Random Banner 2
In Brief Issue #1138
1Mar
This week, the Victorian Bar hosted two truly outstanding events. On Tuesday evening, the Art & Collections Committee and the Peter O’Callaghan QC Gallery Foundation unveiled a photograph of Barbara Hocking taken by Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM KC. Siobhan Ryan KC, Chair of the committee and a director of the gallery, gave a brief account of the story behind the Bar’s copy of the photograph and its many connections to the Victorian Bar. Dr Keon-Cohen took the photograph in March 1983 on Mer Island when counsel were preparing the case on behalf of Eddie Koiki Mabo and other claimants. The photo depicts Hocking, the acknowledged “intellectual architect” of the Mabo case, with the Reverend Dave Passi, Flo Kennedy, and other Mer Islanders. Hocking’s daughter, Professor Jenny Hocking AM, spoke of her mother’s career as a lawyer and her dedication to Aboriginal land rights. We also heard from Dr Keon-Cohen about the photograph and the proceedings in the High Court.
Then, on Wednesday evening, I attended ‘A Conversation with Arnold Dix’. Arnold is, amongst his long list of qualifications and accomplishments, a Professor of Engineering, the President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, and a member of the Victorian Bar. Last year, he led the team of expert engineers who rescued 41 miners from a collapsed mine high up in the Himalayas. It was a rare and epic feat, achieved as much by Arnold’s calm leadership and collaborative approach as by his engineering expertise. Arnold is rightly hailed as a superhero in India, where they even have “Arnold Dix” dolls. The Honourable Justice Robert Osborn introduced Arnold, who then spoke and answered the many questions that we all had. The ABC were present to film for an episode of “Australian Story”, which I understand will be broadcast on 1 April 2024. On behalf of the Victorian Bar, I thank all of those who helped to pull off these two excellent events.
Also, on Wednesday evening, Colin Mandy S.C. and Elizabeth Bennett S.C. represented the Bar Council at an event to thank all involved in the Indigenous Justice Committee’s Annual Clerkship Program. This exceptional program, which buddies up indigenous law clerks with barristers and provides work experience in the Federal, Supreme, and County Courts, is in its 17th year and has hosted about 60 clerks, making it one of the most successful programs run by the Victorian Bar. We all hope that some of those clerks will one day sign our Bar Roll. On behalf of the Victorian Bar, I thank all who work so hard to coordinate and support the program each year, particularly the judges and barristers who participate and the Indigenous Justice Committee.
Last night, Bar Council met with a full agenda. In addition to the usual monthly business, we approved the 48 readers who will commence the Readers’ Course next Monday; resolved, on the recommendation of the Art & Collections Committee, to fund a professional archivist to ensure that the Bar’s not inconsiderable archive of documents and other artefacts is properly catalogued, stored and accessible; established a working group to develop a protocol for the exercise of the Bar’s power to make complaints pursuant to the Judicial Commission of Victoria Act and determined to publish a State of the Bar Survey Presentation that draws on the recently published State of the Bar Survey Report as well as data from the Bar Roll. Members can access a copy of the presentation here.
On Wednesday and again this morning, I appeared on behalf of the Victorian Bar at ceremonies to welcome the Honourable Justices Penny Neskovcin and Craig Dowling as judges of the Federal Court. Both ceremonies were extremely well attended, and I wish their Honours long and distinguished service on the bench.
On Thursday, 14 March, the Victorian Bar and the Health & Wellbeing Committee will host a screen viewing to launch the film “Bar None”. I invite all members to attend the viewing, which will be held in the Neil McPhee Room. Please click here to register, and I hope to see many of you there.
Other matters
On Monday, Colin Mandy S.C. and I met with representatives of VicPol to discuss the difficulty they have obtaining counsel to provide the advice required to be given to witnesses in certain proceedings pursuant to section 18 and 128 of the Evidence Act. VicPol rely upon the generosity of counsel who are prepared to provide the advice pro bono. The same is the case when the OPP or a court requires the advice to be given. We discussed how this necessary advice, without which trials are often held up or adjourned, could be better managed and, importantly, funded. We hope to be able to collaborate with VicPol and other stakeholders to find a solution.
