In Brief Issue #899

8Feb

Royal Commission into the Management of Informants

There were further revelations this week in relation to Victoria Police’s use of informants, dating back to 1995, in circumstances involving grave duties of confidentiality by a barrister and, potentially, a number of other professionals. The Victorian Bar has no information to suggest that the other professionals are members of our Bar.

The new information reinforces why the Victorian Bar has welcomed the Government’s decision to call a Royal Commission into the Management of Informants. It is vital that the public have confidence in the integrity of the justice system. That confidence has been undermined.

It would be wrong, and very unfair to the Victorian legal profession, including the 2,100 practising members of the Victorian Bar, to think that conduct of the kind that has been alleged is anything other than wholly aberrant.

In my role as President, I have come to know the members of our Bar better than most. We are a college of professionals with a profound commitment to the administration of justice, the courts and our clients. Our members have been as disturbed as, if not more disturbed than, the wider community by the matters that have given rise to the Royal Commission.

The Bar’s educational, continuing professional development and professional standards functions are robust. The ethical and disciplinary regimes and bodies to which we are subject operate without fear or favour and hold us all to the highest standards of professional conduct. As a result of these and other matters, the public can, and should, have absolute confidence in the integrity of the Victorian Bar and its members.

A reminder for members who are disturbed by recent events that the Bar has a range of available support mechanisms. For guidance in relation to ethical matters, members of the Ethics Committee are always available. For assistance in coping with feelings of distress, the Bar funds 24/7 crisis counselling for members and their families. And—perhaps most powerful of all—we are a cohesive institution with engaged and committed members, formal and informal mentoring and support structures, and a genuine open door policy. That open door policy, of course, begins with me and the other members of Bar Council.

My interview with Jon Faine on ABC Radio yesterday can be heard at the six minute mark on the ABC website here.

Sexual harassment in the legal profession

On Monday, the Legal Services Board and Commissioner announced a long-term program focused on addressing sexual harassment within the legal profession. The Victorian Bar welcomed the announcement and has committed to constructive participation in this important project.

The Victorian Bar has a zero tolerance approach towards sexual harassment.

Engaging in sexual harassment is a breach of the Legal Profession Uniform Conduct (Barristers) Rules 2015 (rule 123) which can, as with other breaches of the conduct rules, lead to serious disciplinary consequences. But none of us needs to know that sexual harassment is contrary to the conduct rules to know that it is wrong, profoundly disrespectful and in some circumstances criminal.

The Bar Council has adopted a Policy Against Sexual Harassment. Apart from stating our values as an institution—that all barristers and those engaging with barristers have a right to conduct themselves free from sexual harassment—the policy provides guidance on the forms that sexual harassment can take and outlines the various options that are available to those who experience or witness sexual harassment at the Victorian Bar.

Sexual harassment is not limited to physical contact or gestures. It may take the form of casual comments, jokes, emails, unwanted invitations, or repeated or persistent personal questioning. The intent behind the person’s behaviour is not relevant. Interactions that are consensual, welcome and reciprocated are not behaviour that is sexual harassment.

It is clear from the results of last year’s Wellbeing at the Victorian Bar survey that underreporting of sexual harassment is a significant issue at the Victorian Bar. The reasons for underreporting are complicated and, I suspect, not fully understood.

But all members of the Victorian Bar should be in no doubt that sexual harassment is unlawful and unacceptable; and that the Bar is committed to, among other things, encouraging reports of unacceptable behaviour; handling complaints made in good faith in a confidential, timely and fair manner that is free from reprisals; and continually improving training, awareness and standards of conduct.

I encourage all members to familiarise themselves with the Policy Against Sexual Harassment and the Bar’s other internal conduct policies. I also encourage members who have experienced or witnessed unacceptable conduct, such as sexual harassment, to avail themselves of the grievance measures outlined in the policies.

