Monday Briefs

17 June

Monday Briefs

17 June 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

2019 Queen's Birthday Honours

It was wonderful to see members of the state’s legal profession and judiciary recognised in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours, including the former President of the Law Society of NSW, John Eades. Mr Eades, who served as President in 2015, was awarded an AM in recognition of his significant service to the law, to professional standards, and to the community. Continue reading >

 
NEWS
Practising certificate renewal reminder to practitioners
To be entitled to practise as a solicitor after 30 June 2019, practitioners should ensure that they have fully complied with the legal profession legislation.
If you have not yet lodged a renewal form, please do so here. Please note that practising certificate renewal forms will not be accepted after 30 June 2019. READ MORE
Don't miss out - LSJ Speaker Series: Bullying in the legal workplace
As many as one in two female lawyers and one in three male lawyers have been bullied at work, according to a study by the International Bar Association. Join us along with author, speaker and Walkley Award-winning journalist Catherine Fox on 26 June as we tackle this issue in an open, conversational format. REGISTER TODAY
Is Australia next in line for an opioid class action?
Australia has so far evaded the damage of the US opioid crisis that has led to an historic class action against opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma. But as opioid use increases in Australia, how far are we from a similar action? READ MORE
Future-proofing your career
Whether you are an existing or prospective associate member, this is your chance to find out what opportunities are on the horizon and what skills you will need to carve out a fulfilling career in law. Join us on Tuesday 2 July as our expert panel unpacks the legal career path of today and how it is expected to change in the future. LEARN MORE
Remuneration debate
Should firms publicly disclose their remuneration in quartile bands, like the UK model for pay disclosure requires? Join an expert panel on 18 June as they discuss and debate the important issue of the gender wage gap in the legal profession and the need for transparency. REGISTER NOW
NSW Young Lawyers' Family Law Committee - Parenting arrangements
You are invited to join former Federal Circuit Court Judge Robyn Sexton on 16 July 2019 as she discusses the complexities of advising in family law matters involving young children aged 0 - 3 years old. This is a great opportunity for young lawyers to develop their theoretical and practical knowledge as well as a chance to network with peers.
LEARN MORE
Don't miss the premier professional development event for criminal lawyers
Legal Aid NSW is delighted to welcome an impressive range of speakers for their Criminal Law Conference on 31 July, 1 and 2 August 2019 at Doltone House Pyrmont. Speakers will provide valuable insights from the Bench, broaden your knowledge and arm you with the tools to strengthen the way you practice and represent your clients. REGISTER NOW
#InnovateLaw2019 hackathon - calling all students and professionals
We’re on the hunt for students and professionals to join forces in creating solutions to real and unique challenges facing the legal profession at this year’s #InnovateLaw2019 hackathon. Compete with forward-thinking lawyers, technologists, students and innovators to learn new skills, create a project and pitch a legal-tech idea to innovate legal service delivery. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
FLIP Conference & Innovation Dinner 2019 – Get your early bird tickets before 30 June
The FLIP Conference will host more than 50 Australian and international speakers to help you future-proof your career and practice. With three concurrent streams running throughout the day, you can mix and match sessions and workshops as you please. View the agenda and register before 30 June to secure early bird pricing. REGISTER NOW
Improved website search function live
We value all our members and their needs and in order to improve our website's functionality, we have launched our improved search function to help you quickly find what you need, when you need it. Just visit our website, click on the magnifying glass in the top menu and start typing. VISIT OUR WEBSITE
NSW Young Lawyers' Workplace and Safety Law Committee Comedy Debate
The NSW Young Lawyers Workplace and Safety Law Committee’s comedy debate is back! A no-holds barred, knock-down-drag-out duel on a topic tangentially related to workplace relations where the profession’s brightest (and some of their friends) pit wit against wit to determine who will reign supreme– or at least get some cheap laughs. Join us for a spectacular night and support the NSW Young Lawyers’ charity for 2019, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Places are limited, so get in early!
 
 
WHAT'S ON
Law Society CPD – Business analysis using financial information
25 June 2019

FLIP Conference and Innovation Dinner

25 July 2019

Thought leadership: A Magnitsky Act for Australia

5 August 2019

Specialist Accreditation conference

9 and 10 August 2019

Government Solicitors conference

3 September 2019
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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The OLSC's call for disclosures on harassment
To those who experience sexual harassment or bullying and those who may witness it – we want you to contact us and give us whatever information you feel comfortable sharing with us.

