Monday Briefs

31 August

Your weekly professional update

31 August 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
We welcome our new Chief Executive Officer,
Sonja Stewart to the Law Society of NSW

Today marks an important milestone in our association’s long history as we welcome our new Chief Executive Officer, Sonja Stewart, to the Law Society of NSW.

Sonja has been a Deputy Secretary within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and before that, a Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Public Service Commission. Most recently, she was the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Arrilla Consulting, a joint venture with KPMG. Continue reading >

 
 
NEWS
Call for expressions of interest – Law Society Committees 2021
Want to make a difference in the legal profession? Submit an expression of interest by 5pm on 29 September 2020 to join one of the Law Society’s committees. Read more.
Secure your spot for Government Solicitors Week 2020
There is still time to book your place at Government Solicitors Week 2020. Don't miss this chance to join some of the brightest legal minds, including Michael Kingston, The Honourable Justice Mark Moshinsky, and Bret Walker SC. From 7-11 September.  See the full program and register.
Rural Issues Day 2020 – early bird registrations now open
We're pleased to announce that early bird registrations are now open for Rural Issues Day 2020. On 23 October, leading speakers across the profession will join us virtually for a full day on the legal issues relevant to rural and regional practice. See the full program and register.
Professional Conduct Advisory Panel
For many years, the Law Society has provided independent, confidential support to practitioners undergoing a disciplinary issue. The Professional Conduct Advisory Panel consists of experienced practitioners who support their fellow practitioners during stressful and difficult times. The Law Society is seeking expressions of interest to join the Panel and support your colleagues in this way.
Your Story Disability Legal Support – Personal injury referral list
Your Story Disability Legal Support is a free, independent legal service established to provide legal advice and support to people who want to share their experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Read more about the referral list, criteria for assessment and how to express interest here.
Food delivery service to help FoodBank
Don't forget Father’s Day next Sunday 6 September – take this perfect opportunity to treat your nearest and dearest with a delicious meal. The Feed Me Hamper with the Cajun lamb, minted jus and carrot puree may tick a few boxes or maybe they would like to sample something a little different in the Creole pork and prawn gumbo served with toasted rice pilaf. Order by 8am Tuesday for Friday delivery and don't forget to check the new menu every Tuesday morning. All profits go to support the 2020 President's Charity FoodBank NSW & ACT.
 
 
WHAT'S ON
The Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (AIJA) Online Conference Series: Providing Justice in a Viral World
26 August – 30 September 2020
FLIP Stream: Change Leadership for Small Law Firms
1 September 2020
Professional Skills Series Seminar 2
2 September 2020
Managing technology and data risks
3 September 2020
Government Solicitors Week
7-11 September 2020
LAWASIA 2020 Conference Online – Webinar Series
10 September - 8 October 2020
Mandatory rule 6.1 – the new world of legal practice
17 September 2020
The ins and outs of civil penalties – live webinar
18 September 2020
World in a Box – 50 years of containerisation in Australia
23 September 2020
FLIP Buzzwords: Internet of Things (IoT)
30 September 2020
Patron's Address: Aboriginal Australians and the Common Law
22 October 2020
Whistleblowing - what is it, who does it, when is it lawful, when is it mandatory?
19 November 2020
IBA 2020 – Virtually Together Conference
2-27 November 2020
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Launch of new NSW legislation website
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office has launched the revised NSW legislation website today. Users should clear their browser cache and note the further information provided on the home page. The display of legislation is not significantly different to the old website but new features and functionality have been added. Practitioners may wish to note the extensive FAQs that are available and there is also a Website Help email box.
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The Land and Environment Court seeking Acting Commissioners
The Attorney General is seeking applications from qualified persons for appointment as Acting Commissioners of the Land and Environment Court of NSW to exercise the jurisdiction of the Court in matters across Classes 1 and 2 involving town and country planning, architecture, urban design, heritage and law relating to these disciplines. Acting Commissioners can work on a full time, part-time, part-year or other flexible basis. There are a number of positions available. Acting Commissioners can be appointed for terms of different lengths. In this instance a term could be up to three years. Acting Commissioners can be reappointed for a further term. Apply here.
Applications close: Monday 14 September 2020 (11.59 pm).
Inquiries: Ms Sarah Froh, Registrar and Director, (02) 9113 8200 or email: sarah.froh@justice.nsw.gov.au
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Important changes to liens and equitable mortgages
The Office of the Registrar General has published an important update about the impact of the proposed cancellation of paper certificates of title upon liens and mortgages. Solicitors should particularly note the potential impact upon the practice of holding a lien over a certificate of title as a form of security for payment of costs.  It is expected that remaining paper certificates of title will be cancelled around mid-2021. Read more.
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Vehicle and vessel information for accident claims – new application forms
Solicitors acting for clients on vehicle and vessel accident claims can apply to Transport for NSW to obtain information in connection with such claims. The relevant application forms were updated in August. The new versions are available here. Solicitors are requested to start using the new forms immediately as the older versions will soon no longer be accepted.
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NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office vacancies
The NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office is looking for experienced solicitors to join its specialist legal practice groups and is advertising  Senior Solicitor (Legal Officer Grade IV) and Solicitor Advocate roles. Find out more and apply.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Taxation
New NSW duty and land tax surcharges set to impact discretionary trusts
By Lisa To >
Property
NSW Government sets residential developers in its sights
By Christopher Kerin and Nicholas James >
 
IN THE PRESS
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