Monday Briefs

20 June 2022

Align
Right
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Despite criticism, it is important for the voice of our profession to be heard

A while back, someone told me the 30-minute news update in Japan is 28 minutes of feel-good news and two minutes of doom and gloom news. I don’t know whether this is true, but wouldn’t it be pleasant if our news looked like that? One of the roles of the President is speaking to the media, and I’ve been doing that a bit lately. I sometimes find this a little daunting, but it is important for the voice of our profession to be heard, despite any criticism from sections of the media. The Law Society has an essential role in discourse and civil society. Our clients are part of that society. The Law Society’s position on issues including drug reform, Drug Supply Prohibition Orders, COVID-19 fines, the role of Aboriginal wellbeing and results of the Law Society’s Post-COVID Justice System survey have been the subject of recent media. I even ‘had a spray from Ray’. Continue reading >

   

NEWS
Relocation of Central Local Court to the Downing Centre
Due to adjacent excavations, and disruption to court users, the decision has been made to close Sydney’s Central Local Court. The building will be unavailable for a minimum of 112 weeks (approximately two years) from Monday, 4 July 2022. All matters listed at Central Local Court will be moved to the Downing Centre from that day. Read more. 
Practising certificate renewal reminder to practitioners
To engage in legal practice after 30 June 2022, you must hold a practising certificate. If you have not yet lodged your renewal application, please do so here. The Legal Profession Uniform Law does not permit the Law Society to accept practising certificate renewal applications submitted after 30 June 2022. Read more. 

 
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia welcome newly appointed Judges
Ceremonial Sittings will be held at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to welcome newly appointed Judges as follows:
  • Judge Laing and Judge Eldershaw
    (Division 2) on 21 June at 4.30pm
  • Justice Brasch
    (Division 1) on 23 June at 4.30pm
Please note numbers are strictly limited due to the ongoing COVID situation and remote attendance will be via the livestream link here.

 
NSWBA Flood Appeal Recital
The NSWBA will hold a Flood Appeal Recital on Thursday, 30 June 2022, 6pm at the Sydney Conservatorium. Award-winning pianist Alexey Koltakov and barrister Cameron Jackson will perform violin sonatas from Handel to Brahms. For more information or to buy a ticket click here. All are welcome, please purchase before tickets run out.
4+ PQE and Culturally Diverse? Enter Focus Group & Prize Draw
The Asian Australian Lawyers Association NSW Branch and the Women Lawyers’ Association of NSW are seeking 4+ years PQE solicitors who identify as culturally diverse for a Focus Group hosted at 12-2pm on 7 July 2022 by King & Wood Mallesons (in person and online attendance available) addressing barriers to career progression faced by culturally diverse solicitors. To find out more about this project and participant prize draw, see this flyer here. Have your say by completing the online survey here.
A colourful feast for all the senses
This week's feast is a vegetarian mezze platter including, roasted capsicums, zucchini and eggplant, hummus, olives, herby falafel, sundried tomatoes and tzatziki. Order this feast by 10 am Tuesday 21 June for delivery Friday 24 June. Read more. 
WHAT'S ON
Debate: Is it time to introduce mandatory pre-litigation mediation in NSW? – face-to-face
Thursday 23 June 2022
The art of negotiation - Tools for success – face-to-face workshop
Monday 27 June 2022
Staying Well in the Law: Understanding ADHD
Wednesday 20 July
Specialist Accreditation Conference 2022 – Program available now
Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August 2022
International Bar Association Annual Conference 2022 (Miami, USA)
Sunday 30 October to Friday 4 November
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

NSW LRS regulated customer fees from 1 July 2022
​​​​​​Information has been released by LRS regarding upcoming fee changes from 1 July 2022. Read more.

Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) Guidance Note 6
The ATO has advised that Guidance Note 6 has been updated regarding the foreign investment rules for purchasing established dwellings.

Gazette Registration - Annual Federal Courts and Tribunals Fee Increases from 1 July
Pursuant to section 16 of the High Court of Australia (Fees) Regulation 2012, from 1 July 2022 the fee prescribed for each item of Schedule 1 to those Regulations will be the amount listed here. 

Surcharge Purchaser Duty video
Revenue NSW has released the fifth video in the ongoing surcharge purchaser duty (SPD) educational series located in the Professionals Resource Centre. This video outlines the difference between ordinarily resident and exempt permanent resident, specifically regarding the unique 200-day criteria.

EDR Annual Certification
The Electronic Duties Returns (EDR) Annual Certification declaration must be completed by 30 June 2022. Failure to complete the declaration will result in suspension of the EDR account. Complete the declaration here.
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Employment Law
Nothing new to see here – Privatisation and Greenfields Agreements
By Jack de Flamingh and Lukas Powling  >
Corporate Law
The pursuit of criminal and civil penalties for ‘hard core’ cartel conduct
By Lucy Lester  >
IN THE PRESS
>
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Tax time – MBA Car buying service
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There's still time. Simply tell us the make and model of the vehicle you wish to purchase along with any options you wish to add and we’ll do the rest. Enquire today. 
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