20 July 2026

Monday Briefs

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NEWS
Upcoming swearing-in ceremony for Adam Williams
A full bench ceremony will be held to mark the swearing-in of Adam Williams as a judge of the NSW District Court on Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 9.00am in Court 21A, Level 21, John Maddison Tower. If you wish to view the ceremony online, please use the following link.
ILARS Update
On 26 June 2026, the Independent Review Office (IRO) published an Amending Instrument to the ILARS Funding Guidelines to give effect to the new section 9A of schedule 5 to the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020 (NSW), available to be read in conjunction with the Funding Guidelines here. The Law Society is engaged in ongoing consultation with the IRO regarding the impacts and implementation of the changes to the Funding Guidelines.
LEGAL UPDATES
CONTRACTS
Force majeure and frustration in 2026: the contracts written for the last crisis
By Mark Lazarus
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
When is an arbitration clause not an arbitration clause? A look beyond the wordsmithing
By Justin Hogan-Doran
Read here >
Visit Legal Updates online
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
Changes to the Sydney Civil Claims General Division Directions/Review and Notice of Motion lists – Virtual Court
From 21 July 2026, the Sydney Civil Court's General Division Directions, Reviews and Notices of Motion lists will transition to a dedicated Virtual Court operating via Cisco Webex. For further information, see this information sheet. For assistance or technical support, contact the Sydney Civil Registry at sydneycivilregistry@justice.nsw.gov.au
National Bench Book on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Legal System
The National Bench Book on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Legal System has been launched, providing judges, legal practitioners and court professionals with practical guidance on First Nations perspectives on law, justice and court processes. The resource aims to support fairer and more culturally informed legal processes. Access the resource
Sutherland Shire Council (SSC) Systems Upgrade: impact on planning and rates certificates
From 5.00pm Friday 7 August to midday Monday 17 August 2026, SSC will be upgrading systems. During this time, planning or rates certificates cannot be requested, processed, or issued. Further information is available here.
July 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.
WHAT'S ON
Tips for negotiation and settlements: Mandatory rule 6.1 – live webinar
Wednesday 22 July 2026
REGISTER HERE
Staying Well in the Law: Sustainable success for sole practitioners and principals
Thursday 23 July 2026
Capability Booster: Intentional communication for risk management – live online workshop
Thursday 30 July 2026
REGISTER HERE
Productivity in Practice: Word hacks for lawyers
Tuesday 4 August 2026
View all CPD courses
View all events
OTHER NEWS
Nominations open for the Australian Young Lawyer Awards 2026
The Law Council of Australia's Australian Young Lawyer Awards recognise excellence in young and early-career lawyers and young lawyer organisations. Nominations are now open for both categories and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 28 August 2026. Find out more and submit a nomination.
EXTERNAL EVENTS
Legal Aid NSW Civil Law Conference
Wednesday 2 September to Thursday 3 September 2026
Park Royal Hotel, Parramatta
Register here
OPEN ROLES
Department of Communities and Justice
Commissioner - Land And Environment Court of NSW
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Senior Solicitor (Statewide)
Careers in the Country
Regional jobs board
QUICK LINKS
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