As a profession, solicitors do not sit back, observe, and become mere critics. We get involved – in representing our clients, in protecting the rule of law, and in promoting access to justice.  As we know all too well, our role in defending the rights of all and ensuring access to justice is never easy.

It is rigorous, demanding and complex.

That's why, events which bring the profession together, such as the Opening of Law Term, new admission ceremonies, swearings in for new appointments to the bench, and occasions to mark retirement from the judiciary are so incredibly valuable.

They provide a moment in time to acknowledge contribution, celebrate success, reflect on achievements, and set or recalibrate our goals.

Last week’s Opening of Law Term Dinner in NSW Parliament, attended by more than 270 members of the legal community, was one such occasion. This event affirmed that, as a profession and as a Law Society, we have much to celebrate and be proud of.

As I told the gathering that evening, our community of members is resilient, our influence is strong, our goals are worthy, and our networks position us as a global participant amongst international peers.

We should be proud of our role in advocating for law reform, safeguarding the rights of the community, and defending the rule of law. And we should celebrate lawyers in all their diverse roles, celebrate lawyers as advocates, and celebrate the future of the profession.

Part of preparing for the future, I believe, is investing in solicitors as advocates. We need to help solicitors be seen; to show that solicitors are at the forefront of advocacy (including in the higher courts) and are equipped to serve as future judges.

To this end, the Law Society will roll out a tiered advocacy education program for solicitors in 2019.

Our first half-day CPD Advocacy workshop, The Art and Science of Advocacy, will be held on 28 March 2019 and will include information on:

• Basic principles including ethical obligations
• Preparation and development of a case theory
• Structuring oral submissions and pleas
• Techniques of persuasion
• How to make the work of the decision-maker easier.

We have also incorporated some Advocacy Skills sessions into a number of half and full-day CPDs, also taking place in March.

Elizabeth Espinosa, Law Society of NSW President

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