Fresh-faced lawyers and law students will get the chance to showcase their humour and advocacy skills at the NSW Young Lawyers Golden Gavel (#NSWGavel) public speaking competition as part of Law Week 2017.

"It is one of the biggest legal networking events of the year where upcoming lawyers can mingle with established members of the profession," Law Society of NSW president Pauline Wright said.

"The criteria are tough for the ten registered competitors who are emailed their topic just twenty four hours before the event.

"Participants are judged on humour, cleverness and originality and performance making it a fun and entertaining morning for all."

This year's judging panel includes President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO, 2017 NSW Young Lawyers Patron. Audience members can also vote live for the People's Choice Award.

The Golden Gavel will be held at the Westin Ballroom, Sydney on Friday, 19 May from 7.30-9.30am.

NSW Law Society president Pauline Wright said Indigenous people will be able to access important legal information during Law Week 2017 including support to apply for birth certificates.

"Without a birth certificate it is impossible to exercise basic human rights," Ms Wright said. "You can't apply for a drivers licence, enrol to vote, obtain Centrelink benefits or even open a bank account."

Other Law Week 2017 events will enable people throughout NSW to access free "plain English" information about common legal problems from settling debts and fines, preparing a will, power of attorney and guardianship or going to court.

Events include a Family Law Expo and youth workshops as well as sessions on domestic violence, traffic law, family law, buying and selling property, cyber safety for older people and victims; services for the LGBTIQ community.

Some sessions will be provided in Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Portuguese and Vietnamese.

NSW Trustee & Guardian will launch a campaign to ensure pets are cared for if their owner dies or is unable to continue looking after them.

Primary and high school students can also participate in mock trials and a state wide competition to solve a fictitious criminal case.

Law Week events will be taking place across NSW and Australia from 15-21 May. For more information, visit National Law Week and Golden Gavel.