New silks

The highlight of the week for me was, on Monday, announcing the first appearances of Victoria’s newest silks in the High Court in Canberra at the annual silks bows ceremony, before the Full Court and a gallery full of families and friends of those appointed. There was then the traditional new silks dinner in the Great Hall of the High Court, with addresses by Australian Bar Association President, Jennifer Batrouney QC and Justice James Edelman of the High Court, and a reply by new NSW silk, Paresh Khandhar SC. The dinner was attended by all members of the High Court, many heads of jurisdiction and other judges from courts around Australia, the Commonwealth Attorney-General and shadow Attorney-General, the Presidents of the independent referral bars of Australia, representatives of the national peak bodies for the legal profession, and many others. A great night that will always be remembered by our newest silks. (But now, enough already with the celebrations, back to work.)

Updated Silks Undertaking

Every year, the President of the Bar writes to the new silks to congratulate them, and also to ask them to step up as leaders in tangible ways.

In recognition that there is work to be done before the Bar will fully represent the community it serves, and overcome entrenched discrimination against women and members from diverse cultural, linguistic, faith and other backgrounds, I have asked the new silks, as leaders of the Bar, to adopt:

By signing the Silks Undertaking, silks acknowledge that they share the Victorian Bar’s commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, including its commitment to providing a workplace that is free from bullying and discriminatory behaviours, and is free from sexual harassment.  

The updated Silks Undertaking includes a commitment to use reasonable endeavours to recommend to instructing solicitors and clients that members of counsel from diverse backgrounds be briefed in matters in which they have relevant seniority and expertise, experience or interest.

I will be writing to all silks in the near future, inviting them to adopt the revised Silks Undertaking and, if they have not done so already, to adopt the LCA’s Gender Equitable Briefing Policy.

The Undertaking and Policy are more than mere words and sentiment. They demonstrate the commitment of the Victorian Bar, as an institution, to diversity and inclusion in all its forms, and are a tangible way for the leaders of the Bar to demonstrate to all members, and the broader community, that that commitment is a core value of the modern Victorian Bar and its members.

A busy week

As well as the silks bows events, I attended an Australian Bar Association Council meeting in Canberra, the Victoria Law Foundation legal laneway breakfast here in Melbourne, and the welcome for Judge Karl Blake in the Federal Circuit Court. I also dealt with a raft of media and other inquiries concerning both sexual harassment in the legal profession and the Royal Commission into the Management of Informants.

Behind the scenes, during the week, I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the President of the Court of Appeal, and the new President and CEO of the Law Institute of Victoria. On Wednesday, I co-chaired, with President Maxwell, a roundtable discussion on sexual harassment in the legal profession. The executive of the Bar Council met twice, and the whole of the Bar Council met with a packed agenda on Thursday evening. On Sunday, the Bar Council is convening again: this time for a strategy day with a view to planning out how we can achieve our aims for the year.

Welcomes and appointments

Wendy Harris QC’s superb speech at the welcome for the Honourable Justice Paul Anastassiou in the Federal Court last Friday can be read here.

As mentioned above, I spoke briefly at the welcome for Judge Blake in the Federal Circuit Court on Wednesday on behalf of the Australian Bar Association and the Victorian Bar. The substantive speeches at that event were made by the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, on behalf of the Australian Government, and Stuart Webb on behalf of the Law Council of Australia and the Law Institute of Victoria.

Vicbar News & Events
2019 Pro Bono Awards

An awards night to celebrate the significant pro bono contribution of Victorian Barristers and the announcement of the winners of the 2019 Pro Bono Awards for legal services benefitting our Australian community and legal system during 2017 and 2018.

The Honourable Chief Justice Allsop of the Federal Court of Australia will be attending, along with guest speaker and host The Honourable Chief Justice Ferguson of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the ceremony.

PRESENTED BY
The Victorian Bar Pro Bono Committee 

SPEAKER
The Honourable Chief Justice Ferguson, Supreme Court of Victoria
Christopher J Horan QC – 2016 winner of the Victorian Bar Pro Bono Trophy

DATE
Wednesday, 20 February 2019

TIME
5:15pm - 7:00pm

VENUE
The Supreme Court Library
210 William Street
Melbourne VIC 3000 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Owen Dixon Chambers East entrance revitalisation

A new entrance experience is currently under construction in Owen Dixon Chambers East – the original home of the bar.

