We love a good legal event at Smokeball, so we’ve put together a list of the best legal events in Australia that you need to have in your calendar in 2025.
The Best Legal Events in 2025
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying up to date in the profession requires more than just keeping up with case law and legislation – you also need to build connections and sharpen your skills in numerous areas, especially if you’re running your own firm or thinking about doing so. Legal events are an excellent place to not only connect with your peers and obtain CPD points, but you can also gain invaluable knowledge from leaders in the legal community to help you grow your firm and career.
Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, network, or explore the latest innovations in Legal Tech, 2025 promises a host of opportunities to elevate your practice. But which ones should you attend? We’ve listed the top legal events and conferences that you absolutely can’t miss in 2025.
Smokeball Spark
When: Friday, 21 February 2025
Kicking off with our favourite event (we're biased), Smokeball Spark is a dynamic legal conference designed to empower legal practitioners from small-to-medium sized firms across Australia. Held over a single day, Spark combines cutting-edge Legal Tech innovation with practical insights to help law firms grow and practitioners thrive.
Featuring a diverse lineup of industry experts, thought leaders, and successful practitioners, Spark delivers a robust program of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on the latest trends in legal technology, firm growth, practice management, and client service. Spark attendees gain exclusive insights into leveraging technology to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and elevate their client experience. There are also excellent networking opportunities throughout the day, plus an exclusive afterparty for delegates to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in legal tech, refine your practice management skills, or spark new ideas to grow your firm, Smokeball Spark is the essential event for legal professionals. It’s a blend of inspiration and practical takeaways, making it a highlight of Australia’s legal event calendar.
Spark 2025 will be held on Friday, 21 February at the Hyatt Regency Sydney overlooking the gorgeous views of Darling Harbour. To learn more about Spark or to secure your ticket, head to our Spark website.
ALPMA Summit
When: 3 – 5 September 2025
The ALPMA Summit is Australia’s largest legal conference that hosts legal management professionals, subject-matter experts, and leading industry suppliers who come to connect and share expertise together. It has been held annually by the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association since 2001 and takes place in a different state each year. The ALPMA Summit attracts over 500 attendees across 3 days, with practitioners from all aspects of law firm management, including managing partners, practice managers, IT teams, HR, and marketing professionals.
In 2024, the ALPMA Summit was held in Brisbane and included ALTACON on its first day, a Legal Tech conference held by the Australian Legal Technology Association. ALTACON hosts an array of Legal Tech brands (like Smokeball!), innovators, and leaders in the tech industry to help legal practitioners understand how legal tech can support and grow their firms.
The 2025 ALPMA Summit + ALTACON will be held in Sydney in September. To learn more or register your interest, head to their website.
Happy Lawyer Happy Life: The Retreat
When: 30 October – 1 November 2025
The Retreat, from the mind behind the Happy Lawyer Happy Life podcast, is a unique and transformative event tailored specifically for legal practitioners seeking to create a more fulfilling and balanced career. Unlike traditional legal conferences, this immersive, 3-day Retreat focuses on well-being, personal growth, and building a sustainable legal practice.
Hosted by The Happy Family Lawyer and wellness advocate Clarissa Rayward, the Retreat offers a refreshing mix of interactive workshops, mindfulness activities, and practical strategies to combat burnout and cultivate happiness in both work and life. Attendees leave with actionable tools to enhance their mindset, improve their practice management, and foster stronger connections with like-minded professionals.
Set in an inspiring and relaxing environment on the sunny Gold Coast, the Retreat provides a rare opportunity for lawyers to step away from daily pressures and focus on themselves so they can be their best selves for their clients. For legal practitioners from any discipline looking to recharge, refocus, and rediscover their passion for law, the Happy Lawyer Happy Life Retreat is an unparalleled experience.
Learn more about The Retreat and what you can expect there on their website.
QLS Symposium
When: Friday, 21 March 2025
For legal practitioners in the northeast, the QLS Symposium is one of Queensland’s best legal events, bringing together legal practitioners, thought leaders, and industry experts for a day of learning and professional development. Hosted annually by the Queensland Law Society, this event offers a diverse program featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and practical workshops designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession in Queensland today. Attendees gain valuable insights into emerging legal trends, updates on legislative changes, and strategies to enhance their practice.
The Symposium also provides networking opportunities, allowing practitioners to connect with local peers, mentors, and key industry stakeholders. The day includes the Symposium by Night networking drinks after the event provides a relaxed format for attendees to mingle and converse.
For legal professionals in Queensland, the QLS Symposium is a must-attend event to stay informed, refine their skills, and advance their careers. Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer or just starting out, the Symposium is an essential part of the legal calendar.
For more details on how to register for the 2025 QLS Symposium, check out their event page.
The Racial Justice Conference
When: TBC 2025
Last year, the Racial Justice Centre held their inaugural Racial Justice Conference. It was a standout event for legal professionals committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and systemic change in Australia’s justice system. This impactful conference brought together lawyers, policymakers, academics, and community leaders to address the pressing issues surrounding racial injustice and discrimination in Australian law. Featuring thought-provoking keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, the conference explored topics such as systemic bias, cultural competency in legal practice, and discussed pathways to reform for the future.
What sets the Racial Justice Conference apart is its focus on actionable strategies and meaningful dialogue, empowering attendees to drive change within their spheres of influence. The conference also provides a place for legal practitioners to connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing racial equity. For lawyers and legal advocates, the Racial Justice Conference is an essential event to gain fresh insights, deepen their understanding of racial issues, and develop practical tools to champion diversity and fairness in their work. The Racial Justice Conference is not only a platform for education but also a catalyst for meaningful progress in the Australian legal landscape.
You can keep up to date with the Racial Justice Centre and any announcements for their 2025 conference on their website.
Conclusion
Attending the right legal events can make a meaningful difference in your career, offering valuable insights, knowledge, and connections that last long after the sessions end. With so many great events to attend in 2025, there’s something for every legal professional, no matter your area of practice, firm size, or goals. Take the time to explore what’s on offer near you, and make the most of the opportunities to grow, learn, and lead in the year ahead.
