Monday Briefs

14 March 2022

Align
Right

Your weekly professional update

14 March 2022
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Bringing value to the practice of law and celebrating International Women's Day

Whilst there are a number of priorities a President seeks to achieve each year, there is one overarching aim. To visit members, listen and action. To find out what is working well for them, what keeps them up at night and how we can assist in bringing value to the practice of law. The past week has been energising with a return of many face-to-face meetings and a re-commencement of our regional visits. Continue reading >
 
 
NEWS
Welcome Ceremony for Judge McGrath SC
A welcome ceremony to mark the appointment of Judge McGrath will be held on Thursday 24 March at Court 21A John Maddison Tower at 9:00am. A livestream is available for those unable to attend the ceremony.
Farewell The Hon. Justice Garry Watts AM
A Ceremonial Sitting will be held at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1), to Farewell The Hon. Justice Garry Watts AM on Thursday 17 March at 4.30 pm. Please note numbers are limited and remote attendance will be via the livestream link.
Impact of the pandemic on human rights in NSW
Our first Thought Leadership panel for 2022, led by Professor George Williams AO, will explore the impact of the pandemic on human rights in NSW. Don't miss this engaging evening, Monday 4 April, as our expert panellists navigate this topical issue, and consider the longer term implications for citizens, lawyers, and governments alike. Register now
Specialist Accreditation Program 2022 – Last chance to apply
Become accredited and be recognised as an expert in your chosen area of practice through our structured peer assessment program. Applications close on Thursday 31 March. Register now
Why we will ultimately thank 2020 for bringing change to the profession
No one could have predicted the upheavals the past two years have brought to our lives, but are there some silver linings for you when it comes to wellness? Join Clarissa Rayward this Wednesday, as we consider if this pandemic might be the start of something great for legal practitioners and firms focused on building sustainable work practices. Register now
Parramatta Legal and Justice Expansion
Parramatta Legal and Justice Expansion Coalition is currently surveying communities about an expanded legal and justice precinct in Parramatta. You can participate in their survey here.
On the menu this week
This week at the Dining Room Delivers: a meal worthy of the comfort of the American South to raise your spirits and warm your soul. We'll be serving southern-style “fried” chicken pieces in crisp batter full of spice, spiced baked corn on the cob, and bread and butter pickles. Order by 10am Tuesday 15 March for Friday 18 March delivery.
 
 
COVID-19 UPDATE
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NSW Local Court update
Please click here for the Court Security Act Order issued today by His Honour Judge Johnstone, Chief Magistrate. The Order will have effect from 5pm today.
 
WHAT'S ON
Great tips for Government solicitors - mandatory rule 6.1
Wednesday 16 March 2022
Can artificial intelligence systems be 'inventors'?
Thursday 17 March 2022
Young Lawyers - Property Law - one day intensive
Saturday 19 March 2022
FLIP Tech Tools: Document Automation
Wednesday 30 March 2022
Golden Gavel
Friday 20 May 2022 · Applications now open
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Statutory compliance by 31 March 2022
Practitioners are reminded that the 2021-22 CPD year concludes 31 March 2022. 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 to satisfy themselves that they have properly complied with the CPD requirements. Your records serve to ensure that you do not risk making a false declaration in your practising certificate renewal application.

Please review the Society’s CPD information to ensure that you comply with the CPD requirements by 31 March 2022. You may also search available CPD courses through LawInform.

If you anticipate still not being able to meet your CPD requirements and need to apply for an extension or exemption, please read more.

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Mandatory Reporting Requirement for Lawyers Proposal
We recently responded to the Victorian Government, critical of their proposal for a mandatory reporting requirement for lawyers, which we felt was too broad and ambiguous for practical application. Our response also stated that there is currently no evidence to justify expanding the current mandatory reporting regime under the Uniform Law and that guidance on the proposal should be made available now for review and comment. Continue reading
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Conduct Rule Changes
A reminder that the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules, which apply to all NSW solicitors, are changing on 1 April. Please click here to access a marked up version of the changes provided by the Law Council, here for the official legislative instrument, and here for the Law Council of Australia’s review of the rules. The Law Council will be updating the commentary to the Rules in due course.
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Retail and Other Commercial (COVID-19) Regulation 2022
The Regulation has extended the requirement for mediation until 30 June 2022, in certain circumstances, for eligible commercial tenants with an annual turnover of less than $5 million. Read more
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Consolidation of state environmental planning policies
With many of the consolidated state environmental planning policies (SEPPs) having commenced on 1 March 2022, practitioners may be interested in a factsheet about the consolidated SEPPs published by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
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Federal Circuit and Family Court complaints policies
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has developed a set of complaints policies to ensure the Court fosters a culture of respect, fairness and inclusivity. These include the Court’s Complaints Policy, Judicial Workplace Conduct Policy and Judicial Complaints Procedure. The Court is also implementing regular judicial education and training sessions for this purpose.
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Technology
Data access and interception: new enforcement powers
By Thomas Crowe, Susan Kantor and Paul Kallenbach >
Practice and Procedure
New legislation is super-charging paperless litigation
By Philippe Doyle Gray >
 
IN THE PRESS
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National Cabinet Statement - Federal Government
 
YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM
Buy with a 10 per cent deposit and save thousands
With waived Lenders Mortgage Insurance, you could be buying a home sooner than you think. Available on owner-occupied and investment properties. Plus, Law Society members receive $500 cashback upon settlement. Chat to Australia’s only mortgage broking service for lawyers today.
Trust distributions: New ATO guidelines released
Some newly released guidelines by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have clarified their position on situations where family trusts distribute to family members, but don’t tangibly pass on that distribution on to them. Find out more
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