Writing email correspondence and communicating with FCFCOA officers can become confusing as it can feel like it is ‘everchanging’. I did not even realise that I had made a mistake until GCDLA committee member Guy told me. Guy further told me that this is a mistake that even well-versed lawyer’s struggle with, which can result in error in correspondence in emails and in the court room.

There are 5 types of FCFCOA judicial officers, and this list can be used as a guide to double check correspondence or as a refresher before heading to Court.

1. Deputy Registrars;
2. Judicial Registrars;
3. Senior Judicial Registrars;
4. In division 2 of the FCFCOA: Judges   (referred to as His Honour Judge Middleton, or Her Honour Judge Firth for example);
5. In division 1 of the FCFCOA: Justices (referred to as the Honourable Justice Carew (and thereafter as Her Honour), or the Honourable Justice Baumann (and thereafter as His Honour), for example).

If you are unsure whether you are addressing an individual correctly ask your colleagues and if you are told about a mistake you have made, take it with grace. The only way you will know if a mistake has been made is if you have been told and what better way is there to improve?

What are some other common errors that new practitioners and veteran lawyers make? Email info@gcdla.com.au and let us know.

Author: Lara-Jane Mackie