Led by Peter Jopling AM QC, Chair of the Art & Collections Committee, in collaboration with Barristers’ Chambers Limited and Carr Design, the concept is complete with the revitalisation of a welcoming entrance and extension of the Art Gallery in one of our busiest and historical chambers.

After an extensive program of research, design, care and consideration the design has been complete with works having commenced in the middle of January, 2019 and include:-

  • Extension of the gallery and available hanging area with the removal of the central control room,
  • Relocation and a new modern design meeting and concierge area,
  • Modern way finding and signage,
  • A memorial wall to honour members that have served for our country.

A memorable unveiling is planned and we look forward to sharing more in further communications from BCL and the Victorian Bar, and included in, In Brief.

The program of work will take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete from 14 January, 2019.  BCL will communicate directly with all tenants with regards to any planned disruptions (if any) during this time.

Peter Jopling AM QC & Barristers’ Chamber Limited

Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, WBA is excited to be partnering with VWL to present the Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch, featuring guest speaker Professor Gillian Triggs, former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. The lunch will be held at The Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring St, from 12.30 to 2pm on Wednesday 6 March 2019. Tickets are $65 for members and $85 for non-members including a 2-course lunch. See attached invitation. We encourage all members to RSVP for this great event.

Advocacy Instructor Training Workshop

Being an advocacy instructor is an important contribution to the profession and provides invaluable learning opportunities and improvement in ones’ own advocacy skills.

The workshop is the first step in a program of instructor training. The Bar’s Instructor training and development program is available on request.

There are no costs associated with this workshop.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Barristers with a reasonable amount of experience in witness handling, in whatever jurisdiction, are encouraged to participate.

DATES and TIMES

Introduction Session: Friday 1 March 2019, 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Workshop: Saturday 2 March 2019 9am – 5pm

VENUE

Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 Williams Street

CPD POINTS
This workshop is a component of the Victorian Bar CPD Program and will carry 10 CPD points.

REGISTRATION
Numbers in this workshop are limited.
Register online via the Upcoming CPD’s member page

The Victorian Bar is to Conduct a Review of the Bar’s Entrance Exam – Call for Submissions

The Bar Readers Course Committee has established a Panel to conduct a review of the Victorian Bar’s entrance exam. The Review Panel is chaired by Dr Sue McNicol QC and comprises various members of the Bar and a judicial representative. 

The Review Panel is considering: 

  1. The existence and/or retention of the exam
  2. What refinements/improvements should be made to the entrance exam's content
  3. Whether any changes should be made to the entrance exam's form and manner of conducting the exam (including whether it should be administered electronically, or wholly open book, or partially open book)
  4. The appropriate mechanism to address the ‘overhang’ of candidates in years where the number of successful candidates exceeds the number of Readers Course places available.

The Review Panel intends to report to the Readers Course Committee and ultimately the Victorian Bar Council by mid-2019. After considering the written submissions received, the Review Panel may invite authors to make oral submissions to the Panel.

Members of the Bar, Judiciary and the legal profession are invited to provide written submissions to the Review Panel on the above issues.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR SUBMISSION

Submissions can be made until COB on 20 February 2019.  

Expressions of Interest for VicBar website review

Expressions of interest are sought for a small team of members interested in reviewing the Victorian Bar Website with a view to making recommendations as to content, navigation and ease of use.

EOIs and enquiries to Liz Ingham at the Bar Office: elizabeth.ingham@vicbar.com.au / 9225 6947.

Victorian Bar Member CPD Events

Upcoming CPD events:

You must be a member of the Victorian Bar and logged into the VicBar website to view the following events.

Vicbar Life
The Essoign Members February wine offer

Don’t miss out on these exquisite boutique wines on offer now!

These prices will not be repeated.

Download order form or email antoniof@vicbar.com.au

Cheers from the Essoign team.

myki Commuter Club Pricing 2019

The myki Commuter Club has updated its pricing for 2019. If you are looking to renew your myki please find the renewal form here.

If you would like to sign up find the details and registration form here.

10 February - Choral Evensong at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral

A number of Judges, members of the Victorian Bar and members of the Law Institute of Victoria will be attending the regular Sunday evening service of Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne. The Service begins at 6 pm.