The Bar’s Pro Bono Committee hosted a well-attended 2024 Pro Bono Community Drinks event on Monday evening. I thank the Honourable Justice Claire Harris of the Supreme Court and Professor Bryan Horrigan, Dean of the Monash Faculty of Law, for speaking at the event and Dr Laura Hilly and the committee for making it a great success.
This week, the Supreme Court of Victoria issued a practice note regarding the Commercial Court and its overarching purpose. For further details, see the notice below. The Honourable Justice Delaney has generously offered to present a CPD seminar to members about the new note, and we hope to be able to share details with members soon.
BCL is in the final stages of the access pass upgrade and will be working on ODCE, ODCW, and Douglas Menzies Chambers over the coming weeks. If you find that for some reason you cannot open a door or have any queries, please contact the BCL service desk on 9225 8888.
The CPD year ends on 31 March. Please ensure before then that you have undertaken at least 10 points of CPD activity across all four categories. Members can log into their CPD Dashboard to find an extensive catalogue of CPD seminars and maintain a record of CPD activity. The CPD Rules for Barristers is here. If you have extenuating circumstances and are unable to complete the required CPD points in time, please ensure you notify the CPD Committee before 31 March 2024 by emailing education@vicbar.com.au.
Feedback required
The Library Committee invites members to respond to a short survey that will enable it to determine what titles or services to add to the collection. Click here to fill out the survey.
Georgina Schoff KC
The Bar's Library Committee are seeking members feedback regarding the existing arrangements with the Law Library of Victoria. Members are encouraged to respond to the survey so that the Bar can make an informed decision as to its library collections, new acquisition practices and funding allocation.
Click here to complete the survey.
The Victorian Bar invites you to attend the launch of the short film Bar None on Thursday, 14 March 2024.
The film is the product of a collaboration between the Victorian Bar's Health & Wellbeing Committee and funding by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commission. We hope that you will join us for a screening of the film, which will be followed by a light breakfast and refreshments.
Please click here to register your attendance.
The BCL Constitution provides that BCL must have no less than three (3) and no more than ten (10) directors. In accordance, the BCL board now has one position available.
Appointment of a director to BCL will be done in consultation with the current BCL board. It is important that the directors of BCL have the requisite skills to manage and administer the business of BCL. Experience and expertise in corporate governance, business, town planning, and/or the property industry is important. The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is Thursday, 7 March 2024, at 5:00pm. Please direct any interest to Sharni Doherty at sharni.doherty@vicbar.com.au.
Call for nominations to Law Council’s Finance, Risk and Audit Committee
The Bar Council is seeking nominations for one (1) Non-Executive Director member to the Law Council’s Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, with expertise relevant to the Committee’s Terms of Reference. Click to view the LCA memorandum and Terms of Reference.
The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of Vic Bar members to external bodies can be viewed here. You are encouraged to provide a detailed expression of interest, which should identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise. This will assist the Bar Council to select the best candidate for the position.
Please forward your expression of interest to Sharni Doherty via email sharni.doherty@vicbar.com.au. The closing date for EOIs is 5:00pm, Monday, 11 March 2024.
Call for nominations to Law Council’s Corporate Governance Committee
The Bar Council is seeking nominations for one (1) Non-Executive Director member to the Law Council’s Corporate Governance Committee, with expertise relevant to the Committee’s Terms of Reference. Click to view the LCA memorandum and Terms of Reference.
The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of Vic Bar members to external bodies can be viewed here. You are encouraged to provide a detailed expression of interest, which should identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise. This will assist the Bar Council to select the best candidate for the position.
Please forward your expression of interest to Sharni Doherty via email sharni.doherty@vicbar.com.au. The closing date for EOIs is 5:00pm, Monday, 11 March 2024.
PRESENTED BY: The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Bar
Charter enthusiasts, Charter sceptics and regular users of the Charter are invited to an evening of Charter trivia, discussion of the Charter’s flaws and what should be done about them.
Your hosts will be Rob Hulls, the Attorney General who introduced the Charter in 2006, and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner – Ro Allen – along with Quizmaster Elizabeth Bennett SC and Charter specialist Sarala Fitzgerald.
