Monday Briefs

8 July

Monday Briefs

8 July 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Photo: NSW Government

NSW Governor to open 2019 Specialist Accreditation Conference

To become an Accredited Specialist in NSW, a solicitor must pass the Law Society’s rigorous assessments in communication, problem solving, client relations, and of course, their specialist area of law. The Law Society's annual Specialist Accreditation Conference allows practitioners to keep up-to-date and ahead of the curve in their chosen area of accreditation, while earning 10 CPD units.

I am pleased to announce that the NSW Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC, will deliver an opening address at this year’s Specialist Accreditation Conference, which will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on 9 and 10 August 2019. This year, the five conference streams are Business Law, Family Law, Personal Injury Law, Property Law and Wills & Estates. Continue reading >

 
NEWS
Don’t miss these experts
With less than three weeks to go until FLIP Conference 2019, it's time to get familiar with some of the amazing speakers who will help you navigate the changes happening in the legal profession. Be informed, engaged and inspired by what's coming next. FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER
Thought Leadership: A Magnitsky Act for Australia
Human rights bombshell or Frankenstein’s monster? There are two sides to every story. Join us on 5 August 2019 to get the full picture with our expert panel as they explore the justification, impact and troubling origin of the Magnitsky Act and why there’s a significant interest for Australia. REGISTER NOW
Do lawyers make good politicians?
Many Australian politicians have legal backgrounds. Experts say lawyers are uniquely qualified for various roles in politics – as long as they use their powers for good. READ MORE
Save the date: Just Art 2019 exhibition
20-23 August
Join us to celebrate the creativity of the legal profession. Visit the Just Art Exhibition to see the finalists from this year’s competition. Artworks will be available to purchase to support the 2019 President’s Charity, Our Watch. Catalogue coming soon. FIND OUT MORE
Celebrate NAIDOC Week 7-14 July 2019
Celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this week (7-14 July 2019). NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life and is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. GET INVOLVED 
Council of Law Reporting for NSW 50th anniversary writing competition
Since its incorporation pursuant to the Council of Law Reporting Act (1969) the Council of Law Reporting for NSW has been publishing the authorised law reports of NSW. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Council is holding a writing competition and invites you to answer this question
 
 
WHAT'S ON

Conveyancing – showcasing choice in eSettlement providers

11 July 2019

FLIP Conference and Innovation Dinner

25 July 2019
 

Women, Power and Voice with Lucy Cornell

30 July 2019
REGISTER NOW

Thought Leadership: A Magnitsky Act for Australia

5 August 2019

Specialist Accreditation conference

9-10 August 2019

Government Solicitors conference

3 September 2019

32nd LAWASIA Conference 2019

5 – 8 November 2019 | Hong Kong SAR
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
ASSENTS
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PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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New Law Society Strategic Plan
Council has approved the Law Society of NSW Strategic Plan 2019-2022 with effect from 1 July 2019. The Strategic Plan is a set of practical objectives, renewed every three years to accommodate the evolving challenges of the legal profession
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Changes to Legal Aid NSW Contributions Policy
The Legal Aid NSW Board approved a suite of changes to the Contributions Policy and they apply to applications determined on or after 1 July 2019. The changes include removing the Unpaid Contributions Test, broadening the Exceptional Circumstances Test to waive initial contributions, and waiving the initial $75 where a client in custody has criminal proceedings. Please see the Policy Bulletin 2019 No. 9 for more details, or complete the online training module (0.5 CDP) by logging into our Learning Management System and search for "Contributions Policy".
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NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal—member recruitment
The Attorney General is seeking applications from Australian lawyers of at least seven years’ standing with experience or interest in the types of matters dealt with in the NCAT’s AEOD, in particular the Division’s work relating to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, Privacy and the Revenue List together with reviews of other administrative decisions within the jurisdiction of NCAT, to be appointed as part-time Senior Members. For information on remuneration and selection criteria, click here.
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JIRS statistics announcement
An enhanced statistics viewer will soon be available from the Judicial Commission on JIRS to access post-sentencing reform penalties for the Local Courts. FIND OUT MORE
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NSW Land Registry Services customer survey
NSW LRS has released a customer feedback survey which closes on 12 July 2019. READ MORE
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Change in interest rate on unpaid legal costs
At its meeting on 2 July 2019, the Reserve Bank of Australia reduced the cash rate by 0.25 basis points to 1.00 per cent. Accordingly, the interest rate on unpaid legal costs pursuant to Rule 75 of the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 on unpaid legal costs for bills issued on and from 2 July 2019 is now 3.00 per cent.
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NAAJA seeking Community Legal Educator to join Darwin Law & Justice Projects Team
Successful applicants will have a commitment to providing access to justice and a demonstrated empathy and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, history and culture.
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Environmental law and Indigenous issues
What you didn’t know about the landmark Rocky Hill judgment 
By John Watts, Kev Eveleigh, Michael Manikas and Jeff Kite >
High Court
Financial regulation and a vulnerable Indigenous community
By Talitha Fishburn >
 
IN THE PRESS
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High risk offenders kept under close watch - The Department of Justice
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
Save with Qantas Club corporate membership
Join The Qantas Club; Australia’s largest domestic and international lounge network. With award-winning dining options, beverages and business facilities, you can sit back, unwind and start your journey feeling relaxed. Law Society members receive 20 per cent off Qantas Club Membership.
FIND OUT MORE >
Are you ready to grow your law firm?
Gerald Chait Strategic Marketing offers strategic consulting and support to firms ready to embrace growth and which would like professional guidance. Attract more clients, differentiate your firm and improve profits, increase word-of-mouth referrals and become even more reputable.
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The fuel card built for your firm
Choosing StarCard means you not only have access to a comprehensive suite of products provided by Caltex retail outlets, you also have the advantage of having all expenses consolidated in one convenient location to meet your practice needs. 
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