One of the key issues identified as impeding the advancement of women in the profession was returning to work after an absence, particularly parental leave. The following information is provided to assist practitioners during their absence and when preparing to return to work.
If you do not intend to renew your practising certificate during your period of absence, you may choose to become an associate member instead.
During the time you are not practising, you will still be able to gain access to a comprehensive range of discounts, benefits and opportunities for a reduced membership fee.
You will also continue to receive Law Society publications, keeping you up to date with relevant information about the industry. The Become a Member page contains more information about services for associate members and has links to the application form.
If your practising certificate has lapsed during your absence from work, you will need to apply for a new practising certificate before you return to work.
The application form must be completed and returned to the Law Society together with payment of fees.
If less than five years have passed since you last held an Australian practising certificate, then you will generally be entitled to be issued with the equivalent practising certificate and conditions of the last Australian practising certificate you held.
If your last Australian practising certificate was not subject to the statutory requirement to engage in supervised legal practice (an unsupervised practising certificate), then your application will require consideration by the Law Society’s Licensing Committee to determine the appropriate category and conditions.
The Licensing Committee meet on a monthly basis. For further information regarding an application to the Licensing Committee, please email Registry@lawsociety.com.au.
The CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March the following year. Generally you are required to complete 10 CPD units each year.
If you commence or recommence practice on or after the start of the CPD year you will be required to complete these units on a pro rata basis.
Where a part exemption or pro rata calculation applies, the compulsory fields (Rule 6.1) must be completed as part of the remaining units.
Further information on CPD requirements can be found here.
Practitioners may benefit from participating in CPD activities while they are absent from practice. A range of courses and CPD seminars are available through the Law Society CPD Program.
Another way in which practitioners are encouraged to maintain a connection with the profession during their absence is by participating in networking events as advertised in Monday Briefs.
You may wish to consider discussing flexible working arrangements with your employer before returning to work.
The Law Society has published a report which provides information on different types of flexible work and their value, as well as tips on developing suitable arrangements in the workplace for both male and female solicitors.
The report is available to be viewed online.
The Law Society’s Locum Service connects firms seeking short or fixed-term assistance with experienced substitute solicitors.To be registered with the Service, our locums must be solicitors with a current Practising Certificate and have a minimum of five-year’s post admission experience.
Maintain your membership and keep up to date during your absence by joining the Law Society’s LinkedIn or following us on Twitter @lawsocietynsw.
The Law Society offers child care and lifestyle solutions through a partner organisation - Families at Work.