We will be joined by Charter academics Dr Julie Debeljak and Dr Bruce Chen and the Honourable Pamela Tate AM KC, who was Solicitor-General for the State of Victoria when the Charter was introduced. The event will be fully interactive and will draw on the knowledge and experience of all attendees.
Reform of the Charter is a major item on the VEOHRC’s agenda. This evening will provide attendees with direct input into the changes that the Commission will be advocating for in order to have a more effective Charter.
The night is also an opportunity for the VEOHRC to gain firsthand insights from users of the Charter and to understand the problems faced when litigating Charter rights using the current mechanisms.
Complain about the Charter no longer! Come along and contribute to Charter reform.
Places are limited, so register ASAP. The cost is to cover drinks and nibbles.
SPEAKERS: Rob Hulls, former Attorney-General Ro Allen, Commissioner Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Elizabeth Bennett SC (Quizmaster)
DATE AND TIME: Thursday, 21 March 2024, 5:15pm – 7:15pm
VENUE: The Essoign Club Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East
TICKET PRICE: $50
Click here to register.
The WBA and VWL are delighted to invite members and the wider legal community to our annual Dame Roma Mitchell Luncheon in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event is being held at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday, 7th March 2024 between 12:00pm -2:30pm.
At the event, there will be a short keynote address from Kate Ramsey, author of "A Hell of a Lot of Glass", followed by a panel discussion in conversation with representatives from Tarwirri, the Asian Australian Lawyers Association, Disabled Australian Lawyers Association & Pride in Law.
VWL and WBA are proud to once again hold this annual lunch held in memory of Dame Roma Flinders Mitchell, the first Australian woman to be appointed Queen’s Counsel, judge, chancellor of an Australian university and State Governor. We have no doubts that Dame Roma would be immensely proud of all the strides we have made within the legal profession, and look forward to an invigorating discussion around the UN IWD 2024 Theme: Count Her In, as well as the VWL theme for 2024: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow!
Click here for further details and event registration.
Mediation is an essential part of the justice system, with a great many litigated matters being referred to mediation. Barristers and law professionals wishing to become an accredited mediator under the National Mediator Accreditation System can register for the Lawyers Mediation Certificate (LMC) six-day course (on 17-19 May & 24-26 May 2024) here. Early Bird discounts apply until Monday, 4 March, places are limited.
The VicBar CPD Committee would like to remind members that the last day to complete your CPD requirements is Sunday, 31 March 2024.
If you haven’t completed your requirements yet, don’t worry — log in to the VicBar website, and an extensive list of recordings is available for viewing on our CPD catalogue.
If you have extenuating circumstances and are unable to complete it in time, please ensure you notify the CPD Committee ASAP by emailing education@vicbar.com.au.
- Access Pass Reader Upgrades: Over the past seven months, BCL has been upgrading access pass readers across all buildings, with final upgrades to take place at Owen Dixon Chambers East, Owen Dixon Chambers West, and Douglas Menzies Chambers by 15 March 2024, see below for what barristers need to do:
- Barristers in BCL chambers: You will have already received an updated blue Salto 'fob' or White Salto 'dot' for these locations. If you already have a pre-existing 'fob' or 'dot' this will be programmed by BCL automatically.
- Barristers without BCL chambers: As your current access passes will no longer work, click here to submit a request for a new access pass, which can be picked up from the BCL Service Desk (8:30am to 5:30pm) or delivered to your clerk.
- Direct Debit Payments: As previously communicated, Victorian Bar members who do not have chambers with BCL are required to pay via direct debit for technology services. Click here to register for direct debit.
- Why Take Chambers with BCL? As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Victorian Bar, BCL provides a flexible and unique solution of chamber and technology support only available to members of the Bar. Click here to view our current vacancies.
To view upcoming CPD events, please visit our listings here.
Wednesday, 6 March 2024, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Thursday, 7 March 2024, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Law Library Victoria and BottledSnail Productions present Shakespeare in the Supreme, a series of rehearsed play readings.
Performed in the historic Supreme Court Library, the first reading for 2024 will be from Much Ado About Nothing. It is being performed by actors from BottledSnail Productions and the Melbourne legal community and directed by the Artistic Director of BottledSnail Productions, Nicky Neville-Jones.
Tickets are free, bookings are required. Please note attendees must pass through court security before the event.
