A stable economic system can be measured by how well a country protects and manages its real property. As we’ve progressed over the past couple of decades to a knowledge-based economy the need to manage property rights has not changed but the tangibility of the property has. We live in a world driven by ideas and innovation and realising this value in commercialising intellectual property (IP) is something small to medium sized businesses are beginning to understand.

A large proportion of family law matters deal with children after the breakdown of a relationship. This leads many parents to ask: ‘What are my rights are as a parent?’

When you settle your family court matter and arrive at a final property settlement, it is generally assumed by members of the general public that is that, it's final and everyone can move on. However, your final settlement may not stop ex-spouses from making a future claim on your estate. Unfortunately, this was the case for Dr. Lodin and others alike. An appeal case has recently been decided in the NSW Court of Appeal on this matter.

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that carries consequences for everyone involved. On top of the psychological and/or physical trauma suffered by the victims, some companies have found themselves facing heavy fine due to their incompetence or inaction.

Do you own your logo? Trade marking your brand.

Many businesses outsource a designer or design company to create a logo for them, although you paid other people to create YOUR logo, who actually owns it?

The simple art of conversation, but is it so simple? I am passionate about communication and its ability to make our lives better. It is very sad to see how breakdown in communication leads so quickly to breakdown in relationships. Relationships in business, in workplaces and at home. I don’t think in our modern society there would be anyone who could not tell you a story about relationship breakdown and the devastating effect it has had on them or someone very close to them. Relationship breakdown is emotional, time consuming and can be costly.

I feel like a perpetual student. I’m now about to complete my masters but if I’m honest I love to learn, which is a good thing if you like to lead others. Leadership is as individual as the individual and I don’t think there is one magic formula to follow. At it’s core leadership is about influencing others and this requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Happy World Voice Day Sunday, April 16

“All human beings are ‘trapped’ to different degrees, by belief, emotions and behaviours, which are outside of systems of rational analysis”[1]

At a time when our legislators are proscribing mediation and meaningful negotiation, I’m frequently arriving at the same hurdle. Some lawyers don’t speak to other lawyers. And as the digital natives graduate from law school, do we face a future with lawyers who have lost the art of verbal communication? We will be unable to meet our legislative and, surely, our moral requirements to negotiate or mediate unless we are prepared to change.

Gender difference and education can be a controversial subject but I’m going to wade into it anyway. I’ve seen a lot over my 27 years of teaching and training.

Helen asked to interview me over Easter. She wanted to know my story, how I came to be where I am today and my thoughts on how to assist women in domestic violence situations. If you want to know more have a read. https://msdispatches.wordpress.com/interviews-page-2/

Recently I had the fantastic privilege of being a judge at UTS for the Clayton Utz Intervarsity Negotiation Competition and also to present training on Developing your Personal Presence for NSW Young Lawyers at their mid- year assembly. Both very rewarding and fun for me. Being in the observation seat of so many talented speakers and presenters was great. It’s always fascinating to me to see who has the ‘It’ factor.

Have you ever noticed that when some individuals speak everyone listens? This can be frustrating when you feel you have something important to say and may feel you have trouble being heard or making an impact. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation then consider the following keys.

Bullying and harassment have serious consequences for individuals and workplaces. It is up to everyone to change this and create a productive culture in which people feel safe and do their best work. As an effective communication consultant I have experienced and studied the direct relationship between communication skills and productivity in the workplace.