Monday Briefs

3 February 2020

Your weekly professional update

3 February 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Fighting food poverty with Foodbank

This year, I have selected Foodbank, Australia’s largest food relief organisation, as the President’s Charity. As the only food charity to play a role in times of emergency and natural disasters, Foodbank has an integral role in the current bushfire response, delivering emergency food and water to communities completely cut off, damaged or destroyed by the fires.

Unfortunately, for too many Australians, it doesn’t take a bushfire to cause food insecurity.  Continue reading >

 
 
NEWS
Applications open for the 2020 Specialist Accreditation Program
If you want to improve your knowledge and skills, enhance your profile in the profession and have your expertise recognised, apply to the Specialist Accreditation Program today. Read more
Easier renewals in 2020 with LawID
You will need to have a LawID to renew your practising certificate and membership online from 1 April 2020. Activating your LawID will only take a couple of minutes. Activate yours now
Seeking volunteers for annual Mock Trial and Mock Mediation competitions
The 39th Annual Mock Trial and Mock Mediations competitions are currently seeking volunteer magistrates, adjudicators and writers. Both competitions will kick off on Monday 24 February. Register your interest
Greek Chief Justice to attend HAL Rhodes Conference – Register now
The President of the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court of Greece, President Iosif Tsalaganidis, has kindly agreed to speak on a panel at the HAL International Legal Conference in Rhodes, Greece to be held from 5-10 July 2020. Find out more and register
Law Society diaries – 25 per cent off
Save 25 per cent on the 2020 Law Society diaries. We have limited stock available of week-at-a-glance, day-to-a-page and pocket diaries. Get in quick before you miss out. Find out more and order
 
 
WHAT'S ON
2020 Opening of Law Term events
February 2020
2020 Opening of Law Term Dinner
5 February 2020
Law Society CPD – Plain English and the law on subpoenas
6 February 2020
Law Society CPD – Written advocacy
12 February 2020
FLIP Inquiry Series – Behind the Buzzwords: LawTech
26 February 2020
ALRC Seminar Series – Corporate Criminal Responsibility (Sydney)
27 February 2020
LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference – Denarau, Fiji
3 - 4 April 2020
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Cyber security alert
It has been brought to the Law Society’s attention that on 18 January 2020, Microsoft put out an alert that a remote attacker can execute arbitrary code on targeted computers and take full control over them just by convincing victims into opening a maliciously crafted web page on the vulnerable Microsoft browser and there is no patch yet available for it. Read more
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Case management in the Supreme Court – Probate List
From 3 February 2020, all contested proceedings in the Probate List will be case managed by Justice Lindsay, the Probate List Judge. Directions before the Probate List Judge will take place on a Monday from 10am unless otherwise advised by the Court. All matters in the Probate List that are filed on or after 1 January 2020 must adhere to the Probate List Guidelines.  Parties are also required to prepare a Disclosure Statement which should be filed and served prior to the first directions hearing. The Probate List Guidelines and Disclosure Statement are published on the Supreme Court website and may be accessed here.
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Consultation on proposed changes to the Legal Profession Uniform Law
The Legal Services Council has released a consultation paper on proposed amendments to the Legal Profession Uniform Law which governs the regulation of solicitors in NSW. The closing date for submissions is 28 February 2020. Submissions can be sent to the Council at submissions@legalservicescouncil.org.au on or before 28 February 2020.
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Final Call for expressions of interest – The Law Society Mediators Panel and the Family Law Settlement Service for 2020 – 2021
The Law Society’s Alternative Dispute Resolution department is seeking expressions of interest from practitioners wishing to be on the 2020 – 2021 panels. All outgoing panellists (for 2018-2019) MUST submit a new EOI form if they want to be considered for inclusion for this period. Please fill out this form and return to adr@lawsociety.com.au by no later than 7 February 2020 at 5pm. For enquiries, please call 02 9926 0396.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Superannuation and climate law
Risky business: super case heats up climate debate
By Ilona Millar and Sharona Coutts >
Litigation and class actions
High Court’s rejection of common funds shakes up class actions landscape
By Ross Foreman >
 
IN THE PRESS
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Reducing family violence in Australian communities
- Ministers for the Department of Social Services
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Assistance for parties and representatives impacted by recent bushfires
- Chief Justice's Chambers Family Court of Australia
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Announcement regarding recent bushfires
- Chief Justice of New South Wales
 
YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
Hindsight is 2020 – Assess your cyber risk today
One in five law firms lacks confidence in its ability to defend against cyber-attack. But it takes one small step to improve. Reduce your risk in 2020 with Allcom Network’s Cyber Risk Assessment. 
Find out more >
Save on your Valentine’s Day gift
Save 10 per cent on By Fairfax & Roberts pieces as a Law Society member. Purchase any piece from the By Fairfax & Roberts collection before 7 February and go in the draw to win one of 10 Mr Roses 12 Classic Stem Roses for delivery on Valentine’s Day.
Find out more >
Is it time to refinance your mortgage?
Legal Home Loans are specialists in sourcing finance for lawyers. Enquire today to find the best rate on an existing loan. Law Society members receive $500 cashback on settled loans. 
Find out more >
The Law Society of New South Wales
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