Monday Briefs

18 February

18 February 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Legal aid funding, integrity of our judiciary

One of the roles of a legal association is to be defender of the integrity of the independence of judicial officers and the courts. This is fundamental to a democratic civil society. This is why it’s important that the Law Society of NSW expresses its support, on behalf of the state’s 34,000 solicitors, for the Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court, the Honourable Chief Judge Brian Preston SC. Like many members of the legal profession, I am extremely concerned by recent claims in the media of “judicial overreach” in relation to a recent and extensive judgment by his Honour. As the NSW Attorney-General, Mark Speakman SC, rightly pointed out, if there was any concern about judicial bias in any matter before the courts, it was open to the parties to raise that and to ask the judge to recuse himself. Continue reading >

 
NEWS
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Due 31 March 2019
Practitioners are reminded that the 2018-19 CPD year concludes 31 March 2019. CPD compliance is a statutory requirement, governed by the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015. Please review the Society’s CPD information here to ensure you are on track to comply with requirements. Search available CPD courses here. READ MORE
International Women’s Day featuring Dr Kirstin Ferguson
On 8 March, join Elizabeth Espinosa, Law Society President, and guest keynote speaker Dr Kirstin Ferguson, company director, creator of #CelebratingWomen and author of Women Kind, for an insightful and inspiring discussion on the challenges and achievements of women in law, business and their community. REGISTER NOW
Thought Leadership – Hayne Report: Law, Regulation and Practice

Our first Thought Leadership event of 2019, on 28 February, will explore the themes of remoulding law, regulation and the financial services industry after the Hayne Report. Hear from an expert panel including barrister Dr Bob Austin, Professor Pamela Hanrahan of UNSW and Michael Vrisakis of Herbert Smith Freehills. Limited places available.  REGISTER NOW

2019 FLIP Regional Roadshow First stop announced
Law Society President Elizabeth Espinosa invites you to an exclusive Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession (FLIP) Regional Roadshow event in Newcastle. Join us as we discuss the technological disruption facing the profession and how to future-proof your practice. READ MORE
The trailblazing lawyers to watch in 2019
LSJ profiles eight lawyers who are leaning into the future with fresh ideas and fire in the belly. They are doers, thinkers and visionaries: the people you want to be, who have ideas you need to know about. READ MORE
CPD Seminar – Plain English and the law on subpoenas, 22 Feb 2019

This seminar will be held in two parts. Part one, led by Professor Peter Butt, will cover the main ‘Plain English’ techniques and then apply them to drafting court documents. Part two will be led by our experts from the Crown Solicitor’s Office and will investigate the law on subpoenas, including objections and practical tips. REGISTER NOW. View more LawInform courses here. 

 
 
WHAT'S ON
2019 Child Representation Conference
15-16 March 2019
Australian Academy of Law – The Hayne Royal Commission: Implications for lawyers? 
25 March 2019
2019 FLIP Stream Seminar
10 April 2019
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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District Court Online Court – February information sessions
Legal representatives are invited to attend information sessions on using the District Court Online Court. The next session is at 4pm, Monday 18 February at Court 7D, John Maddison Tower, Sydney. No reservation necessary. Read more
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Due 31 March 2019
Practitioners are reminded that the 2018-19 CPD year concludes 31 March 2019. CPD compliance is a statutory requirement, governed by the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015. Please review the Society’s CPD information here to ensure you are on track to comply with the CPD requirements. Search available CPD courses here.
 
If you anticipate not being able to comply, an application for extension of time to comply with CPD requirements must be made, and done so where possible in advance of the expiration of the CPD year. A Rectification of Non-compliance CPD Plan must be submitted to the Law Society within 21 days of the date the extension application was made. 
 
If you anticipate not being able to comply due to extenuating personal circumstances or an absence from practice, you may be entitled to an exemption and an application for exemption from CPD requirements must be made.
 
Please direct any CPD enquiries to the Registry Compliance Officer on 9926 0243 or by email to cpdcompliance@lawsociety.com.au.
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Tax Practitioners Board (“TPB”) CPE review
The TPB is conducting a review of registered tax practitioners’ compliance with their Continuing Professional Education (“CPE”) obligations. Failure to comply may lead to a formal investigation and administrative sanctions. See CPE requirements.
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Australian dispute resolution advisory council (ADRAC) membership – expressions of interest 2019 – 2021
 ADRAC seeks expressions of interest for appointment to its council. Seven new members from across Australia are being sought. Four new members will replace retiring members, and three are sought to expand the council from 11 to 14 members. READ MORE
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Online Court – Supreme Court Common Law Division – Possession List
The Online Court commenced on 6 February 2019 for matters in the Common Law Division Possession List. All defended matters will be eligible for the Online Court unless the Registrar otherwise directs. All legal practitioners appearing in matters in the Possession List must be registered users of the online registry. 
 
Please see Practice Note SC CL 6 for further information about the use of the Online Court in the Possession List.
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Bribery and Corruption – Modern Approaches to an Eternal Problem
International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISRCL) Conference: 9-12 July 2019, Brisbane
Corruption and bribery have been an eternal problem. They are global issues ultimately affecting the most vulnerable in society. Effective investigation and prevention calls for national and international collaboration and sharing of relevant information concerning developing trends.
 
The ISRCL Conference 2019 will consider these issues. The focus will include the scope of the problem, corruption prevention, risk management, investigation and law enforcement strategies, legislative reforms and policies, international responses and evidentiary issues.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ Online
Employment
Legal internships in NSW: experience or exploitation?
By the Law Society’s Employment Law Committee >
Employment
Contingency and succession planning: a sole principal’s plan for the unexpected
By Frances Moffitt 
 
IN THE PRESS
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
“Flexibility is key for my firm’s success” Flo Mitchell, FM Legal

“One year into running my own firm and I am thriving. Part of this success is due to me joining Clarence, a supportive community of practitioners who work from professional and modern workplaces. Clarence works with me to ensure I focus on growing my firm. Being a member can only benefit your practice.” >

Thinking of buying a property in 2019?

It can take many months to find and buy the right property. Make sure you know everything before you buy in 2019. Read buyers agent Nick Viner's guide and receive a free Property Price Finder Report of any property you may be considering to buy. >

Health cover to suit your needs

Nothing is more important to Bupa than providing members with quality health insurance. Members can access a range of health and wellness services as well as great corporate discounts to help you live a longer, healthier, happier life. >

The Law Society of New South Wales
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