Australian Legal Convention

20–22 November 2025

High Court of Australia, Canberra.

Join members of Australia’s judiciary and broader legal community for two days of discourse, debate, and discussion.

View the Program Download PDF

The Council of Chief Justices is pleased to welcome you to the Australian Legal Convention 2025, at the High Court of Australia, Canberra, from 20-22 November.

To make the most of the Convention, please review the information on this page. We have designed this platform for your convenience and ease of use.

The Convention Guide, a comprehensive resource, provides further details on schedules, plenary addresses, and workshops to assist with your planning.

About the Convention

A National Legal Gathering

The Australian Legal Convention 2025 brings together members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, and academics from across the nation for an unparalleled exchange of ideas and expertise.

Hosted by the Council of Chief Justices Australia and New Zealand, this national event showcases contemporary challenges and opportunities facing the Australian legal system.

View the Program
aboutcard

Insightful Plenary Addresses

Gain perspectives from distinguished speakers.

about card2

Expert Panellists and Workshops

Engage in discussions on contemporary legal issues and emerging challenges.

aboutcard3

Community, Collaborations, and Connections

Connect with leading legal minds and build lasting professional relationships.

Key Times & Events

Important dates and times for your attendance

Registration Opens

Thursday, 20 November
From 4.30 PM * (See FAQ's Section)
Forecourt of the High Court of Australia, Canberra.

Welcome Reception

Thursday, 20 November
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM,
Great Hall,
High Court of Australia, Canberra.

Convention Dinner

Friday, 21 November
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM,
Gandel Hall,
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

A complete schedule of sessions and events is available on this page to view and download.

Topics

Explore the major themes and focus areas of the Convention

Legitimacy

Examining how courts maintain public trust, accountability, and confidence in the judicial process.

Artificial Intelligence

Exploring the opportunities and challenges of AI in legal practice, judicial reasoning, and ethical decision-making.

Family and Sexual Violence

Addressing the legal, procedural, and human dimensions of family and sexual violence cases within the justice system.

Institutional Well-Being

This session explores strategies to strengthen institutional wellness and sustain well-being across the justice system.

First Nations Justice

Advancing understanding of Indigenous perspectives, justice reform, and culturally responsive approaches in Australian courts.

Access to Justice

Discussing innovations and reforms that enhance fairness, affordability, and accessibility in the legal system for all Australians.

Legal Education and Training

Highlighting evolving approaches to judicial education, professional learning, and knowledge-sharing across the legal community.

Program

View the full schedule of plenary addresses, workshops, and events.

day1
day2
day3
Download PDF

Venue & Details

Essential information for your attendance at the High Court of Australia

Registration

Location: Forecourt of the High Court of Australia

For registrants attending:

The Welcome Reception on Thursday, 20 November:

  • Attendees with surnames A–K from 4:30 PM
  • Attendees with surnames L–Z from 4:45 PM

The Convention on Friday, 21 November : From 8:00 AM

The Convention on Saturday, 22 November : From 8:30 AM

Please bring a valid form of photo identification to registration.

Entry to the convention will not be permitted without photo ID.

High Court of Australia — Great Hall

View Larger Map

Lanyard & Badge

NO LANYARD = NO ENTRY POLICY
Upon registration, you will receive your lanyard and name badge, which must be worn visibly at all times while at The High Court. Access to all areas of the convention will only be granted to registered delegates wearing their official identification.

Accessibility

If you have any mobility or accessibility requirements, please notify us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made for your comfort and convenience.

ccj.alc@anu.edu.au

Cloakroom

Cloakroom capacity is limited — please leave large bags at your hotel where possible.

Parking

No on-site parking at the High Court. Delegates are encouraged to use public transport or rideshare.

Staff, Signage, and Workshop Access

Throughout the venue, the ALC team and clear signage will be available to assist you with directions and general enquiries. Please note that movement time between sessions is limited; therefore, we ask all delegates to proceed directly to their chosen workshops and sessions as indicated in your convention guide and on signage throughout the Court.

Important:

We recommend you choose your workshop sessions prior to attending the convention. Numbers are limited in each workshop. Please follow the instructions of the ALC team carefully should the workshop you would like to attend be full.

Security and Access Requirements

All delegates will be required to pass through security screening each time they enter the High Court.

  • Bag restrictions will apply — Only bags A4 size or smaller are permitted.
  • Please allow additional time for security checks each day.

We appreciate your cooperation with these security measures, which are in place to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for a smooth experience

What are the convention dates and venue?

The Australian Legal Convention will be held from 20–22 November 2025 at the High Court of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes ACT.

When does registration open?

Registration will take place at the Forecourt of the High Court Building, Parkes Place, Parkes, ACT 2600.

For registrants attending:

The Welcome Reception on Thursday, 20 November:

  • Attendees with surnames A–K from 4:30 PM
  • Attendees with surnames L–Z from 4:45 PM

The Convention on Friday, 21 November : From 8:00 AM

The Convention on Saturday, 22 November : From 8:30 AM

Do I need to bring photo ID?

Yes. Please carry an Official photo ID (e.g. driver’s licence or passport) for registration and entry.

A NO LANYARD = NO ENTRY policy is enforceable for the duration of the Convention events, so please ensure your name badge and lanyard (received at registration) are visible at all times.

Is there a cloakroom?

Cloakroom capacity is extremely limited- please avoid bringing coats, large bags, or non-essential items to the Convention.

What is the security screening policy?

The High Court of Australia requires security screening to be carried out each time you enter the building.

What is the bag policy at the Convention?

Only bags A4 size or smaller are permitted.

Can I take food and drinks to the courtrooms?

No food or drink is allowed inside the courtrooms.

Will accessibility arrangements be available at the Convention?

Attendees with mobility or accessibility requirements should notify the organisers by Friday, 7 November 2025, at ccj.alc@anu.edu.au to ensure appropriate arrangements are made to support you at the High Court of Australia.

How do I download or view the program?

The Convention Guide is available on this webpage for viewing and downloading. You can also access the Convention Guide easily on your device using the QR Code on this page.

Will print copy of the Convention Guide be available at the venue?

Yes, a printed Program Guide will be available at the Convention, provided upon registration.

Will there be staff available to assist during the Convention?

Yes. The ALC team will be available throughout the venue to assist with directions, general enquiries, and workshop access. Please follow the signage and staff instructions to ensure smooth movement between sessions.

How does workshop access work?

Workshop places are on a first-come, first-served basis.

If a session reaches capacity, please follow the ALC team’s directions regarding alternative options. We recommend moving promptly between sessions to secure your place.

Is parking available at the venue?

There is NO on-site parking available at the High Court. Attendees are encouraged to use public transport, rideshare services, or walk if staying nearby.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

If you have any questions before your arrival, please contact the ALC team at ccj.alc@anu.edu.au.

What is the dress code for the Convention and the Dinner?

The dress code is business attire for both the Convention and the Dinner.

Still have a question?

Contact Us

Join us at ALC 2025

Download the complete convention brochure to explore the full program,
speaker lineup, and registration details.

Download the Convention Brochure (PDF) Contact Us
dualtone