Monday Briefs 26 February 2024 | The Law Society of NSW

An important first for a key priority

You may have read in the media last week about the first occasion in Australia that a court has confronted tendered material suspected of being written by AI. The article draws attention to the fact that AI tools are here to stay, whether we like it or not. The story could not have been more timely, given that this week the AI Taskforce I foreshadowed in my Opening of Law Term speech meets for the first time. This marks the beginning of our work towards ensuring the profession is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Continue reading >

NEWS

Celebrating the Bicentenary of the Supreme Court: key dates:
Book and Gallery launch – Wednesday 3 April 2024

A 450-page illustrated history of the Supreme Court “Constant Guardian: Changing Times – The Supreme Court of New South Wales 1824-2024” will be launched by the Hon. James Spigelman AC KC in the Banco Court on Wednesday 3 April at 5.15pm. On the same occasion, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales will officially open the Supreme Court History Wall and Gallery. Copies of the book will be able to be purchased on the night, at subsequent bicentenary events, and then through the Bar Association, the Law Society, and at various bookstores.

Ecumenical Church Service – Thursday 16 May 2024

An all-faith ecumenical church service will be held at St James’ Church, King Street at 6.00pm on Thursday 16 May, the eve of the first sitting of the Supreme Court.

Ceremonial Sitting – Friday 17 May 2024

A ceremonial sitting will be held on Friday 17 May at 9.15am in the Banco Court. There will be some seating reserved for the profession but the ceremonial sitting will be able to be viewed from Court 13A as a spill-over venue and will also be livestreamed.

‘Trial by Jury’ – Thursday 30 and Friday 31 May 2024

A contemporary New South Wales adaptation of Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic operetta will be performed in the Banco Court under the baton of maestro the Hon. Peter Hidden AM. Tickets including a cocktail party after the performance will be on sale from early April.

Joint Supreme Court/Legislative Council Concert – August 2024

It is hoped that a concert by the Sydney Lawyers Orchestra will take place at the Conservatorium in August to celebrate the joint bicentenaries of the Supreme Court and Legislative Council. A precise date and further details will be provided in due course.

2024 Specialist Accreditation Program | Early Bird pricing ends soon
This is the last week to take advantage of our Specialist Accreditation Early Bird application fee. Specialist Accreditation can take your career to the next level, where you can join an elite group of recognised experts. Areas of law on offer in 2024 are Dispute Resolution, Employment & Industrial Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Personal Injury, Planning & Environment Law and Public Law.

Click here and apply today to take advantage of the early bird fee application fee, which is available until Thursday 29 February.

Ernest (Ernie) Schmatt AM PSM 1948–2024

NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell has shared a condolence message for the passing of Ernest (Ernie) Schmatt AM PSM, former long time Chief Executive of the Judicial Commission of New South Wales. Ernie held senior legal and management positions in the NSW public sector before being appointed Deputy Chief Executive of the then newly-established Judicial Commission of New South Wales in October 1987. Ernie was appointed Chief Executive in 1989, a position he held for more than 30 years until his retirement in February 2022. Click here to read the full message.

Pride Cocktail Party
This Thursday, we're celebrating Mardi Gras season in stellar style at our 2024 Pride Cocktail Party at the spectacular Bar 83 in Sydney Tower. Gather with friends and colleagues for an evening honouring the rich legacy of the LGBTQIA+ community, and especially those who paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive legal profession. Buy tickets here.

2024 Law Students Careers Summit: Exhibitor Registrations Open
Registrations are still open for the 2024 Law Students Careers Summit on Wednesday 20 March. A flagship event of the Law Society of NSW, the Summit provides an unparalleled opportunity to reach law students from all years of study and across NSW who want to learn more about the career paths available to them and connect with the full spectrum of legal employers in one convenient and cost-effective setting. Those also participating in our Graduate and Clerkship Recruitment Programs will be eligible to receive a substantially discounted rate to attend. Find out more and register today to get a headstart on your recruitment initiatives.

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WHAT'S ON

Pride Cocktail Party
Thursday 29 February
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Tuesday 5 March
Personal injury law: Mandatory rule 6.1 – online
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Pride Breakfast
Tuesday 5 March
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Wednesday 6 March
New technology essentials for lawyers: Mandatory rule 6.1 – online
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International Women's Day (SOLD OUT)
Friday 8 March
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PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

February Service Directory
The LSJ Digital Service Directory for February is now 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 .

Land and Environment Court of NSW - New Class 3 Practice Notes
The Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of NSW has made two new Class 3 practice notes:
The Practice Note - Class 3 Compensation Claims dated 15 March 2019 has been replaced with a new Practice Note - Class 3 Compensation Claims dated 22 February 2024.
The Practice Note - Class 3 Valuation Objections dated 14 May 2007 has been replaced with a new Practice Note - Class 3 Valuation Objections dated 22 February 2024.
The new Practice Notes both commence on 2 April 2024 and are available here.

Court of Appeal Decisions of Interest Bulletin
Latest Decisions of Interest 6 November 2023 - 12 February 2024
Click here to view.

LEGAL UPDATES

TAXATION
Family succession traps
By Jim Main >

INTERNATIONAL LAW
The impact of the ICJ’s advisory opinions in international disputes
By Tanya Ma >

IN THE PRESS

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