PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

What makes a good lawyer and how do we maintain wellbeing?

Last week marked the traditional Opening of Law Term and whilst the judiciary and profession would “normally” attend religious services in person, the current Omicron has seen many of them postponed. However, I was grateful for the opportunity to watch a live stream of the Red Mass at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral on YouTube last Monday, from my lounge.

Bishop Meagher, who was a lawyer in a former life, touched upon several themes at the Mass, which reminded me of a recent conversation with a trusted colleague, and one of my priorities this year. ‘What makes a good lawyer and how do we maintain wellbeing?’ According to Meagher, a good lawyer not only requires excellence, discipline and training, but humility. To maintain wellbeing, they must know themselves and how to put others first. The uncertainty of the past two years has caused me and no doubt many of us, to reflect consciously on the need to advocate for a society in which we care more for each other. And to celebrate what a truly remarkable profession we are, continuing to uphold our duties to the court, the profession and the communities we each serve.

Hands up if you have ever doubted your ability or feared you aren’t as competent as your colleagues perceived you to be? Members have overwhelmingly shown their support for our first Staying Well in the Law webcast – Tackling Imposter Syndrome, on Wednesday 16 February 2022, with nearly 1000 registrations already! I am looking forward to hearing from Psychology Researcher, Lucy Chapple, as she draws from her recent research into imposter syndrome and her experience as a lawyer to explain the characteristics and drivers of imposter syndrome. Lucy will also provide some practical strategies for tackling imposter syndrome for those working in legal practice.

I am delighted to confirm that The Hon Chief Justice Tom Bathurst AC will be delivering the annual Law Term Address at our Law Term Dinner on Monday 28 March 2022, following his retirement on 5 March 2022. Please join me on this very special evening as we acknowledge his Honour’s stewardship and unrelenting commitment to the administration of justice and the rule of law.

Joanne van der Plaat, President, Law Society of NSW