Book here
In recognition of International Women’s Day, WBA is conducting a clothing drive for donations to Fitted for Work - an organisation that helps women, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse jobseekers experiencing disadvantage secure employment.
Part of their pre and post-employment services includes providing jobseekers with work-appropriate attire.
Donations of good-quality workwear, including suits, blouses, skirts, pants, as well as shoes in good condition are welcome.
Some of the donations (vintage and designer clothing) are sold to raise funds for the organisation.
In addition, Fitted for Work also provides a number of women with good-quality second-hand handbags filled with toiletries as a gift. So donations of handbags in good condition and unused toiletries and makeup would also be very welcome.
Items needed as a matter of priority currently are:
Pants – tapered/slim fit, black and navy blue, sizes 12+ in particular
Blouses – contemporary cuts and styles, sleeves preferred, sizes 12+ in particular
Flat shoes – all sizes
Makeup – new, packaged, including mascara and foundation
Deodorant
If you have any donations, please deliver them to the following people (call first to make sure we are in chambers!) by Friday, 8 March 2024.
Sandra Karabidian - 1016 Owen Dixon West (9225 6493) skarabidian@vicbar.com.au
Kylie Evans SC – L15 Castan Chambers (9225 8881) kylie.evans@vicbar.com.au
Chapman’s List Barristers – Marked attention: Sandra Karabidian, LG Owen Dixon West (9225 7666)
We are open daily from 7.30am – till late
Breakfast – for dine-in or takeaway.
Lunch – Daily Café Menu dine-in or takeaway.
Lunch Dine-In – A La Carte from midday.
Bar – EVERY EVENING – $5 Beer & Wine from 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Catering & Events – Special lunches, working lunches, private dinners, or something special you may have in mind. Email us at essoign@vicbar.com.au
Our new Spring Summer Menu is available here.
Victorian Bar members are encouraged to use the Member Benefits online portal, where you can access a wide variety of discounts, special offers, and member-only deals as part of your Bar membership.
The exclusive benefits are available Australia-wide and are not generally open to the public.
To activate your account and access the benefits, please click here. You must log in using your vicbar.com.au login details.
Click here for the monthly Best Buys!
The Supreme Court of Victoria have published Practice Note SC CC 1, published 26 February 2024, which provides direction on procedure in the Commercial Court, and supersedes the version issued 21 December 2017.
Juries Victoria has recently implemented changes to its model for delivering jury services across the state, which have necessitated changes to jury empanelment processes. Further information regarding these changes is available here.
The Board has released an article via our Website and Lawyers Weekly.
The Board will continue to keep you updated as we work towards the transition from NMAS to AMDRAS.
Victorian legal professionals can enjoy improved access to authoritative legal resources with the revamped Law Library Victoria website.
The new Law Library website makes it easier for Victorian lawyers, judicial officers, and Court Services Victoria staff to access the Library’s comprehensive legal collection.
It includes:
- a more secure 24/7 connection to expert legal content,
- specialised area of law collections and
- My List, a personalised collection for faster access to frequently-used resources.
Explore the new Law Library Victoria website at www.lawlibrary.vic.gov.au.
The Melbourne Catholic Lawyers’ Association invites members of the Bar to its half-day retreat on Sunday, 3 March 2024, at Corpus Christi College, 180 Drummond Street, Carlton.
The retreat is being led by Fr Michael Buck, and the theme is “Both Magistrate and Saint: Wisdom from St Augustine of Hippo”.
The retreat program and booking details can be found at Melbourne Catholic Lawyers: Current Events.
Melbourne Law School is pleased to present the following events in March:
The uses of disenchantment: Law, history and the public intellectual
Samuel Moyn, in conversation with Shaun McVeigh and Sundhya Pahuja
It’s hard not to feel pessimistic about the state of the world. The news is already bad; fake news and algorithms make it worse. Calls for academics to res
pond with a renewed responsibility in public debate often suffer from the same malaise. And the struggle for well-informed commentary can be hard to sustain in the light of the critical demands of justice and lawful conduct and the criticism of law and justice. Over the last fifteen years, Prof. Moyn has developed a sustained historical disenchantment of the promises and fantasies of the Euro-American post 1945 settlement. He is the author of several critical histories of international law and human rights, including The Last Utopia: Human Rights in History (2010), Christian Human Rights (2015), and Not Enough: Human Rights in an Unequal World (2018). His recent books include Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War (2022) and Liberalism Against Itself: Cold War Intellectuals and the Making of Our Times (2023). Join Prof. Moyn in conversation with Prof. McVeigh and Prof. Pahuja about the role of the historian and jurist, styles of academic engagement in Western universities, and the struggle between pessimism and hope in political discourse.