Although there will not be a Legal Procession, Judges and Counsel will robe and there will be a block of pews reserved for those members of the Profession attending this service.

Prayers will be offered for the Legal Profession in the General Intercessions.

RSVP Wednesday 6 February 2019 to Lestelle Murphy (Secretary to Mark Robins QC) lestelle@vicbar.com.au

Details of arrangements not yet finalised will be emailed to those who advise their attendance. 

Art Exhibition - STUDIO 11

Image Sharyn Madder
Millionaire’s Leap
Soft Pastel

You are warmly invited to view the current Art Exhibition at Studio 11, located on Level 11 Owen Dixon Chambers East, Conversations, featuring 73 works by local artists, Wendy Roche and Sharyn Madder.

The body of work comprises mixed media, conte, felting, eco-dyeing, watercolour, pastel, charcoal and pencil work. The exhibition offers the community of the Victorian Bar, family, friends and colleagues an opportunity to take a break and explore the work at leisure. All works are for sale, directly from the artists, commission free.

Work sheets together with artist biographies are available on Level 11. The Studio 11 initiative is run on a voluntary basis.

Meet the Artist drinks are fixed for Thursday 21 February 2019 from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. RSVP lauracolla@vicbar.com.au by 14 February. The exhibition runs until 4 April 2019.

Should you wish to discuss please contact me on X6400.

Crim Law Drinks

Supporting Oxfam Trailwalkers

Join us from 5pm on Friday 22 February at Melbourne Public, 11 Dukes Walk, South Wharf.

See flyer for more details.

Practice & Profession News
Victorian Legal Services Board Grants Program: 2019 funding round open

The Victorian Legal Services Board has launched its 2019 Grants Program funding round.

The Board’s priority theme for 2019 will be 'Designing Justice Differently: Using Human-Centred Design and Technology'. The theme aims to stimulate new ways of thinking to achieve change in some of the seemingly intractable legal and social problems that face society and the legal sector.

‘Human-centred design’ is a framework that helps develop solutions to problems by approaching them from the point of view of those experiencing the problems. It provides opportunities for service and system reforms that remove the barriers which vulnerable people experience.

The Board is looking to fund human-centred design and/or technological projects that interrupt, streamline or change legal services and the justice system to improve access to justice.

For more information visit the Board's Grants page.

Appointment Of Child Welfare Experts To The Review And Regulation List Of The Victorian Civil And Administrative Tribunal

Expressions of Interest

The Attorney-General, the Hon Jill Hennessy MP, seeks expressions of interest from persons with knowledge of, or experience in, child welfare matters, for appointment as ordinary members of the Review and Regulation List (RRL) of VCAT. It is anticipated that sessional appointments to the RRL will be required within the next 12 months.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) members are appointed for a period of seven years by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.

The RRL has jurisdiction under a number of Acts to review administrative decisions. Successful applicants would be appointed to hear proceedings under sections 42, 118, 158 and 333 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, such as a decision made under or in relation to a child care agreement.

Applicants should demonstrate a high level of integrity, sound judgement, interpersonal skills, technical expertise, and a capacity to make fair decisions quickly. Applicants must also be aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences of VCAT users, and the need to communicate effectively and courteously with all users. A commitment to the use of technology and participation in ongoing professional education will be viewed favourably. Excellent communication skills are essential, and skills in mediation are also valuable.

Applicants from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All expressions of interest are treated confidentially and may be drawn upon on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise.

How to apply

Expressions of interest should be submitted via the Get on Board website (getonboard.vic.gov.au – click on ‘vacancies’ and then ‘Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) Members’), and should include a resume and a completed ‘VCAT Expression of Interest’ form.

Previous applicants who have already lodged an expression of interest via the Get on Board website will be considered, but may submit a new or updated expression of interest if desired.

All expressions of interest must be received no later than midnight on 13 February 2019.

Appointment Of Paramedics To The Review And Regulation List Of The Victorian Civil And Administrative Tribunal

Expressions of Interest

The Attorney-General, the Hon Jill Hennessy MP, seeks expressions of interest from Victorian paramedics registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation Law Act 2009 for appointment as ordinary sessional members of the Review and Regulation List (RRL) of VCAT. Sessional appointment of paramedics to the RRL are required as a consequence of the recent inclusion of paramedics as a health profession regulated by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) members are appointed for a period of seven years by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.

