Monday Briefs

27 May

Monday Briefs

27 May 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Possible reforms for Australia's defamation laws

A national working party, led by NSW and established by the Council of Attorneys General, is currently reviewing the results of the first round of submissions to identify areas of national reform for Australia’s defamation laws.

The terms of reference for the review require a consideration of whether existing defamation laws are meeting their policy objectives, such as ensuring that unreasonable limits are not placed on "the publication and discussion of matters of public interest". It is also tackling policy questions such as how defamation law applies to search engines and social media sites. 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 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
Six minutes with Mitch Kowalski
What will the legal world look like in 2050? This is the theme of the 2019 FLIP Conference and, with over 50 Australian and International speakers in law, technology and innovation, it is set to be the biggest one yet. See why LSJ Online editor Kate Allman is predicting Mitch Kowalski's session will be a highlight of the conference. READ MORE
Last chance to register - 2019 FLIP Regional Roadshow
We’re heading to the picturesque town of Dubbo on 31 May 2019 for our last stop of the 2019 FLIP Regional Roadshow. Don’t miss your chance to explore the technological disruption facing the industry with insights and practical advice on implementing new technologies and innovation into your practice. REGISTER NOW
A night at the theatre – Prima Facie, a play by Suzie Miller
Join your colleagues for a night of compelling Australian theatre at a special viewing of Prima Facie, an original play by Suzie Miller presented by the Griffin Theatre Company. Hosted by the Law Society, this exclusive event on 6 June includes a stimulating Q&A, networking opportunities and refreshments. TICKETS ON SALE NOW
How to work with high-conflict personalities
Law firms can be magnets for high-conflict personalities. LSJ has these tips for lawyers managing difficult clients and colleagues. READ MORE
Early bird pricing – HAL Conference in Rhodes, Greece 2020
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the Hellenic Australian Lawyers (HAL) Association’s second legal conference in Rhodes, Greece from 5-10 July 2020. Join keynote speaker the Hon Justice Stephen Gageler AC and all eight HAL chapter patrons as they discuss Themes in Democracy – Liberty, Justice and Human Rights. Places are limited, register before 4 July 2019 and secure your exclusive early bird rate. REGISTER NOW
Young Lawyers Mentoring Program
Calling all aspiring leaders. Here’s an opportunity to develop your leadership skills and give back to the legal community by supporting the next generation of lawyers. Mentoring is empowering for both personal and professional development so don’t miss this opportunity to get involved in the 2019 mentoring program – REGISTER TODAY!
 
 
WHAT'S ON
FLIP Regional Roadshow - Dubbo
31 May 2019
LAWASIA Risk Management & Professional Indemnity Insurance Conference 2019
31 May - 1 June 2019
Central Coast Law Society committee dinner
5 June 2019
A night at the theatre – Prima Facie, a play by Suzie Miller
6 June 2019
Managing “unmanageable” high-conflict family cases
12 June 2019
Mediating high-conflict disputes
12 June 2019

FLIP Conference and Innovation Dinner

25 July 2019
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Wills and estates lawyers – changes to transmission applications from 1 July 2019
The Conveyancing Rules (Version 5) will mandate that from 1 July 2019 transmission applications which are lodged at NSW Land Registry Services (“NSWLRS”) must be lodged electronically through a lodgement network provider, PEXA (or Sympli, which is due to start operating in NSW later this year). From 1 July 2019, a transmission application will not be accepted by NSWLRS if lodged in paper (unless one of the exceptions to electronic lodgement applies).

If you practise in wills and estates, this means:
  • You should register asap with PEXA (or Sympli once it commences in NSW), so you are prepared to lodge a transmission application after 1 July 2019.
  • You should be aware of the requirements when transacting electronically, particularly the requirement for a client authorisation form to be completed, the identity of the client to be verified and that the client has authority to deal with the property. These requirements are contained in the NSW Participation Rules for eConveyancing.
For more information see the ORG website.
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Legal aid is now available for Commonwealth parole matters
The Legal Aid NSW Board has approved new policies for Commonwealth parole matters and revocation of Commonwealth parole matters. These two matters are dealt with separately.
 
Commonwealth Parole
Assistance is available for Commonwealth parole matters. Assistance for these matters is only available through the in-house practice and is provided by the Commonwealth Crime Unit (CCU) under Extended Legal Assistance (ELA). Please see Policy Bulletin 2019 No.5 for more details and contact the CCU for queries and referrals: ccu@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
 
Revocation of Commonwealth Parole
Legal aid is available for revocation of Commonwealth Parole matters in the Local Court. When Commonwealth parole is revoked the matter is heard in the Local Court, as the State Parole Authority does not have the jurisdiction. Previously, there was not a policy that captured this specific circumstance and there was the potential for clients to appear unrepresented. The new policy makes it clear that legal aid is available for revocation of Commonwealth Parole matters in the Local Court as well as appeals to the Supreme Court. Please see the Policy Bulletin 2019 No.8 for details of the policy.
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NSW Local Court sitting arrangements: 31 July – 2 August 2019
 
Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson has written to the Law Society of NSW to outline special sitting arrangements that will apply during the NSW Local Court Annual Conference from 31 July to 2 August 2019. Click here for more details.
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Elder law
In the fight against elder abuse, is it time to revisit the notional estate?
By John Clarke >
Contracts
Codelfa in the new age: Has the gateway shifted?
By Talitha Fishburn >
 
IN THE PRESS
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
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Make your stay magnifique at Sofitel Darling Harbour
Enjoy a fabulous stay in vibrant Darling Harbour. Step into a world of sophistication blending French art de vivre and local culture. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the skyline, laze the day away by our infinity pool or relax in your suite. FIND OUT MORE >
Save on early education and childcare
The first few years of a child’s life are fundamental in every child's growth and choosing a high-quality developmental childcare centre is an important element in raising happy children. Save on childcare gap fees for new enrolments across childcare centres in NSW. FIND OUT MORE >
The Law Society of New South Wales
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