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AML/CTF: The final countdown
I’m pleased to announce the latest updates in our continued support for solicitors preparing for upcoming AML/CTF obligations, and marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I highlight our advocacy and resources supporting vulnerable members of our community.
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Launch of the Indigenous Solicitors Foundation (ISF)
The Law Society has launched the Indigenous Solicitors Foundation (ISF), a registered charity aimed at increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers in NSW by reducing financial and cultural barriers, strengthening the profession and better reflecting the community — explore pathways to support the ISF here.
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Upcoming swearing in ceremonies for new judges
Three full bench ceremonies for six new judges of the Local Court of New South Wales will be held from Tuesday 23 June to Thursday 25 June 2026 at 9.00am, in Courtroom 5.2 of the Downing Centre Local Court. The appointees and their swearing in dates are: Diane Chappell and Lisa Hanshaw (23 June); Lynda Davids and John Sfinas (24 June); and Peter Ringbauer and Benjamin Pierce (25 June). To RSVP attendance, email lceo@justice.nsw.gov.au.
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Law Practice Websites: Note from the NSW Bar Association
The NSW Bar Association is concerned that some law practices are including barristers’ details on their websites. Any suggestion that barristers are part of, or affiliated with, a law practice undermines the independence of the Bar protected by rules 12 and 17 of the Barristers Conduct Rules. The Bar Association has requested that any content of this nature be removed from solicitors’ websites.
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CONSTRUCTION
Construction risk in 2026: insurance gaps and the limits of cross-claims
By John Georgas, Laura Reisz and Jonathan Newby
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Trust, but verify: supervising junior lawyers using AI
By Dr Felicity Bell and Vishwa Shah
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Proposed implementation of NSW Workers Compensation Scheme reforms
The Law Society has made a submission to SIRA on draft regulations proposed following sweeping legislative reforms to NSW’s Workers Compensation Scheme. Highlights include uncertainty for participants; complex requirements for psychological injury claims; changes to the test for liability for treatment; and implications for lump sum compensation claims and commutations.
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Proposed statewide Community Participation Plan
The Law Society made a submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, on a proposed statewide Community Participation Plan (CPP), with input from its Indigenous Issues and Environmental, Development and Planning Committees. We supported the consistency a statewide CPP would bring, but raised concerns about proposed reductions in community consultation, the introduction of new complexities, and the absence of clear and culturally appropriate mechanisms for consultation with Aboriginal communities.
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Standards Australia Handbook - Probity in procurement
Standards Australia has released SA HB 325:2026 – Probity in procurement. Developed by the Technical Committee QR-017 Organisational Governance, this Handbook aims to be a source of best practice and knowledge to enhance the probity and effectiveness of procurement processes across the procurement lifecycle for both procurers and vendors. The Handbook is available for purchase here.
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Legal Aid NSW has introduced a Simplified Means Test for civil law matters
The Legal Aid NSW Board has approved the introduction of the Simplified Means Test for civil matters in the Administrative Review Tribunal and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. More information
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Deferral of building regulation amendments
While a formal decision is still pending and remains subject to NSW Government approval, the Law Society has been asked to notify members of the following proposed changes:
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Expansion of the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020: The expansion to include Class 3 and 9c remedial, renovation and alteration work, previously deferred to 1 July 2026, is now proposed to be further deferred to 1 July 2028.
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Professional indemnity insurance requirement for building practitioners: The current exemption from holding professional indemnity insurance, previously extended to 30 June 2026, is now proposed to be further extended to 30 June 2027.
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Increase to the Strata Building Bond: The increase in the Strata Building Bond from two per cent to three per cent, previously deferred to 1 July 2026, is now proposed to be further deferred to 1 July 2028.
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June Service Directory
The latest LSJ Online Service Directory is available, featuring agency and referral listings, practices for sale or purchase, missing wills’ notices, and more. Click here.
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Moving In-House: Practice essentials program – in-person
Tuesday 23 June 2026 | Complimentary
REGISTER HERE
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Golden Gavel
Wednesday 1 July 2026
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Practice management course: July 2026 – online
Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 & Friday 3 July 2026
REGISTER HERE
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Productivity in Practice: AI in Practice - Copilot for work
Tuesday 14 July 2026
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