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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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Dealing with the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19
We are currently living in extraordinary times. When we look back at 2020 in years to come, it will undoubtedly stand out as one of the toughest in our nation’s recent history. Off the back of the drought and bushfires, we are now all dealing with the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.
As the COVID-19 situation unfolds each day, we have made it our priority to keep the legal profession updated about the latest developments relating to the courts, tribunals, commissions and other relevant bodies. This information sits on a dedicated COVID-19 page on the Law Society website and is disseminated through all communication channels, including Monday Briefs, emails to members and social media posts. Continue reading >
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NEWS
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The latest from health authorities
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Practising Certificate and Membership Renewals will open Wednesday 1 April 2020
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On 1 April 2020, all solicitors will receive an email containing information on how to renew their practising certificate and Law Society membership, and a link to access their online application.
Learn more |
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COVID-19 and changes to CPD requirements
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In these special circumstances, the Law Society understands that solicitors may need to complete more than five of their CPD units through private study of audio/visual material. For the 2019-20 CPD year, the five-unit cap on private study of audio/visual material will not be enforced.
Read more |
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Law Society CPD moves online
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Due to COVID-19, all face-to-face CPD sessions have been cancelled. We encourage all members to visit the Law Society’s online CPD library (LawInform.com.au) with 250+ online offerings in order to help meet their outstanding CPD units. Read more |
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Law Society guidance on COVID-19 economic stimulus packages
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The Commonwealth Government has made a number of recent announcements of economic stimulus measures to support individuals and businesses at a time of economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus. Learn more |
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COVID-19 court updates for the profession
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Law Society library services
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The Law Society library is still operational, and we will continue to provide the profession with access to resources from the Law Society Library collection as well as assistance with research. Read more |
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Law Society services and facilities
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Access the Law Society’s wellbeing services
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This is a difficult time for everyone in the profession. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Law Society provides a range of resources and support services. Find out more |
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NSW Child Protection Legal Conference 2020 postponed
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The 2020 NSW Child Protection Legal Conference: Working Together for Children and Families, originally scheduled for 30 April - 1 May 2020, has been postponed in line with the Government’s ban on non-essential gatherings of 500 people or more. A new date for the conference will be communicated in due course. Further information |
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Are you working from home?
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Here are nine ways to maintain your productivity (and your sanity) while working remotely. Read more |
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LawID is the key to renewing your PC
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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 |
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Specialist Accreditation: application deadline extended to 15 April
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WHAT'S ON
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Law Society CPD – The legal impact of the coronavirus on organisations (live webinar)
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24 March 2020
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Law Society CPD – Wellbeing when working from home (live webinar)
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25 March 2020
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PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Statutory compliance by 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.
It is a practitioner’s individual responsibility to maintain accurate records evidencing their engagement in CPD activities and satisfy themselves that they have properly complied with the CPD requirements, so as not to make a false declaration in their practising certificate renewal application.
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.
In the special circumstances arising from COVID-19, the Law Society understands that solicitors may need to exceed the five-unit cap on private study of audio/visual material to complete their CPD points. Please read the detailed information provided on the Law Society website.
If you anticipate still not being able to meet your CPD obligations and need to apply for an extension or exemption, please read more.
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Registered tax agents
All Law Society members who are also registered tax agents have been requested by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to update their TPB profile to record their Law Society membership. This will assist the Law Society to maintain its accreditation as a recognised tax agent association.
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Revenue NSW and business continuity | COVID-19
Revenue NSW has advised that in the event of the COVID-19 situation evolving, it will be activating its business continuity plans. Matters lodged to Revenue NSW via mail (paper channel) will experience processing delays. To minimise disruption to practitioners and clients, Revenue NSW recommends practitioners register for, and utilise, the eDuties portal to lodge matters that can’t be processed via Electronic Duties Return (EDR). Read more
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Supreme Court (Amendment No. 432) Rule 2020
On 16 March 2020, the Supreme Court Rules Committee approved Amendment No 432 to the Supreme Court Rules 1970. The amendment enables the Chief Justice to direct that legal practitioners be admitted without the need for personal attendance at the Supreme Court. The amendment was published on the NSW Legislation Website on 17 March 2020 and commenced that day.
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Lionel Bowen Building to reopen on Wednesday 18 March 2020
NSW Health has advised that the Lionel Bowen Building is cleared for re-opening after closure on 17 March 2020 due to a visitor who was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Lionel Bowen Building has been thoroughly cleaned and has reopened on Wednesday 18 March 2020.
As a precaution, anyone who visited the Lionel Bowen Building the morning of 10 or 12 March 2020 should monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath that may develop in the 14 days following last possible exposure. If you develop these symptoms please consult with a doctor for a clinical assessment, or call 000 in a medical emergency.
Further information and updates are available from NSW Health.
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ATO COVID-19 FAQs
The Australian Taxation Office has provided information to answer some common tax questions about COVID-19 and will update this information regularly
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YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
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Welcome M.J. Bale to the Member Benefits program
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We are excited to partner with timeless gentlemen's clothier M.J. Bale. Law Society members can now enjoy a 20 per cent discount on full-priced styles. Simply visit M.J. Bale on the Law Society website to redeem. Find out more > |
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Simple designs with modern twists
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Since 1858, Fairfax & Roberts has been creating luxury jewellery. Their new diffusion line, By Fairfax & Roberts, presents pieces crafted from authentic freshwater pearls and real gemstones. A true luxe product at a value price point. Find out more > |
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Framing your achievements
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As graduation specialists, Jackson Frames are tailored to each university, which means you can order a custom design or simply slip your degree or certificate into one of our existing styles. Law Society members save 10 per cent. Find out more > |
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The Law Society of New South Wales
Disclaimer: This email is sent by the Law Society of New South Wales (ACN 000 000 699) of 170 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Phone 9926 0333. Fax 9231 5809. It contains general information only and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. The Law Society of New South Wales takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content of this email. If you are a member of the Law Society of New South Wales, and do not wish to receive any further messages from the Law Society of New South Wales offering goods and services to members, update your subscription preferences. If you are not a member of the Law Society of New South Wales, and do not wish to receive any further messages from the Law Society of New South Wales, please email CorpLegal@lawsociety.com.au. At The Law Society of New South Wales we take your privacy very seriously. Our Privacy Policy outlines what kinds of personal information we collect and hold, as well as how we collect and handle it, and your rights in regards to your personal information. The Law Society of NSW receives revenue on member generated activity through this member benefits program. The revenue may be applied to maintain the quality and diversity of Law Society of NSW services, further benefiting you professionally, personally and in your career and business. All costs incurred in marketing specific Law Society of NSW programs are borne by the commercial partner.
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