In the Law Society’s landmark 2017 FLIP Report, legal technology, or “LawTech”, was identified as one of the most significant drivers of change within the legal profession. LawTech is an umbrella term for any technology that aims to improve or replace traditional methods of delivering legal services. In short, it is a leaner, more accessible way of practising law that can improve the way we practise as well as the way the justice system operates.

LawTech was also the topic for the Law Society’s first FLIP Inquiry Series “Behind the Buzzwords” event for 2020, held in Sydney last week. The event, in the form of a panel discussion, was aimed at helping solicitors navigate the growing eco-system of legal technologies – for the benefit of their clients and for increased profitability within their practices.

If you couldn’t attend last week and want to know more about LawTech, keep an eye out for the “Behind the Buzzwords: LawTech” podcast, which will be available soon for the benefit of members.

Last week, the NSW Government released the four-volume report and its interim response from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice”. Containing 109 recommendations, five of which the NSW Government has already said it would not support, Commissioner Dan Howard SC’s final report paints a stark picture of the nature, prevalence and impact of crystal methamphetamine and other illicit amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in our state.

While it will take some time to consider the wide-ranging recommendations, Commissioner Howard’s report supports the Law Society’s long-held view that the use of ice and other ATS needs to be addressed as a major health problem as well as a criminal justice issue.

The report also recommends that the NSW Government expand and adequately resource the Drug Court of NSW to meet demand at existing locations and to progressively expand the Court to priority regional areas, together with appropriate support for local services. As detailed in our lengthy submission to the Special Inquiry, the Law Society has been calling for the NSW Government to pilot a program in Dubbo, in conjunction with an increase in rehabilitation services for the Orana Far West region.

Other measures recommended by Commissioner Howard and long supported by the Law Society include adapting the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program for young people with drug and alcohol dependency problems and expanding the Koori Court to regional NSW.

Richard Harvey, President, Law Society of NSW

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