Arrangements across Court Services during the Christmas/New Year period 2023/24
Local Court Arrangements: The normal rostered sittings of the Local Court are suspended on and from Monday 25 December 2023 and recommence on Monday 8 January 2024. Friday 22 December 2023 will be a statewide Chambers Day. Read more.

Special Sitting Arrangements During the Local Court Fixed Vacation Period 2023–2024
His Honour Judge Johnstone, Chief Magistrate of NSW, Her Honour Judge Skinner, President of the Children’s Court and Her Honour State Coroner O’Sullivan have released a joint communication regarding special sitting arrangements during the Local Court fixed vacation period 2023–2024, available here.

Calls for expressions of interest – Mediators Panel and the Family Law Settlement Service Panel for 2024–2025
The Law Society’s Access to Justice Department is seeking expressions of interest from practitioners wishing to be on the 2024 –2025 panels. All outgoing panellists (for 2022–2023) must submit a new expression of interest form if they want to be considered for inclusion for this period. Please fill out this form and return to a2j@lawsociety.com.au by no later than Friday 5 January 2024 at 5:00pm.

NSW Small Business Commission Mediator Panel
The Commission is conducting a  request for proposals for a new mediation panel  for a three year period. Those interested in becoming a panel member can submit their application via the  NSW Government eTender website . To be eligible as a panel member all mediators must have National Mediator Accreditation System registration and meet the overall assessment criteria. It is expected that the new panel will be in place in early 2024. Applications close  10am (AEDT), Monday 15 January 2024 .

Deputy Senior Public Defender – job opportunity
The Attorney General is seeking applications for a Deputy Senior Public Defender position. Applicants must be an Australian lawyer with at least five years’ standing, with extensive advocacy experience in a wide range of criminal trials and, ideally, appeals. Guidelines for the appointment of Public Defenders may be viewed on the Public Defenders website. For further information about the role, contact Ms Belinda Rigg SC, on (02) 9268 3111. Applications addressing the selection criteria, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and the names of at least two referees, must be completed by 11.59 pm AEDST on 18 December 2023. Apply here.

Participant Information Sheet: Survey of Family Relationship Services Program (FRSP) and Family Law System Professionals
The Australian Institute of Family Studies launched a short 30-minute online Survey of Professionals. The survey seeks the views of service providers and professionals providing family relationship services to adults or children, including services funded under the Family Relationship Services Program and family law system professionals providing services to separating or separated clients (including judicial officers and registrars, legal practitioners, and family dispute resolution practitioners). The survey will close on 1 January 2024. To share your views, take the survey today.

Library Holiday Closures

• The Library will be closed on Wednesday 20 December 2023 from 12pm due to a team event.
• The Library will be closed and all Library services will conclude for the year at 12pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and return at 9am on Monday 8 January 2024.

Where possible, please submit all requests for assistance to library@lawsociety.com.au by 4pm on Friday 15 December 2023.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Last call for this week's Foodie Feast
You won't want to miss out on this week's Foodie Feast, featuring rich beef meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, topped with shaved parmesan cheese, and served on a bed of fresh egg spaghettini. We've also included a freshly baked focaccia topped with olives, confit garlic, heirloom tomatoes, and a classic Caesar salad. You'll also want to save plenty of room for the decadent Tiramisu, made with premium Di Lorenzo coffee. Click here to order by 10am Tuesday, 28 November, for delivery by 5pm Friday, 1 December.

Discover an unrivalled range of exclusive offers from our Member Benefits providers, including personal and lifestyle products and services tailored to support you and enhance your legal practice. Do not miss out on these exceptional deals.