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.

In addition, the Law Society will be sending out a daily e-news to all members with the latest on the ongoing situation with COVID-19. Please watch out for the “Daily Update – COVID-19” newsletter which will arrive in your inbox each afternoon, from tomorrow.

Recognising that many people are now working from home as part of social distancing measures, we’ve also included links to handy tips for remote working as well as information on looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the evolving landscape of COVID-19. In a sign of the times, “COVID-19 anxiety” has become an unfortunate side-effect of the barrage of misinformation that is circulating via social media. For this reason, it is important that we all continue to refer to the appropriate government and health bodies, such as the NSW Health website for COVID-19 updates, fact sheets and resources. And of course, I would encourage members to check our website regularly for the latest updates for the legal profession.

On a positive note, it’s been wonderful to see all the different stakeholders in the wider legal community working together so collaboratively to ensure the facts are available. I hope, when all this has passed, that the ‘the strength, support and kindness of community’ will be the enduring memory of COVID-19, and not images of people clearing supermarket shelves.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Law Society’s International Women’s Day Breakfast on Monday 16 March, which was to feature Leigh Sales in conversation with LSJ editor Claire Chaffey. Unfortunately, in the 48 hours prior to the event, Leigh was asked by the ABC to self-isolate as a precautionary measure and she had to reluctantly withdraw from the event. In the spirit of true friendship, her ABC colleague and fellow Chat 10, Looks 3 podcaster, Annabel Crabb, stepped in at the last minute – a gesture that was extremely well received by those attending the breakfast. In Annabel’s words, the event was “an absolute hoot” and an extremely uplifting way to start the working week and mark the achievement of women in our profession. My sincere thanks again to Annabel Crabb, Claire Chaffey and all who attended and made this event possible.

Richard Harvey, President, Law Society of NSW

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