This address examines the challenges that litigants in person present within legal proceedings, and the responsibilities of the profession in ensuring their effective inclusion. These challenges are evolving as unrepresented parties increasingly use generative AI to produce submissions, which may appear sophisticated on the face, but contain error and confusion.
The common response is to point to pro bono. While pro bono has its place, it can only ever be part of the response and is not the focus of this address. Instead, I argue that more fundamental shifts in everyday legal practice are required. Drawing on over a decade of research into access to justice and the experiences of litigants in person, I will identify practical ways in which lawyers can better understand and respond to these challenges, including the growing presence of AI-assisted advocacy.
Speaker: Bridgette Toy-Cronin
Associate Professor Bridgette Toy-Cronin is the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Otago. A graduate of the University of Auckland (LLB(Hons) & BA), Harvard University (LLM) and the University of Otago (PhD), her research focuses on access to justice, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of litigants in person and the civil justice system. Before moving into academia, she practiced in civil litigation in both New Zealand and Australia.
Time:
10.00am – in-person arrival, morning tea and networking
10.30am – session stars in-person and live online
12.00pm – session ends, guests depart
Mental illness is one of the biggest issues facing society today. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2030 mental illness will have overtaken all other illnesses combined.
Damien Coates first experienced Depression in 1999 and over the last 25 years he has learnt how to manage his mental health. In recent years he has become a Mental Health Ambassador, fundraising over $1.2million for Black Dog Institute, and speaking to tens of thousands of people.
Damien is passionate about raising awareness of mental illness, breaking down stigmas, and sharing the clinically proven approach he uses in his own life to support positive mental health. During this session, Damien will share information on the mental health crisis facing society, his own personal mental health journey, and the tools, techniques and support available for people to manage their own mental health.
Speaker: Damien Coates
Damien Coates has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years. He founded DUAL in Australia in 2004 and since then has overseen the growth of the business to $500m in premium with six offices in Australia and New Zealand.
Damien has been a public advocate for mental health for many years, participating in numerous cycling, running and adventure challenges to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Together with DUAL, Damien has fundraised over $1.2million for Black Dog Institute and shared his lived experience with Depression with tens of thousands of people.