The Law Society has been very aware that many practitioners with matters before the Court have been finding it very difficult to prepare matters and comply with timetables during the lockdown.
 
We know it has been particularly challenging for those practitioners who have young children, are home schooling, or don’t have an appropriate working from home environment.
 
The Law Society, in partnership with the NSW Bar Association, has engaged with the heads of jurisdictions to highlight the particular difficulties that practitioners are facing in the current lockdown.
 
We are very grateful for the concern expressed for the legal profession during these discussions, and the following responses that we have received (as detailed below).
 
This ongoing support and understanding has strengthened our profession’s relationship with the Courts during the past 18 months, for the benefit of our clients and the communities that we serve.
 
Juliana Warner, President, Law Society of NSW

NSW Chief Justice Tom Bathurst AC has urged practitioners that they “should not feel concerned” in approaching the court to seek appropriate extensions or flexibility in matters, noting the current strains of the COVID-19 lockdown. In a statement released last night, the Chief Justice wrote “all judges of the Court sympathise with those working under these difficulties and understand the pressure they are placing on practitioners.” Read the full statement here.

Chief Justice Allsop has thanked the profession “for how they have assisted the Court in meeting the demands of this pandemic, and in meeting the needs of the Australian community insofar as it has required access to justice.” The Chief Justice has also advised members of the profession that they should “not in any way feel constrained to bring these matters into account in how they express their ability to undertake their work and to fulfil the demands of the Court.” Read his letter here.