Judith has worn zebra-print shoes into a courtroom, represented transsexuals, bikers, alleged murderers and rapists, and raised four children on her own. Once a battered wife, who, struggled to feed her family she is now one of Western Australia’s best known criminal lawyers and is also an expert in forensic science, and an internationally known jury researcher.
Judith will entertain, inspire or confront any audience. Alternatively she can just have them “rolling in the aisles” with tales from 25 years of crazy experiences in the practice of criminal law; she is entertaining, motivational and (if you ask her nicely) downright hilarious! She is a first class speaker whose entertaining and informative presentations will inspire and motivate any audience. Judith can also create or tailor a presentation to suit your specific event theme or requirements.
Current work
Judith has recently returned from her second stint as a speaker on the prestigious ship the Queen Mary 2, where she attracted standing room only crowds of over 600 passengers at each of her seven presentations.
Previous experience
Awards: Judith has been honoured to serve as an Australia Day Ambassador, been awarded a life membership of Angelhands (a support organisation for secondary victims of homicide), and her law practice was a 2014 state finalist in the Telstra Business Awards.
Juror: Judith has carried out several research projects on juries, including a study of juror intimidation at the W.A. Attorney General’s personal request. She had permission for almost unprecedented access to jurors for post trial interviews.
Author: Her bold approach to life and law is inspiring, and her stories about the world of crime and justice told in her book ‘Life, Law and Not Enough Shoes’ are fascinating.
Talking Points
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).
From Zero to Hero.
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.
Life, Law & Not Enough Shoes: Adventures of a lady lawyer in the world of crime.
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.
The Real CSI: Truth is stranger than fiction.
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.
Behind Closed Doors: Secrets of the Jury Room.
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.
Guilty or Not?
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?
Happy Families
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?
Scared to Death?
Could You be a Criminal?
Are criminals born or made? Would you, could you, commit a crime? The answers will surprise you. Promise.Could You be a Criminal?
Judith can also create or tailor a presentation to suit your specific event theme or requirements.
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. ... keep reading 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!
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.
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.
“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.”'
