Keane’s keynote address, Perspectives on Advocacy, drew a crowd of around 350 lawyers and legal academics. Another popular speaker was Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC, a barrister who appeared in major Constitutional High Court cases such as Mabo, Dams and Chan; he discussed the scope and challenges of the Royal Commission into the Abuse of Children.

The event also included the presentation of the Australian Lawyers Alliance Civil Justice Award to Peter Boyce (pictured) from Butler McDermott Lawyers in Nambour, for his involvement in the Daniel Morcombe case. Boyce was the driving force behind the search and eventual coronial inquest into the disappearance of the 13-year-old Queensland boy.

ALA Queensland president Adam Tayler said: “[Boyce] was an ideal candidate for this award because of his dedication poring over evidence for hundreds of hours, as well as counselling the Morcombe family and helping to ensure better safety for Queensland children with the establishment of a new foundation.”

See our gallery for more highlights from the event.

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