The Law Society of NSW

Magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim joins us for our Early Career Lawyers session, 'You Should Ask That,' to explore the transformative power of curiosity in shaping a more dynamic and resilient legal practice. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and harness the power of curiosity. Grab an Early Bird pass today and take the next step in your legal career. Learn more: https://loom.ly/Xgn7XLs #younglawyers #auslaw #lsnsw

Exciting news! The Law Society of New South Wales is thrilled to unveil our latest Member Benefits Provider, Member Advantage. Enjoy savings on groceries, fuel, retail, shopping, dining, and a range of eStores, plus much more. Explore more by clicking here: https://loom.ly/0sGR_m0

Deepening your knowledge of Domestic and Family Violence: Mastering a trauma informed approach to practice | On-demand recording available now Don't miss out on viewing the on-demand recording of the recent webinar which you will hear from Senior Judicial Registrar Amy McGowan and Hayley Foster, Director of Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion, from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the session covers: - The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia's approach to matters involving family violence allegations. - The current evidence on family violence risk, prevalence and impact. - The principles of family violence-informed, trauma-informed practice and their application in family law matters. - Strategies for practitioners to facilitate safe and supportive outcomes that prioritise the best interests of children and families affected by family violence. - Understanding the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in high-risk matters and their potential benefits in encouraging resolution whilst promoting safety. The Law Society of NSW is grateful to be partnering with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to deliver essential education to our members for the benefit of the legal profession. This on-demand session is offered complimentary to members of The Law Society of NSW. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gbyxq-WQ #lawinform #lsnsw #fcfcoa #familylaw #professionaldevelopment

Applications for the John Hennessy Legal Scholarship are now open. The John Hennessy Legal Scholarship is awarded to a public sector solicitor interested in undertaking a research project into legal systems in another jurisdiction or undertaking further study. Established by the Government Solicitors Committee, the scholarship covers travel, study and other approved expenses up to a maximum value of $10,000. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career and contribute to legal excellence. Apply today: https://loom.ly/JAo1k2I Applications close Friday 20 September.

KEYNOTE ANNOUNCED | SPECIALIST ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE 2024 We are delighted to announce the Conference keynote speaker The Honourable Justice Julie Ward, President of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of New South Wales. Join us for an enlightening address on the Accredited Specialists’ role in building trust in the law. Read more and register here: https://lnkd.in/guPu6sp6 Event supported by Lawcover, Deposit Power, LEAP Legal Software APAC, Herron Todd White, Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology, Smokeball Australia, AssessmentHub - Medicolegal Assessments and Family Law Education Network Of Australia #lsnsw #specialists #auslaw #cpd #specialistaccreditationconference

Join us for our 2024 Annual Conference, where the In-House Corporate Lawyers stream promises an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your legal expertise, network with leading minds, and connect with peers. This year's program features innovative sessions on emerging legal trends, from navigating climate change risks to the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, regulatory updates, and best practices tailored specifically for in-house counsel. Grab your Early Bird pass today: https://loom.ly/Xgn7XLs Event supported by Lawcover. #auslaw #AI #lsnsw #inhouse #inhousecounsel #riskmanagement

The appointment of four accomplished solicitors who start their new careers in judicial office this week, marks an historic moment in the #NSW #justice system. These four #women, with almost a century of legal experience between them, will bring valuable and diverse perspectives to the bench of the Local Court of NSW. The Local Court jurisdiction is already a leader in #genderparity among its magistracy. The Law Society is particularly pleased that this set of appointments comes directly from the solicitor branch of the profession. The approval by the Governor of the appointments of four solicitors to judicial office at a single meeting of the Executive Council is rare in itself, let alone that all the appointees are women. This morning, I had the honour of welcoming Magistrate Maryanne Higginson to the bench. Danielle Mansour, Rachael Wong and Jennifer Wong will be sworn in during the course of this week. Ms Higginson will bring to the bench an existing and almost unparalleled knowledge of the Local Court, gained through her 27 years’ service to the justice system as a NSW Department of Communities and JusticeRegistrar, most recently based at Sutherland Local Court. Ms Mansour started as a police officer in the NSW Police Force in 2001, gaining a degree in Forensic Science before studying law, and then becoming a police prosecutor. She has been a solicitor advocate at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) since 2011. Rachael Wong joins the bench from the Kingsford Legal Centre, after roles at the Aboriginal Legal Service, managing and appearing in matters across the central and far west of NSW, the ODPP as  Senior Solicitor, and the NSW Crime Commission, including as Counsel Assisting. Jennifer Wong has served as a solicitor advocate in the NSW Crown Solicitor's Office for 15 years, dealing primarily with complex children’s matters, and before that in a range of roles focused on delivering legal services for some of the most vulnerable people in the community. She has also served her profession with enthusiasm and dedication. Ms Wong has served as a Councillor of The Law Society of NSW since her first election in 2017. She has worked on many Law Society Committees, including periods as Chair of the Children’s Legal Issues Committee, Government Solicitors Committee and the Licensing Committee. She has the gratitude of the solicitor profession for her service. I and other Law Society Councillors look forward to welcoming her, Ms Rachael Wong and Ms Mansour as new magistrates at their swearing in ceremonies this week. I congratulate each appointee on behalf of NSW’s 42,000 solicitors and look forward to observing their achievements in their important new role in Australia’s busiest court.

For legal professionals and organisations, adopting a proactive stance towards psychological hazard prevention involves integrating design methodology into their practices. Join us on Wednesday, 24 August, to hear from Desi Vlahos (CEO and Founder, Wellceum), who will explore the interface of psychology and the law as well as workplace dynamics, highlighting the importance of addressing psychological hazards proactively rather than reactively. Click here to register: https://loom.ly/YtALcho

Indulge your curiosity as some of the biggest, brightest and boldest voices in the legal profession come together for our 2024 Annual Conference. 'The Curious Lawyer' offers thought-provoking and high impact sessions, brought to you by the Law Society Journal team. In a series of keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclasses, we ask, explore, and debate the biggest questions facing lawyers today. Grab your Early Bird ticket now: https://loom.ly/Xgn7XLs Event supported by Lawcover. #auslaw #legaltech #lawtech #lsnsw

As Law Council of Australia President-elect Juliana Warner says about planned anti-money laundering/counter terrorism financing (#AMLCTF) reforms in this article from The Australian Financial Review today:   “Legislation needs to be balanced and proportionate to the real risk, targeted and carefully drafted to ensure vital foundations of our legal system – including access to justice and client legal privilege – are not weakened.”   Client legal privilege is a cornerstone of the rule of law. It does not and cannot apply to communications that are in furtherance of a crime or other unlawful acts. Further, the ethical obligations and paramount duty to the court that apply to all solicitors, minimise the risk for AML/CTF.   Imposing significant regulatory and compliance burdens, particularly in areas of practice where AML/CTF risk is inherently low or non-existent, could place many small practices, particularly in rural and regional areas, in financial peril and damage access to justice.   As I mentioned here earlier in the week, The Law Society of NSW will continue to advocate on behalf of our members to ensure that affected parts of the profession have adequate time to prepare for and implement any new requirements following the passage of legislation.   https://lnkd.in/gS7iGxdh