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A couple of weeks ago in this message, I mentioned the continuing commitment of the solicitor profession to delivering pro bono work as found in our 2024 Annual Profile of Solicitors in NSW. Respondents to our Practising Certificate Survey donated a total of almost 56,000 working days between them. That’s both something to be proud of, and to improve upon. As you may have seen, our Access to Justice Team has launched its winter pro bono campaign, Justice Doesn’t Hibernate, with the aim of growing the number of firms participating in the Law Society of NSW’s Pro Bono Scheme to 550. Continue reading >
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Downing Centre extended closure until late 2025
The Downing Centre court complex is now anticipated to remain closed until at least late 2025 following significant flooding. Matters previously listed at the Downing Centre have been relocated to alternative venues, including the John Maddison Tower, Central Court, King Street, and Darlinghurst Courts. Work is also progressing to secure more permanent locations for jury assembly to ensure the smooth continuation of trials. Heads of Jurisdiction are in close collaboration with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to facilitate ongoing access to justice for all affected parties. Those with matters listed in the Downing Centre are advised to contact 1300 679 272 for advice on the location of their matter and if it has been adjourned. More information is available here.
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Justice Ideas Forum 2025
The Justice Ideas Forum 2025 will be held on Wednesday 30 July at Customs House, Sydney. This free half-day seminar showcases the evidence-based findings of the Law and Justice Foundation’s inaugural 2025 Justice Fellows — legal, justice and community service professionals who received $10,000 grants to explore critical access to justice challenges. Their work aims to inform policy, enhance practice, and improve justice outcomes across NSW. Registration is essential. The seminar runs 10am–12pm, followed by a networking lunch. Register here.
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Western Sydney University School of Law celebrates 30 years
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, and Professor Catherine Renshaw, Dean of the School of Law, invite you to celebrate 30 years of Western Sydney University’s School of Law, at a cocktail reception on Thursday 24 July from 6:00pm to 10:30pm at the Parramatta Town Hall. The special guest speaker will be the Hon. Justice Virginia Bell AC. The dress code is business attire. RSVP and purchase tickets here.
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UIA World Forum of Mediation Centres
Union Internationale des Avocats is holding the 34th meeting of the UIA World Forum of Mediation Centres in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court, Queens Square, Sydney on 5 and 6 September 2025. For details, please see the Forum programme. The early bird registration fee is available until 31 July 2025. Learn more.
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Staying Well in the Law - The law within: moral injury in legal practice
Wednesday 23 July 2025
REGISTER HERE
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Productivity in Practice: Cards on the table
Wednesday 6 August
REGISTER HERE
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The art of negotiation: Tools for success – in-person workshop
Thursday 31 July 2025
REGISTER HERE
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Family law fundamentals: live online workshop
Thursday 31 July and 7 August 2025
REGISTER HERE
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July Service Directory
The LSJ Online Service Directory for July remains available. Here you will find advertisements for agency and referrals, practices for sale and purchase, and much more, plus all missing wills’ notices. Read more.
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Advocacy in Action
The Law Society of NSW recently contributed to a submission of the Law Council of Australia, responding to the Australian Information Commissioner’s (OAIC) consultation: Part 3 of the Freedom of Information Guidelines. The OAIC is seeking to update Part 3 of the Guidelines to improve their readability, accessibility, and practical application. Our feedback emphasised the need for further clarity around provisions dealing with FOI requests lodged through the use of an AI application; growing privacy concerns around disclosing public servants’ contact details, and the need to support and fund agencies to meet their FOI obligations. We suggested the Guidelines be subject to regular review to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
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Survey - Dignified Access Review: Parramatta Court House
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), in partnership with the Australian Disability Network, will be conducting a Dignified Access Review at Parramatta Court House (12 George Street, Parramatta, tomorrow – Tuesday 15 July 2025). The purpose of this review is to identify barriers that may prevent people with disability from accessing court services in a safe, equitable, and dignified manner. It will also help inform future design standards and policy development for other courthouses across NSW. You are invited to complete this survey. Your feedback will help DCJ understand the practical challenges faced by legal professionals, clients, and the public when navigating court environments.
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NSW Land Registry Services: 100 per cent online plan lodgment
All plans must now be lodged and re-lodged via the NSW LRS online platform NSW LRS Connect. Read more here.
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FAMILY LAW
Global shifts, local impacts: recent cases on gender dysphoria
By Dr Felicity Bell >
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LEGAL PRIVILEGE
Best practice tips for protecting privilege and mitigating discovery risks
By Elissa Baxter and Alex Haslam >
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