This event is supported by the Melbourne Law School, the Institute for International Law and the Humanities, the Laureate Program in Global Corporations and International Law, and the Adelaide Writers’ Week.
Agenda:
From 5:30pm: Welcome reception with drinks and light refreshments provided in the level 9 Common Room.
From 6:30pm: Conversation with Prof. Samuel Moyn in Room 920, level 9
Date & Time: Monday, 4 March, 5:30pm - 7:30pn AEDT
Location: Level 9, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton
Registration: Here
Nathan & Pamela Jacobson Public Lecture 2024
Searching for our shared humanity: Reflections from the field
Presented by Dr Helen Durham AO, CEO of RedR Australia
In this lecture, Dr. Helen Durham will share insights gained from 30 years of working as an international humanitarian lawyer, an area of law dedicated to alleviating suffering during times of armed conflict. With faster visibility of the reality on the battlefield and more intense exposures to the brutal consequences of war, there is an amplification of a simple narrative involving ‘good’ and ‘bad’ without space for wider reflections.
Concurrently, we are witnessing stronger questioning of the relevance and impact of international law. Using her direct experiences in the field, from Mogadishu to Gaza, and her engagements with military and authorities globally, Dr. Durham will explore the importance of reminding ourselves of the need for a common humanity. This lecture is co-hosted by the MLS Human Rights Program and the Melbourne Journal of International Law.
Agenda:
From 5:30pm: Welcome reception with drinks and light refreshments provided in the Ground Foyer.
The lecture will start at 6:00pm in the ground floor theatre, G08.
Date & Time: Thursday, 7 March, 5:30pm - 7:00pm AEDT
Location: Theatre G08, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carl on
Registration: Here
CCCS Recent Developments Symposium
Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies is pleased to offer a one-day seminar on 'Current Developments in Constitutional Law'.
Four expert panels will discuss key themes arising from two recent, seminal High Court cases, Vanderstock v Victoria (2023) and NZYQ v Minister for Immigration (2023), and on the future of constitutional change.
Date & Time: Friday, 8 March, 8:50am - 4:30pm AEDT
Location: Woodward Conference Centre, South Room, Level 10 Melbourne Law School
Cost: Standard rate $200, Academic rate $125
Registration: Here
International Women’s Day 2024
Reproducing Abortion: A Feminist Conversation on Bodily Autonomy in the Shadow of Dobbs
The Institute for International Law and the Humanities is inviting you to join us in person for a seminar chaired by Professor Ann Genovese (Melbourne Law School) with presentations by Johanna Commins (Melbourne Law School), Dr Elena Caruso (University of Waterloo, Canada), and Dr Erica Millar (La Trobe University). The responsibilities of feminist scholars are specific and important, sharing traditions across disciplines and locations of centring experience, maintaining scepticism toward positivist projects, and devising methodologies that respond to the diffuse operation of law’s refusal of gendered agency and status. This feminist scholarly responsibility is particularly acute in the contemporary moment for scholars whose work challenges the laws, histories, stories, and tropes that confine and limit women’s access to and experience of abortion. In this seminar, three scholars discuss their work on this topic. They address how their distinct methodologies, which draw across and between law, gender studies, literature, and history, bring feminist activism and interdisciplinary feminist scholarship into a necessary relationship. In the seminar, we hope to open up a shared conversation about how feminist work on abortion, be it in Italy, Australia, or the US, is more important than ever to advocate for the bodily autonomy of women and gender-diverse peoples in 2024.
