Monday Briefs

19 August

Monday Briefs

19 August 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Reducing the incarceration rate

For some time now, the Law Society has raised concerns about the high rates of prisoners in NSW prisons and the impact this has on the courts and justice system as a whole. NSW’s adult prison population has significantly increased in recent years (13,613 for the week ending 4 August 2019) which has led to a major expansion of NSW Corrective Services’ prison infrastructure. Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania all have lower incarceration rates than NSW. And, like the rest of the nation, NSW has shameful rates of Indigenous incarceration. Continue reading >

 
 
NEWS
The Law Society of NSW President's Medal: Don't forget to nominate
Nominations are now open for the prestigious President's Medal, which has recognised our most outstanding members since 2009 by acknowledging those who have made a significant personal and professional contribution to the improvement of law and justice in the community. 
Continuing Professional Development – Are you on track?
Solicitors are reminded that the 2019-20 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) year is almost halfway through. Please take a moment to review the CPD information on the Law Society’s website and ensure you are on track to complete requirements by 31 March 2020. READ MORE
2019 Charter for the Advancement of Women Awards: Nominations now open
Recognise the efforts of signatories to the Law Society’s Charter for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession by nominating those who have contributed to the advancement of women in the legal workplace. NOMINATE TODAY
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Legacy Program: Launching soon
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is currently looking for solicitors interested in participating in a solicitor referral scheme which will involve the Foundation referring its supporters to solicitors willing to provide a low-cost will service. For more information, email Alexandra Power Hanny.
 
 
WHAT'S ON
Law Society CPD - Mandatory Rule 6.1 - Unconscious Bias
28 August 2019
Commercial Mediation Strategies: a lawyer’s guide to successful negotiations
29 August 2019
2019 Annual Maurice Byers Lecture
29 August 2019
Government Solicitors Conference
3 September 2019
Thought Leadership: Is biology destiny? Free will and the age of biotech
17 September 2019
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Dust Diseases Tribunal Rules 2019
Practitioners are advised that the Dust Diseases Tribunal (DDT) Rules 2019 were published on 9 August 2019 on the NSW legislation website. A copy of the DDT Rules 2019 can be found here
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Updates to property and joint property and parenting applications
From 1 September 2019, property and joint property and parenting applications which are filed in the Sydney Registry of the Family Court will be listed into a case assessment conference upon filing. These applications can now be e-filed. LEARN MORE
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Draft Legal Profession Uniform Admission Amendment (Qualifications) Rule 2019
The Legal Services Council Admissions Committee is consulting on proposed changes to the Legal Profession Uniform Admission Rules 2015 in accordance with s 426 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law. The changes relate to the admission of foreign lawyers in NSW and Victoria. The deadline for submissions is 16 September 2019. Visit the Legal Services Council website for more information.
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Expressions of Interest - Appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
The Law Council has been advised that the Government is inviting suitably qualified members of the public to submit an expression of interest to be considered for appointment to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Members are encouraged to apply to ensure the best candidates are available for appointment. LEARN MORE
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Election of Councillors – Notice of Forthcoming Election
In the upcoming 2019 Council Election six vacancies will be filled by election:
one Large Firm Councillor, one Country Councillor, one Suburban Councillor, one Corporate Councillor, and two Councillors (with each position for a three-year term). The seventh vacancy is to be filled by the appointment of a Young Lawyer Councillor for a one-year term in accordance with clause 8.1.8 of the Law Society’s Articles of Association. Nominations for the upcoming Council Election must be received by the Company Secretary of the Law Society not later than 4.00pm on Monday 16 September 2019. View the notice of election.
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Diary Note: Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of The Law Society of New South
Wales will be held on Thursday 24 October 2019 at 4.30pm on
Level 3, Law Society Building, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW.
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Toongabbie Legal Centre - Advocacy skills for solicitors workshop
The Toongabbie Legal Centre is holding an intensive and practical workshop over two Saturdays, 26 October and 2 November 2019 with a week of reading time. LEARN MORE
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Litigation
Going digital: bridging the gap between e-filing, e-discovery and e-trials
By Jonathan Prideux >
Employment law
Public servants all atwitter: High Court has its say on “free speech”
By Jack de Flamingh and Daniel Argyris >
 
IN THE PRESS
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Chatbot to make solving legal issues simple - Department of Justice NSW
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The Law Society of New South Wales
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