Day one
2023 Annual Conference
Align
Right
Come and enjoy a masterclass in legal practice. Hear from a range of experts across multiple topics at the heart of the profession, and learn how you can go from good to great in legal practice.
This conference is for those seeking to be in-the-know about what makes legal practitioners exceptional, the latest trends in practice, and how the profession needs to adapt in the face of constant change.
DAY ONE PROGRAM |
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8.00 - 8.30am |
Arrivals and Registration, Exhibitor Showcase and networking8:30am to 8.45am | Opening Address |
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8.40 - 9.50am |
The Great Debate: ChatGPT – is it a nay or an aye for AI and the legal professionPlenary opening session Generative artificial intelligence is here, and its name is ChatGPT. It can create exceptional copy in a matter of seconds. We ask the question: how should the legal profession feel about this? Is this technology ripe with possibility and opportunity? Or is it an existential disaster waiting to happen? Join us for an engaging, sometimes funny, but very serious debate on how generative AI will impact the legal profession. The legal experts will tackle the technology itself, the ethics behind it, its potential impacts on the profession, the rules and regulations all solicitors need to be aware of, and much more. This is a must-attend session for anyone trying to better understand how the AI revolution will impact you as a legal professional. Speakers
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9.50 - 10.40am |
Five trends that are shaping our future worldJoin us for a riveting session with global futurist and lawyer, Anders Sörman-Nilsson, as we explore the pivotal megatrends shaping the future of the legal profession. Anders will delve into the transformative role of AI across industries and the imperative balance between technology and human insight/foresight in our tech-driven future. Learn how to amplify the human touch in client experiences amidst increasing automation and discover the profound impacts of the sustainability megatrend on innovation and responsibilities. The session will also address the implications of digital transformation in increasing 'cyberdebt' and cybersecurity for lawyers, emphasizing the importance of a digital growth mindset for enhanced productivity and impact in legal practice. Don’t miss the chance to gain invaluable insights and foresight to navigate, innovate, and champion the evolving landscapes of law! Speaker
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10.40 - 11.00am |
Morning Tea break incl networking |
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11.00 - 12.00pm |
Judging solicitor advocatesWhat makes a great solicitor advocate? As a rule, practitioners have the black letter law down pat. However, this does not always translate into being an effective solicitor advocate across the courts and tribunals. Join Cassandra Banks and our two Judges who have honed their skills across the decades, to discuss the essential skills and competencies all solicitor advocates need to do the best by court and client. Speakers
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The TikTok BoomMeet three lawyers who are using social media to not just build a solid personal and professional brand, but also help educate the general public on various legal issues ranging from migration, criminal and family law. We ask a range of questions, including what are the ethical issues raised with this kind of content being shared online, and is the risk worth the reward? A practical and insightful session for those wanting to wade into social waters to grow their business. Speakers
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12.00 - 1.00pm |
The biggest mistake I ever madeTo err is human, to forgive divine. As lawyers, there can be serious consequences to an error. Two lawyers reveal the biggest mistake and toughest lesson of their careers, and how learning to recover from a blunder is a necessary step in the pursuit of professional excellence. The Law Society’s Director of Professional Standards also shares the key to avoiding common errors in practice. Success is a journey and extracting the sweet spot from the setback is a science all leaders must master.
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Mastering effective communicationClear and effective communication is a vital skill for lawyers, playing a pivotal role in regulatory compliance and positive client relationships. Through interactive discussions and practical tips, attendees will learn strategies to improve written and verbal communication skills – and hear some cautionary tales about why sub-standard communication is bad for business, your reputation, and possibly your practice.
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1.20 - 1.45pm |
Lunch session: Lawfully Explained LiveLawfully Explained live: How can we, as lawyers, educate the public on their rights and the law? Listen in as we live-record an episode of Lawfully Explained, the podcast that does exactly that – explain the law. From settlements to surrogacy to self-representation, see how Law Society members demystify the process of engaging a lawyer and outlining citizens’ rights. Law Society members and accredited specialists also explain how podcasting and publishing are powerful marketing tools for lawyers and firms. Session partnership with Southern Cross Austereo. Speakers
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2.00 - 3.00pm |
Curiouser and curiouserWe’ve heard of IQ and EQ, and now meet the new kid on the block – CQ, the Curiosity Quotient. Curiosity has long been held as the springboard for every great discovery, every ground-breaking invention and every transformative idea. How can nurturing a culture of curiosity – along with IQ and EQ – in your practice help you navigate change, know your clients better, identify opportunities and drive innovation, and be the best lawyer you can be. Speaker
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We need to talk about costsWhy do costs – one of the most heavily regulated areas of legal practice – remain such a contentious issue? We join Amber Ling, Partner at Cutcher & Neale, as she leads a panel discussion on recent developments in the costs landscape, the ethics of your disclosure obligations, and what to do when it all goes wrong. The panel will also explore the evolving notion of value – what does it mean for lawyers, how can we best deliver it, and what is the best way to charge for it? Speakers
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3.00 - 4.00pm |
Friends, foes, alliesDiversity and inclusion in the workplace have, over recent years, become an expectation rather than the exception. Research shows that diverse workplaces are good for business. As law firms and legal organisations become increasingly diverse, it is key that minorities in the profession feel equal, included and – when required – supported. We explore how lawyers can be effective allies to their colleagues, and what exactly allyship means. What can you do and say – and which behaviours do you need to be aware of – to ensure diversity and inclusion in your workplace stretches beyond lip service?
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Success starts with youLawyers can be complex. They’re perfectionists, competitive, hard workers, prone to identifying risk and seeing the negative in every situation – and they love an argument. It’s what makes them great lawyers. What impact, though, does the legal environment, and the traits that make them effective solicitors, have on their mental health? And how does a failure to put physical and mental health first impact their work, clients and business? Join a panel of experts for an open and honest conversation about the greatest threats to the wellbeing of those in the legal profession, and the tools you can use to practice effective self-care for a thriving career.
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4.00 - 4.30pm |
Afternoon Tea incl networking and Exhibitor Showcase |
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4.30 - 4.40pm |
The future of legal businessAs a specialist banker to the legal industry, Macquarie shares its perspective on the key trends currently shaping the legal industry and provides insight on how firms can continue to be prepared for and thrive during change. Speaker
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4.40 - 5.30pm |
Closing plenary session: Finding Passion and Purpose in LawJoin us for an inspiring closing session as we explore the vital topic of finding and maintaining passion and purpose in the legal profession. Whether you're a private firm lawyer, a sole practitioner, or part of an in-house or government legal department, this conversation is relevant to you. Discover strategies to keep your passion alive, especially when faced with the demands of administering justice. Engage in insightful discussions on uncovering your personal "why" and aligning it with your professional journey. Learn from experienced practitioners who have discovered their purpose and gain practical tips to nurture your own passion, find fulfillment, and make a meaningful impact in the legal field. Leave the conference energised and motivated to pursue your legal career with purpose and enthusiasm. Speakers
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5.30 - 8.00pm |
Networking & Exhibitor ShowcaseJoin us for canapes and drinks as we network, discuss the day, and meet our exhibitors to learn more of their products and services. |
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