Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Our Morwell office is closed due to renovations. The office can be contacted on (03) 5126 6444 or search our
online legal information.

Meet the successful candidates of the pilot Family Law Trial Counsel Development Program

Our program supports equitable briefing by pairing diverse junior counsel with experienced lead counsel in up to three trials.

Published:
Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 9:00 am

We are pleased to announce the four successful junior counsel candidates of our pilot Family Law Trial Counsel Development Program.

Delivered in collaboration with the Victorian Bar, the program aims to develop quality advocates at the junior Bar by pairing them with experienced lead counsel mentors in up to three family law trials over two years.

Following a competitive expression of interest (EOI) process, the successful candidates are:

  • Nonni Sdraulig
  • Ella Crotty
  • Carly Burgess
  • Lauren Taylor.

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) Family Law Acting Associate Director Bernadette Grandinetti congratulated the successful candidates, who each have a diverse range of experiences at the Bar.

‘We were delighted by the strong interest in the EOI process – it is clear that junior counsel see this mentoring opportunity as an important way to develop their skills and promote diversity at the Bar,’ she said.

‘We hope this pilot echoes the success of our Criminal Law Trial Counsel Development Program, which has been running for over 14 years developing the experiences of many advocates at the junior Bar.’

The pilot will fund both junior and lead counsel to appear in family law trials together, where a grant of legal assistance would only cover one counsel.

Initially, only matters which are held by solicitors in VLA’s in-house practice will be eligible for the program. Following evaluation, we hope to be able to expand to include trials from panel firms and community legal centres, as well as expand the number of junior counsel.

Nonni Sdraulig

Nonni has long brown hair and is wearing a dark blazer.

Nonni has been at the Bar for seven years and practises exclusively in family law. She has regularly acted as counsel for the Independent Children’s Lawyer in matters allocated to the Evatt, Magellan and Indigenous lists.

‘The law is a product of society and should reflect its values and at times, its aspirations, particularly in family law which is arguably the most progressive area of law. I am looking forward to being a part of this pilot program and to having the opportunity to work with some of the best counsel representing Independent Children's Lawyers in this jurisdiction.’

Ella Crotty

Ella has her long light brown hair half tied up and is wearing a dark blazer.

Working exclusively in family law since 2014, Ella joined the Bar in 2022. She managed family law and family violence programs at Fitzroy Legal Service, including health justice partnerships supporting LGBTIQA+ and migrant communities.

‘I am excited to be part of the pilot program and work with some of the best senior counsel representing Independent Children’s Lawyers.’

Carly Burgess

Carly has a side part in her long brown hair.

Since her admission to the Bar in 2023, Carly has regularly been briefed to appear on behalf of the Independent Children’s Lawyer. An accredited meditator, she has worked as a family lawyer since 2017.

‘A diverse Bar is essential for building public trust and ensuring all clients see themselves represented in their counsel. I feel deeply honoured and energised by this opportunity to develop specialised trial skills while advancing children's representation.’

Lauren Taylor

Lauren has a side part in her long blonde hair.

Lauren has been practising family law for eight years and was the principal family solicitor at a boutique law firm prior to joining the Bar earlier this year. She appears regularly in complex parenting proceedings.

‘Mentoring programs bridge the gap between technical knowledge and the nuanced judgment required in child-related litigation. I feel honoured and motivated to have been selected, as it represents an opportunity to deepen my expertise in child-focused advocacy.’

Seeking lead counsel

We have received strong expressions of interest from suitably experienced lead counsel to join the program as mentors for future intakes.

Lead counsel bring to the program:

  • a minimum of seven to 10 years at the Bar appearing primarily in family law matters
  • significant family law trial experience, including in complex matters (both parenting and property)
  • experience appearing on behalf of the Independent Children’s Lawyer
  • demonstrated ability in mentoring and training junior advocates.

Expressions of interest are still open and should include a brief outline referencing these points and why you wish to be a leader in the program.

Lead counsel should submit their expressions of interest via email to fltcdp@vla.vic.gov.au

More information

Read more about our Equitable briefing strategy

Learn about the Criminal Law Trial Counsel Development Program

NewsGeneral newsLawyers news

Updated

Back to top
Legal Help Chat