PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Finding membership value

This year has been a bumper year for the Law Society, with the launch of a number of resources which are designed to have a practical and positive impact on your businesses and workplaces. 

For those of you who like to have information at their fingertips and plan early, I’ll be highlighting some of these resources in the lead up to Christmas. Taking time at the end of the year to plan for the next has always been an exciting time of year for me professionally. As a Law Society member, I already have some of these resources bookmarked or saved on my desktop screen, ready to use for 2023!

NSW Legal Profession Report

In our 180th year, this interactive digital dashboard provides members access to customisable information about the NSW legal profession and is designed to assist members to understand the location and demographics of solicitors across NSW. 

One of my priorities this year was to find ways to better help practitioners in rural, regional and remote (RRR) areas. This interactive resource not only assists RRR practices but also all firms in identifying opportunities for collaboration and business growth. 

The trends shown in the data can be used to grow your region, build diverse leadership within your teams, highlight where access to justice is an issue and consider whether a move to a region which lacks adequate legal services is your next career step. The Lawcover information is also useful when Regional Presidents consider CPD topics for their various AGMs and CPD days. 

Ethics and Standards Quarterly

Launched on 1 November 2022, the Ethics and Standards Quarterly is a new quarterly digital publication sent to your inbox which provides the profession with information about the co-regulatory role of the Law Society Council and the outcomes it achieves through regulation. I am often asked, “What does the Law Society Council do?” – here’s just part of your answer!

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday 1 December 2022, the Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, in conjunction with NSW Young Lawyers, is excited to be hosting Rosemary Kayess at an in-person panel event. Ms Kayess will bring her extensive experience as a human rights advocate and academic to address matters of disability inclusion, including ways in which people with disabilities can participate fully in our legal profession. You can register here. 

The Law Society of New South Wales recognises the importance of fostering a safe, equitable and accessible workplace for persons with disability, for the legal profession and the community at large. Employers who adopt diversity and inclusion best practice give all persons the opportunity to realise their potential, which can bring about positive business outcomes for law firms and other employer organisations alike. You can also access the Law Society’s Guide to Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace here.

Passing of Sandy Dawson SC

The Law Society of NSW joins with our friends at the NSW Bar Association in mourning the passing of Sydney barrister Sandy Dawson SC. Sandy was highly regarded among colleagues both with whom he worked and opposed. His contribution to the law, particularly in defamation and media law, were significant and will be sorely missed. On behalf of the solicitor branch of the NSW legal profession, I convey my condolences to Sandy’s family. 

Joanne van der Plaat, President, Law Society of NSW