Monday Briefs

13 May

Monday Briefs

13 May 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

New drink driving laws for NSW

Last week’s announcement that new drink driving laws giving NSW police the power to issue an immediate three-month licence suspension notice and fine for novice, special or low‑range drink‑driving offences has been justified by the NSW Government on the basis they will reduce the pressure on the state’s court system.

However, low-range PCAs make up only 1.9 per cent of all Local Court matters and our concern is that the new laws will only serve to increase the burden on the Local Court, with urgent applications for appeals against the licence suspension expected to significantly increase, resulting in two hearings rather than one. Continue reading >

 
NEWS
2019-20 Practising Certificate and Membership renewals open
Online lodgements for 2019-20 practising certificate and membership renewals are open. The due date for lodgement is this Wednesday, 15 May.
Online lodgement is available to all practitioners regardless of the payment method. Solicitor Members who renew their practising certificate and membership online by 15 May will be placed in a draw to win one of five iPads. Terms and conditions apply. READ MORE
Roundtable session for CTP lawyers – Limited places available
Lawyers who have matters that fall within the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme are invited to attend a Law Society roundtable session to discuss their experiences following the 2017 reforms. Register today as places are limited. Feedback from this session will help inform the Law Society’s engagement with the NSW Government about the scheme. REGISTER NOW
Find out where you should invest your energy today so you can leverage the opportunities of tomorrow
Today and Tomorrow Alley, exclusive to the FLIP conference,  will take you on customised journey from 2019 to 2050 to discover the main skills, areas of work, environment, innovation and technologies required to enhance your legal service delivery now and in the future. Find out more about this unique experience. Get your Early Bird FLIP Conference tickets now.
Last chance - Family law courts: Change for a system in distress
Don’t miss our esteemed panel, including Kerry Chikarovski, Director of Our WATCh and former NSW Liberal Party leader, as they discuss the need for family law reforms. Join us for this important discussion on the key issues to come from the ALRC report’s recommendations and what it means for the future of family law. REGISTER NOW
Law firms, we have a people problem

In an era when effective people management and entrepreneurship are more integral to success than ever, lawyers are still regarded as lacking. LSJ asks why. READ MORE

2019 NSW Women Lawyers Achievement Awards
Recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding women lawyers, mentors and firms that have achieved excellence in their area of practice and helped create opportunities for women in the law. Nominations close 31 May. NOMINATE NOW
Marrickvillle Legal Centre and Bankstown Poetry Slam presents 'Social Justice Slam'
Head to Bankstown Arts Centre on Friday 17 May and enjoy a free evening of spoken word poetry on the theme of social justice to celebrate 40 years of Marrickville Legal Centre delivering accessible justice to the community. REGISTER NOW
Legal industry diversity event
Step out for lunch on Thursday 30 May and join a panel of high-profile senior women in the Australian legal industry as they engage in a forward-focused conversation on the challenges, opportunities and vision for the next 100 years. REGISTER NOW
A night at the theatre – Prima Facie, a play by Suzie Miller
Join your colleagues for a night of compelling Australian theatre at a special viewing of Prima Facie, an original play by Suzie Miller presented by the Griffin Theatre Company. Hosted by the Law Society, this exclusive event on 6 June includes a stimulating Q&A, networking opportunities and refreshments. TICKETS ON SALE NOW
 
 
WHAT'S ON
Thought leadership: Family Law Courts - Change for a system in distress
14 May 2019
Law Society CPD - Transitioning to eConveyancing
22 May 2019
FLIP Regional Roadshow - Dubbo
31 May 2019
LAWASIA Risk Management & Professional Indemnity Insurance Conference 2019
31 May - 1 June 2019
A night at the theatre – Prima Facie, a play by Suzie Miller
6 June 2019
Book launch: Ethical Legal Practice and Professional Conduct By Francisco Esparraga
27 June 2019

FLIP Conference and Innovation Dinner

25 July 2019
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’
The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’ will hold public and private hearings in Lismore on 14 and 15 May 2019. The inquiry will also travel to Nowra, Dubbo, Broken Hill and the Hunter Region before delivering its findings in October 2019.
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NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS) - new phone number and partial relocation
The new NSW LRS contact number for enquiries is 02 8776 3575. The old numbers will remain active until Friday 17 May. The Customer Service Counter will remain at Queen Square and all NSW LRS mailing addresses and email addresses will remain the same. From Monday 20 May 2019, the head office of NSW LRS will relocate to 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney.
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Lodgment portal launch to aid in workers comp disputes
The Workers Compensation Commission has launched an online lodgment portal to provide parties and their legal representatives with instant access to lodge, view and track the progress of their matters. Featuring SMS notification of proceedings, digital forms and the option to electronically brief counsel, the portal is a great addition to the Commission’s new website, launched last month. Visit www.wcc.nsw.gov.au to explore the portal and the new site.
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SIRA survey – CLE seminars on CTP Scheme
The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) is considering hosting free CLE seminars for lawyers who practise in the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. SIRA wants to hear from you to determine whether there is a need for the seminars. If you would like to provide feedback, please complete SIRA’s three minute survey here.
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Franchising
Time to play fair: Franchising industry faces growing scrutiny
By Michael Milnes >
Employment law
Fine lines blurred in adverse action applications
By Jack de Flamingh and Hannah Peter >
 
IN THE PRESS
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
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Learn how buyer's agent Nick Viner can help you in the current market. Law Society members receive discounts with Buyers Domain, the property buyer’s agency for busy professionals. Contact a buyer's agent to get the best deal on your new property. FIND OUT MORE >
Get a $1,000 rebate when you buy a new home
Take out a Premier Advantage Package and save! When you package your home loan and bank account, you could enjoy the benefits of Westpac’s Premier Advantage Package, including interest rate discounts and savings on a range of great products. FIND OUT MORE >
9-step cyber safety checklist
Malicious data breaches are increasingly costing businesses crippling amounts of money as hackers gain entry to company banking details, intercept emails, manipulate fraud purchases and redirect payments to offshore accounts. Learn how to protect your business from cyber attacks with Allcom Networks. FIND OUT MORE >
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