Date & Time: Friday, 8 March, 9:45am - 12:00pm AEDT
Location: Room 610, Level 6, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton
Registration: Here
Allen Hope Southey Memorial Public Lecture 2024
Knowing Receipt, Fiduciary Duties, and Equitable Interests in Property
Presented by Prof. Charles Mitchell KC FBA, University College London
Liability for knowing receipt is incurred when defendants receive legal title to trust property with unconscionable knowledge that the trustee was not authorised to transfer it to them. Liability is also incurred when defendants receive property from other people who act beyond limits enforceable in equity that are placed on their powers to transfer legal title, e.g. company directors and administrators of a deceased person’s estate. It is often said that claimants must show that the property was transferred ‘in breach of fiduciary duty’. However, this is confusing because courts often use this term in two different senses – to denote either a duty to avoid conflicts of interest or a duty of due administration (meaning a duty to comply with the terms on which a power has been given to control and dispose of property). Confusion has also been caused by findings that a claimant must have had an ‘equitable interest’ in the relevant property that was not destroyed before, or at the time of, a defendant’s receipt. The problem with this is that the juridical content of the claimant’s ‘interest’ has not been clearly defined. The lecture will examine both sets of problems and suggest some solutions.
Date & Time: Wednesday, 27 March, 6:00pm - 7:00pm AEDT
Location: Theatre G08, Ground floor, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton
Registration: Here
Episode 5 – “AI and Ethics in Intellectual Property”
13 March 2024, taking place at 1:00pm GMT.
Webinar details:
- Overview of AI in intellectual property law, including its benefits and drawbacks
- Ethical considerations in using AI in intellectual property law, such as ensuring accuracy, avoiding plagiarism, and protecting intellectual property rights
- Best practices for using AI ethically in intellectual property law, such as training personnel and conducting regular audits
Practical examples:
- Use of AI tools such as natural language processing and machine learning to analyse patent applications and identify potential infringements.
- Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of AI tools used in intellectual property law, including avoiding plagiarism and protecting intellectual property rights.
- Examining the role of human ingenuity and creativity in the patent process when considering AI-generated inventions.
For more information on the event, click here.
To Register, click here.
The Whitlam Institute is pleased to present an in-person CPD on “A New System of Federal Administrative Review”. Please join the Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, the Hon Justice Emilios Kyrou AO and the Hon Justice Lisa Hespe JJ (President and Deputy President of the AAT), and two leading silks, Ruth Higgins SC and Tom Brennan SC, as they examine the law, policy and practice underpinning the recent legislation that would abolish the AAT and establish a new, fit-for-purpose administrative review body to be named the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Friday, 15 March, 2024
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts
Court 1, Level 8, 305 William Street, Melbourne
Limited tickets are available here.
This CPD seminar is part of a series that explores the contemporary relevance of the bold legal transformations introduced by the Whitlam Government.
Details for the much anticipated ACT Bar CPD Conference have been finalised and tickets are now available.
The CPD Committee has coordinated a fantastic day which includes seven presentations with a total of 11 presenters.
The Conference will provide you with 7 CPD points.
Where: Australian Academy of Science, The Shine Dome, 15 Gordon St, Acton. In the beautifully appointed Ian Wark Theatre
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
RSVP: Monday, 11 March, 5:00pm
Read the Conference itinerary here
(be sure to click on the presenter's name to read their bio and the article for Dr Chin and Dr Cullen's presentation)
Purchase your ticket/s here.
As this event will be fully catered, please ensure you contact Tim Kapustin regarding any dietary requirements.
Date: Monday, 18 March 2024
Time: 5:00pm – 6:15pm AEDT
Place: Online and at Court No 1, Level 8, Federal Court, 305 William Street, Melbourne – this is a free event and a link will be provided prior
On 7 December 2023, the Commonwealth Attorney-General introduced into the Federal Parliament the Administrative Review Tribunal Bill 2023 and the Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 1) Bill 2023. When enacted, the Bills will abolish the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and replace it with the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Click here for more information and to register.
Learn about expert determination, mastering the entire process from appointment to publication.
This course is designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of expert determination, including those considering becoming expert determiners & those already practicing who wish to refine their skills.
- This course aims to:
Advance the knowledge and understanding of the practice of expert determination in the dispute resolution and wider community. - Provide participants with a practical understanding of the process and legal requirements for the conduct of the expert determination.
- Assess participants on the practice of expert determination and the writing of a reasoned determination.
- Provide a pathway for Resolution Institute members to be listed on Resolution Institute’s Register of Practicing Expert Determiners.
