Monday Briefs 4 February 2024 | The Law Society of NSW

4 March 2024

Illuminating the true nature of members’ work

When we take our oaths as solicitors at the beginning of our careers, we join a profession with a centuries-long tradition of service to the community. Among the broader community, this is one of the least known and recognised aspects of the practice of law. That’s why I pledged to highlight solicitors’ service to the community as one of my President’s Priorities for this year. Continue reading >

NEWS

Help us improve our client experience and win one of five $100 vouchers

The Law Society is eager to understand how well it is performing when it comes to delivering an optimal client experience to members of the legal profession and the public. To help us improve, we would appreciate your participation in a short survey. Your valuable input will give you a chance to win one of five $100 vouchers. Your perspective matters, and we appreciate your contribution to helping us improve our client experience. All information collected is anonymous and confidential unless you opt into the prize draw or the follow-up interview. Access the survey here.

The T-Shaped Lawyer – Innovation Buzzwords Live Online Event
Learn what a T-Shaped Lawyer framework is and why it might be a compelling concept for your career and legal practice. Tune in on Wednesday 13 March 2024 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. This is a complimentary event for members.
CPD units: 1
Register now

Law Society launches Climate Change guidance
As climate change creates new and complex risks for clients, the Law Society has produced guidance to help members navigate these challenges. The Climate Change - Practitioner Guidance is a document outlining how climate change may impact giving advice to your client. It covers relevant legal frameworks, policies and institutions, an overview of regulatory activity and details how climate legal risks materialise in some specific practice areas. You can read the guidance here.

Expressions of Interest: NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal

The NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal is calling for Expressions of Interest from lawyers and judicial officers who wish to be appointed as the Full Time Deputy President for the Tribunal’s Civil Division. The Position Description and EOI may be accessed here: MHRT Expression of Interest - Full Time Deputy President (Civil Division) (cognitoforms.com). The closing date is 19 April 2024. Please contact Magistrate Antrum, Deputy President, on 02 9816 5955 for further information.

Technology survey – winners announced

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has responded to our Technology Survey. As the legal profession grapples with transformative technology and innovation in legal practice, your participation has greatly assisted us in comprehending emerging trends and members' feelings. On Monday, February 26, 2024, we drew five winners of the technology survey. All winners have been notified via email and phone.

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM – HAVE YOUR SAY

Law Society Member Benefits

The Law Society wants to know your thoughts and feedback on our current Member Benefits Program. What providers do you use? Who else would you like us to bring on board so you can access exclusive discounts and offers from them? Please click below to complete the survey.

COMPLETE SURVEY

WHAT'S ON

International Women's Day (SOLD OUT)
Friday 8 March
REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST HERE

Saturday 9 March
Focus on sole practice: Mandatory rule 6.1 – online
REGISTER HERE

Tuesday 12 March
Elder law, wills and probate: One day intensive – online
REGISTER HERE

NSW YOUNG LAWYERS

REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES

EVENTS CALENDAR

CPD LAWINFORM CALENDAR

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

March Service Directory
The LSJ Digital Service Directory for March is now available. Here you will find advertisements for agency and referrals, practices for sale and purchase and much more, plus all missing wills notices. Read more .

eConveyancing - New Client Authorisation Form Version 7

From 28 March 2024, the new Client Authorisation Form under NSW Participation Rules Version 7 must be used. ARNECC has published the revised form here. The Office of the Registrar General has also published a summary of the key changes in NSW Participation Rules Version 7 and NSW Operating Requirements Version 7.

Supreme Court Practice Note SC CL 11 (Bail) reissued and commenced on 26 February 2024.
The revised Practice Note:

Amends the expected timeframe for listing from “20 days” to “20 working days”.
Removes the requirement to file an affidavit in support of an adjournment if sought before the hearing date.
Specifies certain information parties are expected to provide at a call-over and sets out orders parties should expect to be made.
Amends the application form to provide more focused information in relation to estimates, readiness and the filing of documents without indexes.

Proclamations

Assents

LEGAL UPDATES

FAMILY LAW
Family Law Act reforms: An important moment for ICLS
By Alexandra Colquhoun >

STRATA LAW
Don’t get caught out! Changes to strata title legislation
By Allison Benson >

IN THE PRESS

Law Society news and media announcements