Monday Briefs

15 May 2023

Align
Right

Your weekly professional update

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
An expert, objective and trusted voice to government

Last Tuesday I was honoured to be invited to witness Lieutenant Governor Dr Andrew Bell (whose other hat is NSW Chief Justice) open the 58th Parliament of NSW in the oldest deliberative chamber in Australia, the Legislative Council. It’s a centuries old tradition imported from Westminster along with most of our other conventions of government. A little under two decades after the NSW Legislative Council’s first sitting, a small group of solicitors gathered in Sydney determined “to promote good feeling and fair and honourable practice among members of the profession so as best to preserve the interests and retain the confidence of the public”. Continue reading >
 
 
NEWS
Renew your practising certificate and membership today
The Uniform Law prescribes that practising certificate renewals should be lodged by 15 May 2023. To renew please click here. Renewal applications received after 15 May could result in a delay processing your application. Any questions? We are here to help. Contact the Law Society Registry on (02) 9926 0156 or by email at registry@lawsociety.com.au.
Meet the speakers | Specialist Accreditation Conference 2023
Check out the conference website for the line-up of specialists and experts presenting at this year’s conference. Don’t forget, early bird registration ends 31 May 2023. Register today.
Survey: Do digital technologies deliver justice?  
Rapidly transforming the justice system, audio visual links (AVL) often replace physical presence in courtrooms. But does this technology deliver fair and inclusive criminal justice for vulnerable witnesses, complainants and defendants? Led by Sydney Law School’s Dr Carolyn McKay, this nationwide Australian Research Council project evaluates the impact of AVL, investigating the use of these technologies from the perspective of Australian judicial officers and lawyers. Complete the brief survey here.
Information packs on enterprise bargaining changes
The Fair Work Commission (Commission) is publishing information packs about changes to bargaining resulting from the Secure Jobs Better Pay Act. The first pack on Changes to protected action ballot orders (PDF) is available in the Bargaining support from 6 June 2023 section of the Commission's website. A range of other resources will also be coming soon. Subscribe to the Commission's email Announcements service. 
Bugmy Bar Book Updates: New Chapter Published
A new chapter of the Bugmy Bar Book, Significance of Funeral Attendance and Sorry Business for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, has been published. An executive summary of the chapter is available. The chapter summarises research about the importance of funeral attendance and participation in Sorry Business for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and may be relevant in a variety of contexts, including bail applications, day release from custody and criminal sentencing.
Farewell ceremony for the Hon. Justice Paul Brereton AM RFD
Justice Paul Brereton will be retiring as a judge of the Supreme Court of NSW and of the Court of Appeal to take up his new role as the first Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. A formal ceremony to mark this occasion will be held in the Banco Court, on level 13 of the Law Courts Building, on Tuesday 30 May 2023 at 9.15am. A livestream link will be posted on the Supreme Court website prior to the ceremony. 
Two judges appointed to the NSW District Court
Formal ceremonies to honour this occasion will be held in John Maddison Tower on Level 21 at 9.00am as follows: Robert Newlinds SC Monday 29 May 2023 livestream link and Craig Everson SC Wednesday 31 May 2023 livestream link. Livestream links will be active at time of the event.
Senior Commissioner and Commissioners of the Land and Environment Court
The Attorney General is seeking applications from qualified persons for appointment as a full-time Commissioner of the Land and Environment Court of NSW for a period of seven years. Commissioners exercise the jurisdiction of the Court to determine certain of its cases, either by conciliation or hearing on the merits. Learn more.
Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) is seeking volunteer solicitors and barristers for Advice Nights
ICLC is a community legal centre specialising in LGBTIQ+ communities, sex workers and migrant workers and provides advice to clients in the inner-city catchment. We need volunteer solicitors/barristers with minimum two year PAE to provide advice at evening clinics on Mondays (employment), Tuesdays (civil) or Wednesdays (family). Apply here
This week’s Foodie Feast is the ultimate comfort food menu
Enjoy classic comfort dishes, including shepherd’s pie, roasted carrots, French peas, and a rich chocolate peanut butter pie. Click here to order by 10am Tuesday 16 May, for delivery by 5pm Friday 19 May.
 
MEMBER BENEFITS FEATURE OF THE WEEK
 
Refinance and get a better home loan outcome
Are you one of the many Australian home owners facing the fixed rate cliff this year? As Australia’s only mortgage broking service exclusively for lawyers, we will help you refinance your existing mortgages to achieve a better outcome. PLUS, Law Society NSW Members receive $500 cashback upon loan settlement. Get started today. T&C’s apply.
VIEW ALL MEMBER OFFERS
WHAT'S ON
Family law for support staff – live online workshop
Tuesday 23 and 30 May 2023
Practice management course – online
Monday 29 May, Wednesday 31 May and Friday 2 June 2023
Golden Gavel 2023
Friday 9 June 2023
NSW Law Careers Fair
Wednesday 28 June 2023
Regional Visit: South Coast
Friday 21 July 2023
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Registered tax agents
All Law Society members who are also registered tax agents have been requested by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to update their TPB profile to record their Law Society membership. This will assist the Law Society to maintain its accreditation as a recognised tax agent association.
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Employment law
Gender Equity Reforms: Better and Fairer Pay
By Jack de Flamingh and Arsalan Azhar >
Personal injury
Federal diversity jurisdiction: Administrative or judicial power?
By Michelle Riordan >
IN THE PRESS
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