Monday Briefs

6 July

Your weekly professional update

6 July 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A dedicated and confidential psychological service for NSW solicitors

The practice of law is not without its challenges, and recent events have been a reminder that no one is immune from experiencing unexpected psychological pressures and stress. 

The seminal research of the Brain and Mind Institute and subsequent research over the past 10-15 years has raised our collective awareness of both the psychological distress far too commonly experienced by members of the legal profession and our reluctance to seek treatment for mental health concerns. Continue reading >

 
 
NEWS
Mindfulness Series with Michael Bunting
Learn how to build stress resilience, mental wellbeing and mindful relationships in our two-part webcast series with internationally-recognised bestselling author and mindfulness coach, Michael Bunting. Find out more
Early bird registrations now open for Government Solicitors Week 2020
Australian Government Solicitor Michael Kingston is the keynote speaker at this year’s Government Solicitors Week. Five days of virtually delivered professional development updates and exclusive bonus content presented by expert legal minds. See the full program and register today.
Food delivery service to help FoodBank NSW & ACT
There's still time to order this week's hampers. Choose between a Chinese-inspired twist to chicken, or a comforting English-countryside staple – 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
COVID-19: The Impacts on Lawyers, Law Schools and the Courts
7 July and 21 July 2020
FLIP Buzzwords: Strategy
8 July 2020
COVID-19: Resolving Commercial Lease Disputes – Mediation with NSW Small Business Commission
14 July 2020
WorkingSm@rt with Microsoft Outlook
14 July 2020
Law Society CPD – Mandatory rule 6.1 – the new world of legal practice (live webinar)
21 July 2020
WorkingSm@rt with Microsoft Teams
23 July 2020
Law Society CPD – Practice Management Course
24, 31 July and 7 August 2020
The Future of Law Reform webinar series
27 July; 10, 17 and 24 August 2020
Mindfulness Series with Michael Bunting: Resilience and Mental Wellbeing
28 July 2020
John Hennessy Legal Scholarship and Michelle Crowther Award entries 2020
Entries close 1 August 2020
Mindfulness Series with Michael Bunting: Mindful Relationships
4 August 2020
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Register to use SIRA’s Dispute Resolution Services Legal Portal
More than 500 legal practitioners have started using SIRA’s new Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) Legal Portal – an online platform to lodge CTP Scheme dispute applications and replies, and to interact with DRS. The portal will soon be the only way to lodge applications and replies with DRS. To register to use the portal, email DRS or call 1800 347 788. Learn more here.
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Contingency plan to assist sole principals
The Law Society has launched a new resource, Contingency Plan for Sole Principals, designed to help sole principals nominate a Personal Representative and an Alternate in the event they are no longer able to manage their practice. Read more here.
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Copies of tax documents request
Most requests for copies of tax documents can be made using our online services. You should submit your clients' requests via the Business Portal, as we no longer accept requests submitted by mail or fax.
You can request copies of
  • tax returns
  • payment summaries and income statements (individuals only)
  • notices of assessment.
Further information can be found in the Legal Practitioners section of copies of tax documents request on ato.gov.au.
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Retail and commercial leasing alert
The Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Amendment Regulation 2020 commenced on 3 July 2020 and makes significant clarifications and further requirements in relation to the original Regulation.   
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Employment law
Doubling down on ‘double dipping’: The Full Federal Court’s decision in Rossato
By Jack de Flamingh and Chris Bell >
Administrative law
An opening for the Palace Letters; No dismissal in respect of The Dismissal
By Talitha Fishburn >
 
IN THE PRESS
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
Exclusive benefits with Legal Home Loans
Borrow up to 90 per cent of property value with waived Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), due to your elite standing as a lawyer. Law Society members receive $500 cash back on settled loans. Find out more.
Connect with respected peers
Join Clarence’s lively chambers of established, independent firms. Share resources, referrals and knowledge with trusted colleagues right around the corner. Express your interest with the Head of Chambers today.
Has your income changed?
Your health insurance rebate tier may have also changed. Read important information to help you with your tax return from Bupa. Find out more.