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Perth Barrister and Associate Professor from The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Forensic Science Judith Fordham and her business partner Steve Roast are celebrating after taking out the prestigious title of 2015 Telstra WA Micro Business Award for their unique, multi-disciplinary law practice, Fordham and Roast.

“We were absolutely gobsmacked by the win, we certainly didn’t expect it, the competition was quite extraordinary,” said Associate Professor Fordham.

“And let’s face it, no-one loves criminal lawyers! To say we were staggered to win is putting it lightly, we were so impressed with everybody else, we didn’t think we were in with a chance.”

For 30 years, the WA duo worked on opposite sides of Perth’s criminal law system – Judith as a trial lawyer and forensic scientist and Mr Roast, who is also a former Adjunct Associate Professor at UWA, as a Detective Superintendent.

In 2012 they joined forces to form what they describe as a one-stop-shop and 24-hour assistance for clients with criminal law problems.

“We take a proactive approach in our business to try and avert litigation, minimise expenses and optimise outcomes, with a focus on the long-term wellbeing of our clients as they journey through the court system and criminal justice system,” Associate Professor Fordham explained.

“Our motto and approach is based on the ABC approach - assume nothing, believe no-one, check everything!

“We launch our own investigations, challenge the forensic evidence and locate our own witnesses, nothing is taken for granted.”

The duo will now proceed to the national finals of the Telstra Australian Business Awards to be announced in Sydney on 20 August.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and Public Relations)                                                                       (+61 8) 6488 6876