Click here for more information and to register.
The Litigation Conference 2024 is proudly presented by the Civil Practice Committee of The Law Society of Singapore.
This year, the Conference marks a significant milestone in the history of the series as we celebrate the 10th full edition of the Conference series.
In line with the many firsts of the Litigation Conference series, we are pleased to announce a unique opportunity for this year’s Conference.
Participants attending the Conference will be able to interact with The Honourable Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon by submitting questions to the Chief Justice. Do register early for an opportunity to ask your questions, as there is a limited number of questions that we can deal with during this session.
To celebrate the 10th full edition of the Conference series, the Conference Dinner on Day 2 of the Conference will be one at which delegates can participate by purchasing a ticket. Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and all delegates are encouraged to purchase their tickets as early as possible.
Click here to visit the Conference website for more information!
Save the date! Ciarb’s Asia Pacific Diploma Course in International Commercial Arbitration starts on 11 May 2024. This Diploma takes place in-person in Singapore.
Click here for more information.
The Republic of Nauru (Republic) is seeking expressions of interest from qualified barristers to assist its Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team, with the determination of applications made pursuant to Part 2 of the Refugees Convention Act 2012 (Nr).
The Republic wishes to enter into ‘Terms of Engagement’ with a pool of suitable candidates, who may then be called upon (‘engaged’) to perform the role of ‘RSD Assessment Officer’ on behalf of the Department of Multicultural Affairs of the Republic, in relation to an allocation of applications. Counsel will only be engaged as their availability allows, and will:
- Conduct initial consideration of applications as allocated
- Prepare for and conduct any necessary interviews, including RSD interviews, supported by relevant permanent RSD staff
- Liaise with relevant permanent RSD staff in relation to any necessary follow-up communication or correspondence with applicants and/or their representatives
- Draft written statements of determination in respect of applications as allocated, for consideration by the Secretary for Multicultural Affairs (Secretary)
- Liaise with relevant permanent RSD staff in relation to any alterations, amendments or further work required by the Secretary in relation to a draft determination
Travel to Nauru will be required for the conduct of RSD interviews. It is anticipated that counsel would travel to Nauru once per allocation, to conduct RSD interviews for all applications within that particular allocation. The costs of travel to and accommodation in Nauru will be met by the Republic.
Counsel will receive a fixed amount for each completed determination.
The following matters will be viewed favourably:
- Qualifications and/or experience drafting and/or making administrative decisions
- Qualifications and/or experience in refugee and international law
Expressions of interest should be sent to Francine Audoa at francineaudoa@naurursd.com no later than 15 March 2024. Enquiries, including a request for a phone conversation, may be sent to the same address.
The Attorney-General, the Hon Jaclyn Symes MP, and the Minister for Police, the Hon Anthony Carbines MP, seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals for appointment as an Examiner.
Examiners are appointed under the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004 (Vic) (the Act). The role of the Examiner is to prepare and conduct examinations of witnesses in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Experience in criminal law, administrative law, an understanding of law enforcement investigative methodologies and previous experience dealing with information subject to stringent secrecy provisions is required. A demonstrated capacity to examine or cross-examine witnesses is also required. The position of Examiner also requires a high level of integrity, sound judgement, and exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
The salary range for this position is $279,239 to $401,091, inclusive of superannuation.
Applications close Sunday, 17 March 2024.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Monash Law is one of the largest and most dynamic law schools in Australia.
We invite Expressions of Interest in working with our team of experienced educators and leading academics.
As a casual (sessional) academic staff member, you are an important part of the Faculty’s teaching program. You will assist the Law Faculty to maintain our high quality in teaching and learning, addressing students’ learning requirements for core units, and increase flexibility in subject offerings.
You are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest application if you have obtained an Australian law degree with excellent results, have relevant experience, and have the capability to work within our teaching teams at either Clayton and the City Chambers, daytime or evening classes. Casual work may be available in lecturing, tutoring, and marking in private and public law units and clinical offerings.
Please contact us via the Expression of Interest portal here.
If you would like to contribute relevant news, events, and updates for barristers and the legal profession to In Brief, please send an email with your content to inbrief@vicbar.com.au or complete this submission form.
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 7th March 2024