Parnell’s Barristers is pleased to announce the return of our Criminal Law in Focus – Regional CPD Conference Series for 2026, following the strong engagement and positive feedback from the inaugural series held across regional Victoria in 2025.
Launched as a new initiative last year, Criminal Law in Focus was developed to support criminal law practitioners working in regional areas by delivering practical, relevant CPD opportunities closer to where people live and practise. The series was built on the premise that professional development is most effective when it is collaborative, conversational and grounded in real-world experience.
Over five sessions in 2025, members of our Specialist Criminal list travelled throughout regional Victoria to share insights on current issues in criminal law, engage in robust discussion and connect with practitioners within local legal communities. We were grateful for the strong attendance, the quality of discussion and the warm welcome we received in every location.
Returning in 2026
In 2026, Criminal Law in Focus will expand to six regional centres, continuing our commitment to accessible, high-quality professional development for regional practitioners.
The 2026 series will visit:
- Shepparton – 15 May 2026
- Ballarat – 29 May 2026
- Latrobe Valley – 19 June 2026
- Bendigo – 26 June 2026
- Geelong – 7 August 2026
- Albury/Wodonga – 21 August 2026
Each session will feature CPD content tailored to current legal developments and the practical realities of criminal practice, alongside opportunities to connect with colleagues, peers, members of our list and our clerks in a collegiate setting outside the formality of court.
Supporting regional practice
Regional Victoria is home to some of the state’s most experienced and dedicated criminal lawyers. Through this series, Parnell’s Barristers aims to support that work by creating meaningful opportunities for knowledge-sharing, professional growth and connection within regional legal communities.
Further details regarding speakers, session topics and registration will be released closer to each event.
Practitioners are invited to register their interest in attending one or more of the 2026 sessions.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and reconnecting with practitioners across the state in 2026.
