Monday Briefs

22 February

Align
Right

Your weekly professional update

22 February 2021
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
National push to criminalise coercive control

Last Friday 19 February marked one year since Brisbane woman Hannah Clarke and her three children were ambushed in the street and murdered by Hannah’s estranged husband. In the days following it emerged that Hannah had been subjected to years of control and coercion at the hands of her husband, which is recognised as a significant predictor of intimate partner homicide. Continue reading >

 
 
NEWS
Social media update
Members might have noticed the Law Society of NSW’s Facebook page looked a little bare over the weekend. Content on the page was blocked for a few days after the social media company last week banned publishers and users in Australia from sharing or viewing any news articles on its platform. Facebook’s decision to remove Australian content came in response to the federal government’s proposed media bargaining laws, which are due to pass the senate this week. As of today, content on the Law Society's Facebook page has been reinstated. Members can also keep in touch and connect with the Law Society of NSW through our other social media channels: On Twitter (@LawSocietyNSW) and LinkedIn. The Dining Room’s Facebook page, where members can browse the menu for the delicious weekly hamper, is still online here.
How to deal with years like 2020
Over the past eight years, Professor Samuel Harvey has conducted research with NSW’s emergency services workforce on building resilience. During this Staying Well in the Law webcast, Prof Harvey will share insights from this study and consider what the legal profession can learn from them. Find out more and register.
NSW Law Careers Fair 2021 – Exhibitor registrations open
Boost your firm’s exposure to top law students and graduates from all universities in one day. Register to exhibit now.
Food delivery service for charity
Choose from a delicious slow-braised pork hock in Asian master stock with vegetables, aromatic jasmine rice, sesame Asian greens, house-made kimchi, topped off with crisped tofu, followed by Youtiao – traditional Chinese doughnut sticks served with spiced coconut and maple sweetened condensed milk. For an Italian flavour, try our antipasti, trio of pasta sauces, hand-made pappardelle and gnocchi with freshly shaved Reggiano to top, and a fig and ricotta tart to finish. Order by 8am Tuesday for Friday delivery. 
 
 
WHAT'S ON
LAWASIA Constitutional and Rule of Law Webinar Series: Formation & Succession in Parliamentary Governments
18 February 2021 - 11 March 2021
FLIP Buzzwords: Multidisciplinary Practices
24 February 2021
LawInform CPD course: Mandatory rule 6.1 – family lawyers (live webinar)
24 February 2021
LawInform CPD course: Written advocacy (face-to-face workshop)
5 March 2021
The Public Defenders Criminal Law Conference 2021 – online event
13 and 14 March 2021
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Latest edition of the Court of Appeal’s Decisions of Interest bulletin
The Decisions of Interest bulletin is a regular publication produced by the Court of Appeal, summarising appellate decisions from Australia and internationally. Read the latest bulletin here.
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eConveyancing: Don’t ignore a Subscriber Compliance audit request
The Office of the Registrar General has released a reminder about the obligation to comply with a Compliance Examination notice and the consequences of non-compliance. Read more
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Legislative changes to the Migration Act
On 15 February 2021, the OMARA advised: The paper form 956 must be used by all legal practitioners with all new clients as of 22 March 2021, where a legal practitioner has been appointed by a client to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958. When the approved new form has been received from the OMARA a copy will be posted on the Regulatory Compliance page of the Law Society’s website.
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Workers Compensation Commission system shutdowns
The Personal Injury Commission will commence operation on 1 March 2021, combining the Workers Compensation Commission (WCC) and SIRA’s Dispute Resolution Service into a single tribunal. To prepare for the transition, the WCC case management system will shut down from 6pm Thursday 25 February, until 9am Monday 1 March 2021. Please refer to this Workers Compensation Commission e-bulletin for more information.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Costs
The pros and cons of different types of fee arrangements
by Michael Legg  >
Risk
Preliminary agreements and the risk of litigation
By Emma Griffith and Natalie Polorotoff  >
 
IN THE PRESS
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First COVID-19 vaccinations – Australian Government
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Guidance released for vaccine rollout in Australian workplaces
– Attorney-General for Australia and Minister for Industrial Relations
 
YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
Finance tailored for legal professionals
Legal Home Loans is Australia’s only specialist broker for lawyers. With access to all major lenders and private banks, we’ll secure the best loan tailored to you. Law Society members receive $500 cashback upon loan settlement. Find out more.
Introducing the new Galaxy S21 Series 5G
Sign up to the Samsung Partnership Program and check out the Galaxy S21. With its 108MP camera and 8K video recording, you’ll capture the highest quality images and videos on a smartphone.
Connect with respected peers
Join Clarence’s lively chambers of established, independent firms. Share resources, referrals and knowledge: trusted colleagues are right around the corner. ​​​​​​ Express your interest with their Head of Chambers.