Roadmap to freedom plus expressions of interest open for 2022 Law Society committees

It was good to finally hear the Premier detail the NSW Government’s “roadmap to freedom” for fully vaccinated adults and to know there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It was even better news for those regional areas of the state that are deemed low risk; restrictions eased significantly in those LGAs on Saturday. I know many families will also be relieved that NSW schools will return to face to face learning from 25 October 2021, providing a sense of certainty for students and their parents and carers.

However, this has been a very challenging 11 weeks. If current predictions are correct it will be at least another five to six weeks before we hit the 70 per cent milestone. Lockdowns have impacted every aspect of legal practice. For practitioners engaged in matters before the Court, particularly those with young children, home schooling or without an appropriate working environment, the present lockdown is causing difficulties in preparing matters and in complying with timetables. If you are experiencing difficulties, you should contact the Court to apply for an extension of time or some flexibility in arranging timetables.

It is important that we continue to prioritise our health and well-being, and that of our colleagues and staff. It’s also important to keep in touch with our colleagues, family and friends. As National Mental Health Commission CEO, Christine Morgan, who facilitated our panel discussion in support of R U OK?Day last Thursday, pointed out, physical distancing does not mean social distancing, and, if the past 18 months has taught us anything, it is the power of staying connected. If you missed this event, it is now available on-demand.

As part of our Staying Well in the Law series, during Mental Health Month in October, we will be hosting a series of practical webcasts tailored for the legal profession to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing. We will have experts presenting on a range of topics including “Managing WFH Stress and Finding Your Third Space”, “Creating and Leading Resilient Teams” and “Find Your Focus: science-backed ways to do the best work of your life”. We also have a range of great wellbeing resources, which you can access via our Wellbeing Portal. But please, if you are struggling, support is available through the Solicitor Outreach Service – our dedicated and confidential counselling service for NSW solicitors.

2022 Law Society committees

Participation in policy and legislative reform advocacy, for the benefit of our communities, is a key facet of the pro bono work undertaken by the profession. This type of participation in pro bono work is also both professionally and personally very satisfying – individual lawyers can invest in topics of interest, stay on top of developments and influence outcomes. The time commitment is relatively modest – always a consideration for busy practitioners.

Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for members wishing to join our policy and regulatory committees in 2022. These committees really are the heartbeat of the Law Society, participating in the vital regulatory work the Law Society is responsible for, and helping to shape and inform the extensive policy submissions and advocacy work that we undertake on behalf of the profession. I have been honoured to serve on numerous Law Society Committees, including as inaugural Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Chair of the Litigation Law and Practice Committee. It really has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my long involvement with the Law Society, and greatly enhanced my understanding of both what the Law Society can contribute, and how active a role we can take in shaping both our advocacy and in discharging our regulatory functions. EOI applications close at 5pm on 1 October 2021.

Until next week, stay safe and stay well.

Juliana Warner, President, the Law Society of NSW

< Go back