PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A future-fit Law Society

Last Thursday evening, Law Society HQ at 170 Phillip Street hosted the best-attended in-person Annual General Meeting that I can recall in my 11 years in various roles with this organisation. As President, it was immensely gratifying to see so much interest from members in the future of the Law Society. In this 180th year, the AGM agreed to amend our constitution to entrench modern best practice governance arrangements to make us future-fit.

In the leadup to Thursday’s vote, these reforms were not embraced universally. While the debate in the room was spirited, it was always conducted with respect and in good faith. I thank everybody who took part both in person and those who entrusted their proxy for this vote.

Over time, these reforms will result in a leaner, more agile and effective Law Society Council consistent with the smaller size of modern boards. 

The office of Treasurer, which on contemporary boards is somewhat of an anachronism, will be removed. 

In extenuating circumstances and subject to strict Council approval mechanisms, a President’s term may be extended by a maximum of two further one-year terms.

And, to promote regeneration of skills, there will be a term limit of three consecutive three-year terms for Councillors. 

These changes were the result of consultations with our members and advice from governance experts.

I’m excited to see how this new structure will help the Law Society better represent and serve NSW’s 38,000-strong solicitor profession into the future.

Council Elections:

One of the most satisfying events of an AGM is the announcement of the Law Society Council Election results.

I thank everyone who nominated for election. Your willingness to serve your colleagues as a volunteer on Council says a lot about your character. Congratulations to those who were elected and commiserations to those who weren’t successful on this occasion (see below for the vote tally). 

I want also to express my appreciation to Iona Luke, Steve McAuley and James Skelton who, through retirement or electoral vicissitude, won’t continue on Council next year. Thank you so much for your valuable contributions to the Law Society.

Federal Budget:

I was gratified to see last week’s Federal Budget include funding to help those affected by this year’s floods access legal advice. Community Legal Centres delivering this advice will share in $12 million across four years to provide timely help to address legal issues arising from the floods. 

I’m particularly pleased about this announcement given the devastation our CEO Sonja Stewart and I witnessed in Lismore during our visit there in May. As recent heavy rains leave more flood victims in their wake, this funding will be sorely needed. 

I was less pleased to see there was little to no improvement in baseline federal funding for the legal assistance sector overall. Community Legal Centres do a magnificent job on the smell of an oily rag, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our state. Demand for their services has only been increasing. They need additional resources as soon as possible and the Law Society will continue to advocate on their behalf.

Joanne van der Plaat, President, Law Society of NSW