Legal Project Management Plan & Checklist
Purpose of this Guide: Welcome to the specialised practitioner roadmap for preparing for and negotiating a settlement at the QHRC Conciliation Conference. Designed explicitly for plaintiff human rights counsel and community legal centre practitioners, this guide covers the full conciliation lifecycle from preparation through to settlement execution and compliance. Additional forms are accessible via the Queensland Government Portal.
Jurisdiction: This guide applies to conciliations conducted by the Queensland Human Rights Commission () under the .
Governing Legislation: Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD), Part 7 which covers Complaints. The conciliation process is conducted by the QHRC under the Act. Statements made during conciliation are confidential and cannot be used as evidence in subsequent proceedings. The QHRC dispute resolution officer facilitates negotiations between the parties.
Process at a Glance: The QHRC mandates conciliation as the primary dispute resolution mechanism. This fork covers drafting the opening statement and schedule of damages (financial loss and non-economic loss including hurt, humiliation, and distress), representing the client at the conciliation conference (which may be in person, by telephone, or online), negotiating settlement terms, drafting a binding Deed of Settlement and Release, and monitoring post-settlement compliance with all financial and non-financial terms. Additional forms are accessible via the Queensland Government Portal.
* Disclaimer: We're nobody's lawyer, because we aren't lawyers. You are, so you know better than to take legal advice from an app. We also aren't accountants or dog trainers - just digital spirit guides taking zero liability for any of this. This site exists to gather the collective knowledge of practitioners like you. Verify everything and submit your feedback on the Anti-Discrimination Complaint (Complainant) - Conciliation Conference Settlement matter plan to improve the playbook. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, it's a request for input.
This legal matter plan provides a structured workflow for L&E_LITIGATION cases, outlining the standard DISPUTE_LITIGATION process. Utilize these tracking templates to manage your legal cases efficiently.
Draft the opening statement, compile a detailed schedule of damages, collate medical and financial evidence, and brief the client on the conciliation process and settlement parameters.
Verify all prerequisite documentation has been obtained, cross-reference against the statutory requirements for this matter type, and confirm compliance with practice direction protocols.
Recent QCAT and QIRC awards for non-economic loss (hurt, humiliation, and distress) vary widely depending on severity and duration:
The Richardson v Oracle Corporation Australia [2014] FCAFC 82 decision of the Full Federal Court has influenced upward movement in state tribunal compensation awards. These figures should inform both the schedule of damages and negotiation expectations at conciliation.
Prepare the relevant forms and supporting materials required under the applicable legislation, ensuring all mandatory fields are completed and all attachments are properly certified.
Draft and dispatch formal correspondence addressing the procedural requirements at this stage, including any required notices, requests for information, or proposals for resolution.
Attend the QHRC conciliation conference, negotiate settlement terms in accordance with client instructions, and execute a binding Deed of Settlement and Release.
Coordinate the collection and review of all financial documentation required for disclosure, including statements, valuations, and supporting schedules as mandated by the rules.
Monitor payment of settlement funds, verify fulfilment of all non-financial terms (apologies, references, policy changes), and lodge the Notice of Withdrawal of Complaint with the QHRC.
Assess the strategic considerations for interim applications, prepare supporting evidence, and draft the necessary documentation for urgent or time-sensitive relief sought.
Conduct a thorough review of all filed materials to ensure compliance with court requirements, verify service obligations have been met, and prepare for the next procedural milestone.
Verify all prerequisite documentation has been obtained, cross-reference against the statutory requirements for this matter type, and confirm compliance with practice direction protocols.
Prepare the relevant forms and supporting materials required under the applicable legislation, ensuring all mandatory fields are completed and all attachments are properly certified.