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Regulatory readiness; a focus for 2026
Following the Opening of Law Term Dinner, I share one of my priorities for the year ahead, including how the Law Society will support solicitors as new AML/CTF obligations come into effect.
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2026 Specialist Accreditation Program: Apply now and register for our Q&A sessions
Are you considering applying for the 2026 Specialist Accreditation Program, or have you applied for the Program and have questions? Registrations are now open for our Q&A sessions, giving you the opportunity to hear from the experts about their experience as Accredited Specialists and to ask any questions you may have about the Program. All Q&A sessions will be held online from 5.30pm to 6.30pm from Monday, 16 February 2026 to Thursday, 19 February 2026 in the areas of Children’s Law, Dispute Resolution, Elder Law, Employment & Industrial Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Personal Injury and Planning & Environment Law. View the Q&A timetable and register now.
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Muslim Legal Network (NSW) Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner
The Muslim Legal Network invites members of the legal profession to its Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner, to be held on Monday, 2 March 2026, from 6.00pm to 9.30pm at Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney. Held during Ramadan, the evening provides an opportunity for judges, practitioners, academics and law students to network and share in the breaking of the fast, fostering connection and community. Book your ticket.
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Property law: One day intensive – online
Tuesday 24 February 2026
REGISTER HERE
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Elder law, wills and probate: One day intensive – online
Thursday 26 February 2026
REGISTER HERE
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International Women's Day Breakfast
Wednesday 4 March 2026
REGISTER HERE
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Newcastle Local Practitioners and New Admittees Dinner
Thursday 12 March 2026
REGISTER HERE
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February Service Directory
The LSJ Online 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.
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Contract for the sale and purchase of land 2026 edition
The Conveyancing and Real Property Amendment Act 2025 introduced a minor change to the prescribed form of the cooling off notice. The Contract for the sale and purchase of land 2026 edition, containing the new cooling off notice, will be released in early March 2026. Under the transitional provisions, a contract or option can include either the old or new form of the cooling off notice up until Sunday, 31 May 2026, which you can read more about here. The Contract for the sale and purchase of land 2022 edition will be withdrawn from sale on Friday, 13 March 2026.
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Access to justice in regional, rural and remote NSW webinar
In the Access to justice in regional, rural and remote NSW webinar on Thursday, 26 February 2026 from 2.00pm – 3.00pm, the Law and Justice Foundation will present key findings from their report, A balancing act: Lawyers’ views on access to justice in regional, rural and remote NSW. The report is based on in-depth interviews with lawyers working across RRR NSW and captures their perspectives on what might support or hinder access to justice in these areas. An expert panel of practitioners and leaders will consider the lessons for reform. For further information and registration details, click here.
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The Law Council of Australia’s Federal Dispute Resolution Section's Commonwealth Law Conference
The Commonwealth Law Conference on Friday, 27 February 2026, marks 50 years since the Federal Court of Australia was established and will explore issues shaping federal litigation and dispute resolution in Australia. The program features leading experts in federal law, including members of the judiciary, federal tribunal members, the Law Society’s Junior Vice President, Sylvia Fernandez, and other prominent practitioners. Keynote addresses will be given by Chief Justice Debra Mortimer of the Federal Court of Australia and Justice Julie Ward, President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal. For further information and registration details, click here.
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Procedural Update for Local Court of NSW Small Claims Division
The Small Claims Division will transition to virtual hearings via Webex from the week commencing on Monday, 16 February 2026. Practitioners will receive Webex links by email no later than one business day before the hearing, along with an updated client information sheet outlining technical requirements. Matters already listed during the rollout week will proceed remotely, and links for Monday hearings will be sent on the preceding Thursday or Friday. Practitioners should ensure their contact details are up to date.
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Care and Protection: Changes to policies and fees
The Legal Aid NSW Board has approved a new Care Fee Scale and changes to the Care and Protection policy. More information.
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Amendment to the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation – Exempt Persons
An amendment has been made to the definition of ‘exempt person’ under clause 3 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation 2014 (CAS Regulation). The amendment clarifies that ‘exempt person’ does not include legal practitioners generally, and instead only applies to legal practitioners who are representing an inmate, providing legal advice to an inmate, or who are in the process of being engaged by an inmate. This amendment to the CAS Regulation commenced on Friday, 30 January 2026. Read more.
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PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Key insights on a new era for NSW planning law
By Anneliese Korber and Phoebe Saxon >
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CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Recapping 2025: uncertainty and contention afflicts the implied freedom doctrine
By Dr Jemimah Roberts and Dr Shireen Morris >
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