Monday Briefs

10 September

10 September 2018
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
An uncomfortable truth: lawyers and alcohol abuse

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: more than one in three lawyers has a problematic relationship with alcohol. We know this because the Law Society’s LSJ team recently investigated the issue of alcohol abuse within the legal profession – and what they found was not pretty. According to a landmark 2016 study conducted by the American Bar Association and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 36 per cent of legal professionals report consuming alcohol at levels that classify them as “problem drinkers”. Continue reading >
 
NEWS
Call for expressions of interest – Law Society Committees 2019
Want to make a difference in the legal profession? Submit an expression of interest by 28 September 2018 to join one of the Law Society’s committees. READ NOW.
FLIP Conference only days away
There are just a few days left until the FLIP Conference this Friday 14 September. The finalists of the successful #InnovateLaw2018 hackathon will be showcased and winners announced at the Innovation Dinner. REGISTER NOW.
Hackathon winners to be announced at Innovation Dinner
Over the weekend, the Law Society of NSW and Legal Forecast hosted the first-ever #InnovateLaw 2018 hackathon at the Law Society’s office in Phillip Street. More than 100 “hackers” from universities, law firms and technology companies dedicated their weekend to solving challenges presented by the Supreme Court of NSW and Justice Connect. Four finalists will be showcased and the winners announced at the FLIP Innovation Dinner this Friday 14 September. 
Government solicitor award winners
The Law Society is proud to announce the recipients of the John Hennessy Research Scholarship and Michelle Crowther PSM Excellence in Government Solicitors Awards. READ MORE.
Law Society of NSW President’s Medal
Time is running out to nominate an outstanding solicitor for the President’s Medal, which recognises a solicitor who goes above and beyond to improve justice in the community. Nominations close this Friday 14 September. NOMINATE NOW.
New video celebrates the history of women in law
A new video has been released as part of the First 100 Years Initiative. Supported by Gilbert + Tobin and the Law Society of NSW, the video offers a variety of perspectives from lawyers and law students about women in law.  WATCH NOW
Australian Dispute Centre 2018 ADR Address
The Hon. Chief Justice Tom Bathurst AC will deliver the Australian Dispute Centre’s Supreme Court of NSW 2018 ADR Address on the topic ‘ADR, ODR and AI-DR or, do we even need courts anymore?’ on 20 September. REGISTER NOW.
 
WHAT'S ON
Permanent obligations under carbon sequestration
19 September 2018
Transitioning to e-Conveyancing
25 September 2018
Rural Issues Conference 2018
26 October 2018
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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The Law Society of New South Wales Professional Standards Scheme (the Scheme) 2018-2019
After an extensive application process, The Law Society is very pleased to announce that the Professional Standards Council has approved its newly named “The Law Society of New South Wales Professional Standards Scheme” which will commence on 22 November 2018. All law practices will receive an information brochure about the new Scheme’s benefits, logo and importantly, that Members who do not want the Scheme to apply to them will need to apply for exemption.
 
In early October, the Law Society will open its online facility for applications for participation in, or exemption from, the 2018-2019 Scheme year. Scheme co-ordinators will receive an email providing unique login details for the online process. 
 
Law practices are encouraged to apply online where possible. The online facility is available to all law practices regardless of payment method. A hard copy of the application form will be posted in early November to those law practices not using the online facility. READ MORE.
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Upcoming settlements with Westpac or NAB as discharging mortgagee
Most certificates of title held by Westpac or NAB were converted over the weekend to an electronic certificate of title (eCT). Practitioners should use the free Certificate of Title (CT) inquiry search to check if an eCT has been created. If settling in paper, vendor’s solicitors will need to prepare a Request for CoRD Holder consent. READ MORE.
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Solicitors needed for Downing Centre Duty Solicitor roster 
The City of Sydney Law Society needs solicitors with experience in the Local Court to join a monthly roster of Duty Solicitors at the Downing Centre Local Court. Email a_j_restuccia@yahoo.com.au if you can help.
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NCAT vacant positions
The Attorney General is calling for applications from qualified persons for appointment to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The vacant positions include Deputy President and Division Head – Occupational and Administrative and Equal Opportunity divisions; Principal Member, all divisions; and General Members, Consumer and Commercial Division.

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Recent fee changes at NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS) – a message from the Office of the Registrar General (ORG)
Following NSW LRS initial announcement on fee changes, the ORG asked NSW LRS to stop applying fees that were not charged by Land and Property Information (LPI) before the concession commenced in July 2017. These fees have been stopped.
 
Multiple transactions that are included in one dealing form will continue to be charged according to the number of transactions included on that form. NSW LRS have published a definitive list of the dealing scenarios that will be assessed in this way. This list can be found on the NSW LRS website here.
 
NSW LRS and the ORG are currently in discussions on the interpretation of the regulation and on how fees should be applied. The ORG will update the Law Society further on the outcome of these discussions.

These changes reflect representations made by the Law Society to the Registrar General on fee issues encountered with the NSW LRS.

 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ

Employment
The limitations of a modern day bag search. By Jack de Flamingh and Phillip Magness. >

Elder Law
Financial abuse and forfeiture.
By Ruth Pollard and Darryl Browne. > 
 
IN THE PRESS
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New laws to protect domestic violence victims – NSW Department of Justice
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Proactive policing keeps NSW crime rates low – NSW Department of Justice
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MEMBER BENEFITS
Open Practice and Matter Centre integration now available!
Announcing the latest Open Practice, integrating with $0 conveyancing workflow software, Matter Centre! Law Society members enjoy 25% off on new Open Practice complete installs. Learn more. >
Bienvenue to Spring! Need a staycation?
Be pampered in Sydney’s new five star destination and experience the finest at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Law Society members benefit from specially negotiated rates. Explore Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour>
Should you invest in Sydney real estate?
Sydney’s real estate market remains strong and promising despite recent downturns. Buyers Domain highlights why investing in Sydney real estate is still a smart move. With 10 years experience in property law, we help lawyers get the best deals on property. Visit Buyers Domain. >
 
 
The Law Society of New South Wales
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