From the Poolside to the Podium: Evelyn Young on Family Law, Presenting, and Carrying on a TEN Tradition

As TEN celebrates its 50th year of delivering high-quality professional education, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the exceptional individuals who have helped shape our story. Few embody our legacy quite like Evelyn Young, an accredited family law specialist, a passionate presenter, and a proud second-generation TEN contributor. 

A Legacy Begins at the Pool 

For Evelyn, her relationship with TEN started long before she presented a single session. In fact, her earliest memories of TEN involve tagging along to conferences with her mum, Susan Young, a respected tax lawyer and long-time TEN presenter. While her mother delivered complex taxation seminars, Evelyn was happily checking out the hotel pools, unknowingly absorbing the world of professional education from the sidelines. 

“It was great,” Evelyn said. “She did the work, and I got to hang out at the hotel pool.” 

But those poolside beginnings eventually evolved into a professional relationship that would help launch Evelyn’s legal career — and keep her connected to TEN ever since. 

A Family Connection Runs Deep 

It was through TEN that Evelyn landed her very first job in family law. A conversation between her mother and TEN’s Eleanore Kostiuk (a familiar name to many long-time TEN contributors) revealed that Forte Family Lawyers was looking for someone. Evelyn jumped at the chance, and soon found herself beginning what would become a lifelong journey in family law. 

Since then, Evelyn has worked with firms including Forte and Mitchell Family Law, before establishing her own family law practice - Lighthouse Family Lawyers operating across Melbourne and Tasmania. 

“I sort of fell into family law, but I’m so glad I did,” she says. “It’s all I’ve ever done, and I really enjoy it.” 

Becoming a TEN Presenter (Despite an “Atrocious” Start) 

Evelyn’s debut as a TEN presenter came unexpectedly. When at Forte, she had watched Jacky Campbell present for TEN. And then one day “I think someone got sick and they needed a fill-in, so was asked to step in.” she recalls.  

The experience was a trial by fire! “My first session was atrocious, so sorry about that”, she laughed.  “I think it was meant to be a two-hour session and I wrapped up in an hour and a half,” she laughs, but it sparked a relationship that has endured for over a decade. 

What keeps her coming back? 

“There’s something really rewarding about presenting,” Evelyn reflects. “Each topic gives me a chance to do a deep dive into the topic and keep my knowledge fresh. And it’s nice professionally — I think being trusted to present adds to your own credibility as a lawyer.” 

TEN: Like Family 

When asked what sets TEN apart, Evelyn doesn’t hesitate. 

“It really feels like a family. There’s Rob, who’s always been there, Eleanore, Jenna, Susanna. You’re just surrounded by familiar, supportive people.” 

She also appreciates the thoughtfulness behind the content: “There’s a real effort to make the topics relevant and responsive. If something needs adjusting, they’re open to that. It’s very collaborative.” 

“When I was with Forte, we had a Lawyers lunch every week where we would do a CPD event. The CPD event was always watching one of the DVDs from TEN. It was just really clear that it was quality content. 

Even in the whirlwind of early motherhood, TEN remained part of Evelyn’s life. “Two weeks after having my second child, I did a webinar — from the bedroom, next to the cot. It just wouldn’t have been possible without the flexibility of webinars.” 

The Accidental Trailblazer 

Despite her mother’s attempts to talk her out of pursuing law — “She told me it was too stressful!” Evelyn now finds herself following closely in her mum’s footsteps. Just not into tax. “Definitely not tax,” she laughs. “I did one tax subject at uni and that was enough for me.” 

Today, Evelyn balances running her own firm, parenting three young children, and continuing to contribute to the TEN community. She’s presented at webinars and conferences around the country,  and though she jokingly begs us to “stop giving her the ethics topics,” she’s always up for the challenge. 

If her mother were here for this interview, what would she say? 

“She’d absolutely take credit for all my success,” Evelyn smiles.  

Celebrating 50 Years of TEN 

Evelyn Young represents the very best of what TEN stands for, knowledge, generosity, authenticity, and connection across generations. As we mark 50 years of continuing professional development, we’re proud to honour contributors like Evelyn, who make our work meaningful and our legacy lasting.