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Judith Fordham
PrintJudith Fordham is a Barrister practising in crime and tribunals; previously Associate Professor in Forensic Science UWA; author and brilliant speaker. Judith’s presentations are inspiring and entertaining, she engages audiences on so many levels. Her personal journey and story is incredible while her tales from years of crazy experiences in the practice of criminal law leave you in stitches!
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Testimonials for Judith Fordham
“Judith Fordham is one amazing woman…do read on. I was present at one of her presentations at the City of Perth Scholarship Awards and was totally impressed by her capabilities as a speaker. Judith’s timing and eye contact with the audience kept everyone totally focused on her presentation which was motivating, inspiring and entertaining. Believe me I attend many events on a regular basis and when I say a speaker is good – he or she is good, as prior to my life as Lord Mayor for ten years I was engaging speakers of all types for a national think tank. I know a good speaker when I hear/see one. It was very clear that Judith knew how to appropriately tailor the presentation to suit the specific audience. Her messages were clear, friendly and had wide appeal. Judith has a natural style and of course a great story or two to tell given her very interesting life and fascinating career. I have no hesitation in recommending Judith as a ‘woman of substance’ to any audience.”
Lisa M. Scaffidi, The Right Hon Lord Mayor of Perth.
“Excellent speaker. Judith is incredibly inspirational, motivational, humorous and personable. We were honoured to have her share her journey with us at our Women of Vision Luncheon.”
Lee Lawrence. Executive Officer, South Coast Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“A really interesting and captivating speaker who certainly held the attention of our audience for her entire presentation. Inspirational!
Steve Wright, Chief Executive Officer, The Professionals Real Estate Group.
“Judith related very well to our group and targeted her content most appropriately. We received really positive comment about her presentation from participants. First class speaker.”
Heather Maher, Narrogin District Education Office.
Feedback from evaluation forms from participants at Wesfarmers Senior Executive Forum: Very sharp and witty; Strong, confident and intelligent presenter, but also down to earth and humorous; Reads and relates to audience extremely well – very personable and informative; Judith was very appropriate as a presenter at senior executive level – could handle any question; Inspiring life story for both men and women.
Wesfarmers Senior Executive Forum
Fee Range: Up to $5000
Judith Fordham's Biography
Judith Fordham is a Barrister practising in crime and tribunals; previously Associate Professor in Forensic Science UWA; author and brilliant speaker.
Judith’s presentations are inspiring and entertaining, she engages audiences on so many levels. Her personal journey and story is incredible while her tales from years of crazy experiences in the practice of criminal law leave you in stitches!
Judith is a past President of the Criminal Lawyers Association of WA; Australian and NZ Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law; Australian and NZ Forensic Science Society (WA); Member American Academy of Forensic Sciences; and internationally recognised jury researcher.
Judith has worn zebra-print shoes into a courtroom, represented transsexuals, bikers, alleged murderers and rapists, and raised four children on her own. She is an expert in forensic science, and an internationally known jury researcher.
Judith has carried out several research projects on juries, including a study of juror intimidation at the WA Attorney General’s personal request. She has taught at several universities, teaching police and scientists about law, and lawyers about science. She has mentored many young lawyers.
Judith has been honoured to serve as an Australia Day Ambassador, and has been awarded a life membership of angelhands (a support organisation for secondary victims of homicide). In 2015 her law practice won a Telstra Business Award. She was a Telstra Business Awards Judge in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
She is a regular public speaker, her most challenging audience to date being 2,000 primary school children! The nicest comment was, “from zero to hero”, which she has adopted as a theme.
Her stories about the travels and travails of a woman in the world of crime and justice as told in her book ‘Life, Law and Not Enough Shoes’ are fascinating. She has been published academically but that wasn’t nearly as much fun.
Judith has regular engagements as a speaker on cruise ships including Cunard and Crystal lines, where she attracted standing room only crowds at her presentations.
Judith has spoken publicly of her personal experiences of domestic violence, and sexual harassment, weaving these into themes of resilience, survival and education. It took her many years before she was willing to do so, but the response from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive.
Speaking Topics Include
Life, Law & Not Enough Shoes: Adventures of a lady lawyer in the world of crime. Stories of wild characters and crazy experiences from 25 years of criminal law practice told by one of the world’s greatest appreciators of shoes as works of art, Judith Fordham.
From Zero to Hero. Lawyer, forensic scientist, mentor, domestic violence survivor: the inspirational story of Judith’s path from despair to success (whatever that is). (This presentation can be “tweaked” to focus on education or community volunteering/engagement).
Behind Closed Doors: Secrets of the Jury Room. As one of the few people in the world who has had the chance to talk to hundreds of real jurors after real criminal trials, Judith offers insights about the CSI effect, what jurors love and hate about lawyers, how trials go off the rails, what happens when a bully is the foreman, and the result of jurors using a Quija Board to contact the victim in a murder trial.
The Real CSI: Truth is stranger than fiction. How science trumps even the smartest criminal. This selection of real life forensic cases gives you an insight into how scientists, lawyers and police think, and what happens when these worlds collide in criminal investigation and prosecution.
Guilty or Not? Join barrister and forensic expert Judith Fordham as she relives the trial of a father accused of killing his infant son. Whose side are you on? How do you feel? While this presentation is not graphic, it may be emotionally confronting.
Happy Families: Everyone was happy when grandma came to visit. That is, until her granddaughter accused her grandson of a terrible crime. What really happened? The answers were in the DNA, but would anyone realise?
Scared to Death? When Bob hosted a loud party, he did not expect to be charged with murder. The worst crime he thought he had committed was being rude to a neighbour. But 20 minutes later, the neighbour was dead. Who killed him?
Could You be a Criminal? Are criminals born or made? Would you, could you, commit a crime? The answers will surprise you. Promise.
Judith can also create or tailor a presentation to suit your specific event theme or requirements.