Monday Briefs

17 February 2020

Your weekly professional update

17 February 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Shaping debate about law reform and the administration of justice in NSW

Open dialogue with government, parliamentary bodies, the courts, tribunals and key stakeholders in the justice system is essential if we, as a peak professional association, want to initiate, inform and shape debate about law reform and the administration of justice in this state.

For this reason, at the start of the new law term, we embark on a full program of meetings with the Chief Justice, heads of jurisdictions, the Attorney General and other senior officials within the executive arm of government. We are now well engaged in these discussions which allow us to raise major items on our policy agenda, as informed by our 18 expert policy committees. Continue reading >

 
 
NEWS
LawID is the key to renewing your PC
You will need to have a LawID to renew your practising certificate online this year. Activating your LawID won’t take long. Activate yours today
Registrations for Specialist Accreditation Q&A sessions now open
If you are interested in applying for the Specialist Accreditation Program and want to know more, sign up to attend a Specialist Accreditation Q&A session. Read more
Meet the specialists
Not sure if the Specialist Accreditation Program is for you? We asked seven Accredited Specialists about their experiences and why it was the right step for their careers. See the videos
Purpose-designed spaces tailored to your needs
Whether you're looking for a space to hold your next function or meeting, or a private and secure environment for mediation, the Law Society's state-of-the-art facilities can help. Find the perfect space for your needs
Final discounts on 2020 Law Society Diaries
Save 50 per cent on the RRP of the 2020 Law Society diaries. There’s only a few left so get in quick before you miss out. Find out more and order
 
 
WHAT'S ON
Law Society CPD – Mandatory rule 6.1 – all law
25 February 2020
FLIP Inquiry Series – Behind the Buzzwords: LawTech
26 February 2020
Law Society CPD – Migration law practice and procedure
28 February 2020
A special International Women’s Day event with Bri Lee – author of smash hit book “Eggshell Skull”
4 March 2020
Home alone? How to 'own' your in-house role and stay ethically sound
10 March 2020
Whistleblowing – what is it, who does it, when is it lawful, when is it mandatory?
25 March 2020
Mediating complex commercial disputes: a masterclass from leading figures in ADR
Sydney – 26 March 2020 and London – 6 May 2020
LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference – Denarau, Fiji
3 - 4 April 2020
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance due 31 March 2020
Practitioners are reminded that the 2019-20 CPD year concludes 31 March 2020. CPD compliance is a statutory requirement, governed by the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015. Please review the Society’s CPD information to ensure that you can comply with the CPD requirements by 31 March 2020. You may search available CPD courses through LawInform.
If you anticipate not being able to comply by 31 March 2020, an Application for extension of time to comply with CPD requirements must be made in advance of the expiration of the CPD year, where possible.  A Rectification of non-compliance CPD plan must also be submitted to the Society within 21 days of the extension application.
If you anticipate not being able to meet your CPD obligations due to extenuating personal circumstances or an absence from practice, you may make an Application for exemption from CPD requirements.
All CPD enquiries should be directed to the Registry Compliance Officer on (02) 9926 0243 or by email to cpdcompliance@lawsociety.com.au.
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Legal Aid NSW elder abuse policy changes
The Legal Aid NSW Board has approved changes to eligibility policies that target people who are victims of elder abuse. See Policy Bulletin 2019 No. 12 for details. There is an online training module available for practitioners for 0.5 CPD points. To access the module, log in to our Learning Management System and search for “Elder Abuse”.
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Revenue NSW – unclaimed general trust money  
Revenue NSW has published information regarding unclaimed money held in a general trust account by a law practice in NSW.
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Cessnock Local Court
Due to delays with the capital works at Cessnock Police Station, the Chief Magistrate’s Office has advised that it is necessary to extend the current re-location arrangements for the sittings of Cessnock Local Court up to and including 27 March 2020 – i.e. Cessnock Local Court sittings will transfer to Kurri Kurri Local Court on the relevant Mondays, and to Newcastle Local Court on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Registry services will remain available at Kurri Kurri Local Court Monday to Friday. The anticipated return to Cessnock Court House is now Monday 30 March 2020.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Bankruptcy
Alienations of property with intent to defraud
By Penny Thew, Chris Birch SC and Michael France >
Class actions
High Court’s rejection of common funds shakes up class actions landscape
By Ross Foreman >
 
IN THE PRESS
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Review of Strip Search SOPs  – Law Enforcement Conduct Commission
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
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