Arna Delle-Vergini is a Barrister, Tribunal Member, trained mediator and accredited advocacy coach.

A tireless advocate for children’s rights, she specialises in parenting and children’s matters in the FCFCOA, Children’s Court and VCAT. Arna also accepts briefs in disciplinary proceedings, guardianship and administration and intervention & personal safety order matters.

Arna was admitted to practice in May 1999 and signed the Roll of Counsel in 2000.  In addition to being a skilled court advocate she has a passion for alternative dispute resolution. Arna has obtained international certification in managing high conflict legal disputes, making her an obvious choice for intractable, high conflict matters. Arna was appointed to the Mental Health Tribunal in 2018 where she continues to preside over patient-centred hearings for people subject to compulsory treatment applications.

Extra Curricular Activities

In 2023 Arna launched an Australian first Children’s Law Podcast http://bestinterestspodcast.com.au. The same year she won the Lawyers Weekly ‘Barrister of the Year’ Award and was 1 of the 9 to make the shortlist for the ‘Women’s Excellence Award’ across 29 different award categories.

Arna has a strong interest in coaching and mentoring lawyers.  Through her company Ex Curia: Coaching and Consulting, she supports lawyers at undergraduate student level, throughout practical legal training and via ongoing professional development. She is a sought after coach and mentor, and has taught variously at ANU, ACU, VU, Leo Cussen Institute, Victoria Legal Aid and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

In 2013, Arna established New Lawyer Language, an (at the time) novel on-line mentoring tool for emerging lawyers . In 2014, she was shortlised for the LIV Mentor of the Year Award in recognition of her efforts.

In 2011-2012 Arna project managed the inaugural VLA Trial Counsel Development Program providing unique training and networking opportunities to junior members of the Victorian Bar.

Other qualifications

Cert IV in Workplace Assessment & Training

Cert IV in Project Management

Certificate in Managing High Conflict People in Legal Disputes, High Conflict Institute

Memberships

Family Law Bar Association

Children’s Court Bar Association

Family Law Section, Law Council of Australia

Family Law Association Victoria

Victorian Association for Restorative Justice