The OLSC realises that many people do not want to make a formal complaint, certainly not at first. We are looking for any informal disclosures (anonymously if you wish) to get a better idea of what is happening in the legal profession. READ MORE
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Survey – Improvements to the NSW Security of Payment Code of Practice for Authorised Nominating Authorities (ANAs)
Calling all building and construction lawyers, if you have experience assisting parties with payment disputes under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act then the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and help identify areas in which the Code of Practice for Authorised Nominating Authorities (ANAs) could be improved. COMPLETE THE SURVEY
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New indexed limits for costs disputes
The Legal Services Council has released the Indexed Amounts Notice which will apply in NSW from 1 July 2019. The effect of the Notice is to index the $10,000 and $100,000 limits on the NSW Legal Services Commissioner’s jurisdiction to deal with costs disputes under sections 291-293 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law. From 1 July, the indexed amounts will be $10,685 and $106,835 respectively. The calculation is based on CPI in accordance with rule 111A of the General Uniform Rules which also takes effect from 1 July 2019. More information is available on the Legal Services Council website.
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Change in interest rate on unpaid legal costs
At its meeting on 4 June 2019  the Reserve Bank of Australia reduced the cash rate by 0.25 basis points  to 1.25 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 4 June 2019  is now 3.25 per cent.
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New waivers for eConveyancing (including certain transmission applications) now published
With the 1 July 2019 mandate for mainstream conveyancing approaching, solicitors are urged to familiarise themselves with two new waivers issued by the Office of the Registrar General, Conveyancing Rules Waiver CR 2/2019 – Mainstream dealing exceptions and Conveyancing Rules Waiver CR 3/2019 – Land Tax which will commence from 1 July 2019. Note that Waiver CR 2/2019 also covers certain transmission applications which will not be captured in the 1 July 2019 mandate.  Read more about the Conveyancing Rules version 5 and the 1 July 2019 mandate on the ORG and NSW LRS websites.
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Reminder-stamp duty brackets announced to change from 1 July 2019
Practitioners will recall that last year the NSW Government announced the indexation of stamp duty brackets from 1 July 2019. Further details are expected to be made available following the State Budget on 18 June 2019. We understand that Revenue NSW’s online calculator will be updated to reflect the revised brackets. Practitioners who purchased the 2019 Law Society Diary should cease using the Duties section of the Diary as it will not be current from 1 July 2019.
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NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS) fees, DP Lodgment Checklist and website update
NSW LRS has announced the new fee schedule which will apply from 1 July 2019.   The Deposited Plan Lodgment Checklist will become mandatory from 1 July 2019.  Note that NSW LRS has also relaunched its website.
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Change in settlement agents for Westpac
Westpac Banking Corporation has advised that from 17 June 2019 it will start to use First Mortgage Services (FMS) as the settlement agent for Consumer discharge settlements. Settlements in progress will continue to be settled by the incumbent settlement agents.  Refer to the Ready to Book letter to determine the applicable settlement agent for the matter.
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Promotions, Practising Certificates and Practice Management Courses
Irrespective of when internal promotions in a law practice are made, practitioners must only engage in legal practice in strict compliance with their practising certificate (PC) type and conditions. If it is anticipated that a practitioner will require a Principal’s PC for new responsibilities in the law practice, they must apply for a Principal’s PC and provide evidence that they have completed an approved Practice Management Course (PMC).

Solicitor’s undertakings to complete a PMC are not accepted save for where an applicant for a Principal’s PC is able to provide evidence of exceptional and extenuating circumstances justifying the grant of a Principal’s PC, prior to completion of an approved PMC. Applications can be made to the Licensing Committee which meets on a monthly basis, with strict lodgement deadlines.

Please contact the Law Society Registry for further information on 02 9926 0156 or registry@lawsociety.com.au
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Revenue NSW – change to phone numbers
Phone numbers at Revenue NSW have changed, except those with a 1300/1800/13 prefix.  
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Family law
Is this the future of family law? Overview of the ALRC Report 
By Dr Felicity Bell >
Intellectual property
Repeal of IP exemption sees companies racing to review contracts
By Bianca Breakspear, Jake Grant, Paul McLachlan and Hannah Fas >
 
IN THE PRESS
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Australian Young Lawyer Awards - Law Council of Australia
 
YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
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