Litigation

Although frivolous lawsuits—cases brought with little legal basis, frequently as part of class actions or mass tort claims aiming at financial gain—have become a burden on the litigation system, which is meant to settle legitimate issues. These cases can cost defendants a lot of money, take years to conclude, and deplete the court’s resources. Resolving this issue is essential to preserving a just and effective judicial system.
One essential method for settling conflicts and defending legal rights is still litigation. Businesses and people can successfully manage legal disputes by being aware of the procedure, available options such as arbitration, and the difficulties presented by pointless litigation. Being well-informed is essential to getting the best result whether filing a lawsuit or defending against one.

Resource:https://instituteforlegalreform.com/blog/what-is-litigation/

Read More: jacqulyn elizabeth hanley

Law

Exploring the New Age of Digital Law for Barristers

Published

2 weeks ago

March 19, 2025

sylvia J

Exploring the New Age of Digital Law for Barristers

Legal technology advancements are significantly transforming the way barristers work, creating brand-new opportunities for legal professionals while reshaping traditional practices.

Barrister Emily Windsor shares her insights into how these innovations are influencing the legal landscape, from streamlining case management to enhancing research capabilities.

She also explains why adapting to these technological changes is crucial for modern practitioners who want to remain efficient, competitive, and prepared for the future of legal practice.

Efficiency, Accessibility, and Transformation

Emily Windsor understands the importance of digitisation in democratising legal knowledge and creating a more flexible legal profession.

Reflecting on her role in producing and updating leading agricultural law texts, she acknowledges the impact of moving legal resources online: “Since books have been incorporated into digital platforms, practitioners who would not have dreamt of purchasing a specialist text can now access them at the click of a button,” she notes.

Platforms like the Westlaw online legal database have effectively removed barriers to information, ensuring that specialised legal expertise is widely available to those who need it.

The influence of technology in the legal sphere extends past knowledge dissemination, fundamentally altering advocacy through the accelerated digitalisation of court processes, especially during COVID-19.

Though Emily Windsor is aware of the constraints of remote hearings, particularly in assessing witness demeanor, she also sees the benefits of technological flexibility for lawyers and clients alike.

Furthermore, technology has introduced new possibilities for practitioners to balance professional demands with personal responsibilities. Emily Windsor points out how online access to legal resources and virtual proceedings has made the Bar more accessible, particularly for women and individuals managing family commitments.

The modern barrister must embrace technological tools not only as a matter of convenience but as a means to remain efficient and accessible.

Remote Hearings

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote hearings, transforming them from an occasional convenience to a standard practice. Emily Windsor’s observations reinforce how this shift has had lasting effects on the profession. Virtual hearings for procedural matters save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on travel and waiting at court.

This transition to remote proceedings has particular benefits for certain types of legal work. Administrative hearings, case management, and applications without witness testimony can often be handled more efficiently through virtual means. The technology allows barristers to serve more clients in less time, potentially reducing costs for clients while increasing access to legal services.

Work-Life Balance and Diversity

Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of legal technology has been its effect on work-life balance within the profession. Emily Windsor notes that technology has made the Bar more accessible to those with family commitments, particularly women. The ability to access resources remotely and participate in hearings from home or office locations provides flexibility that was previously unavailable.

This technological shift may help address long-standing diversity issues within the legal profession, since by removing some of the rigid structural barriers that have historically made it difficult for certain groups to succeed at the Bar, technology creates pathways for a more diverse and representative legal profession.

Law

The Evolution of Automotive Tools: Transforming the Mechanic’s Workshop

Published

3 months ago

January 17, 2025

sylvia J

“Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to driving,” emphasizes Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., a leading Chicago car accident lawyer. Addressing the evolution of automotive tools, he notes that advancements in technology have significantly transformed the mechanic’s workshop, enhancing efficiency and safety for both drivers and technicians. From diagnostic scanners and digital torque wrenches to advanced tire balancing machines, modern tools offer precision and speed unprecedented in the industry. These innovations not only streamline the repair process but also contribute to ensuring that vehicles are in optimal condition, thus promoting safer roadways for everyone.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Gone are the days when mechanics had to physically inspect every part of a vehicle to identify issues. With advanced diagnostic tools, technicians can now quickly and accurately diagnose problems, saving time and reducing human error. These tools use computer systems and sensors to scan a vehicle’s performance, detect abnormalities, and provide data for efficient repairs.

Precision Torque Wrenches

Torque wrenches have been crucial in automotive repair for decades, but today’s digital torque wrenches offer enhanced precision and accuracy. These tools allow technicians to calibrate the amount of pressure applied when tightening bolts, ensuring that they are tightened to the exact specifications recommended by manufacturers. This not only improves the quality of repairs but also prevents potential hazards caused by over or under-tightening bolts.

Advanced Tire Balancing Machines

Tires are a critical component of safe driving, and maintaining them in optimal condition is crucial for road safety. With advanced tire balancing machines, technicians can accurately balance tires to ensure even weight distribution and prevent issues like uneven wear or vibrations while driving. This not only promotes a smoother ride but also minimizes the risk of accidents caused by tire failures.

Improved Safety Measures

In addition to advanced tools for repair and maintenance, advancements in technology have also led to improved safety measures in the mechanic’s workshop. For example, some equipment now comes with safety features like automatic shut-off switches to prevent accidents, while others have ergonomic designs to reduce strain on the technician’s body.

That Means …

The evolution of automotive tools has significantly transformed the mechanic’s workshop, improving efficiency and safety for both drivers and technicians. With these advancements, we can expect even more precise and efficient repairs in the future, contributing to safer roads for all.