The RRL has jurisdiction under a number of Acts to review administrative decisions. Successful applicants would be appointed to determine matters in relation to decisions by the Paramedicine Board of Australia about registration, such as a decision to refuse an application for registration.

Applicants should demonstrate a high level of integrity, sound judgement, interpersonal skills, technical expertise, and a capacity to make fair decisions quickly. Applicants must also be aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences of VCAT users, and the need to communicate effectively and courteously with all users. A commitment to the use of technology and participation in ongoing professional education will be viewed favourably. Excellent communication skills are essential, and skills in mediation are also valuable.

Applicants from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All expressions of interest are treated confidentially and may be drawn upon on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise.

How to apply

Expressions of interest should be submitted via the Get on Board website (getonboard.vic.gov.au – click on ‘vacancies’ and then ‘Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) Members’), and should include a resume and a completed ‘VCAT Expression of Interest’ form.

Previous applicants who have already lodged an expression of interest via the Get on Board website will be considered, but may submit a new or updated expression of interest if desired.

All expressions of interest must be received no later than midnight on 13 February 2019.

New Rule for Indexation commences 1 July 2019

In January 2019, the Legal Services Council (LSC) made a Uniform General Rule on Indexation to ensure the Victorian and NSW Legal Services Commissioners, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, maintain their jurisdiction to determine costs disputes in line with inflation. From 1 July 2019, the new rule, r 111 A of the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015, will apply to ss 291-293 of the Uniform Law and s 99 of the Legal Profession Uniform Application Act 2014 (Vic).

You will find more information here.

Law Library of Victoria - User Satisfaction Survey for 2018

The Law Library of Victoria provides high quality services to judicial officers, court staff, barristers and solicitors.

The Law Library is always looking for feedback and ways to improve the experience of library users and enhance the effective administration of justice in Victoria. We appreciate you taking the time to fill out this survey (5 minutes). Your answers and feedback will provide valuable information that will inform the development of a future service model for the Law Library.

Feedback in last year’s User Satisfaction Survey led to improvements to the Supreme Court Library public computers (reducing the need for passwords) as well as new software for developing research guides (for research education and training ) and we communicated more widely about our free photocopying.

The library survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N7YZSLK

Exciting opportunity to deliver top-quality legal services at the Moorabbin Justice Centre

Victoria Legal Aid is inviting legal practitioners to participate in its rostered duty lawyer service at the Moorabbin Justice Centre.

The duty lawyer team provides high-quality services and contributes to positive, long-lasting change in the local community.

Find out more about the service and how you can apply.

You Be the Judge Teachers’ Kits

Rewritten with new case studies, the Kits provide teachers with the resources to deliver a You be the Judge education session in secondary school classrooms. Students learn about the purposes and principles of sentencing and then apply sentencing law to a real case. They can then compare their sentences to the sentence the real-life judge imposed. The Kits include:

·        Years 9 & 10 cross curriculum (including Civics and Citizenship, English, Mathematics, Media Arts, and Digital Technology) – a Teacher Guide and two case studies: burglary and trafficking in a drug of dependence
·        Years 11 & 12 VCE Legal Studies – a Teacher Guide and three case studies: culpable driving, burglary, and cultivate a narcotic plant in commercial quantities.

Both the Years 9 & 10 case studies, and the burglary case study for Years 11 & 12 are based on cases from Council’s popular online application: Virtual You be the Judge. This allows integration of online, interactive audio-visual content into the classroom.

All materials have been reviewed and updated with sentencing statistics for the five years ending 30 June 2018, and with content and activities highlighting recent changes to Victorian sentencing law.

Quick Guide to Sentencing
The fifth edition of a Quick Guide to Sentencing contains an up-to-date summary of Victorian sentencing law. The Quick Guide covers the: who, when, where, what, and how of sentencing, and is written for an audience including secondary and post-secondary students, legal practitioners, journalists and people who work with or advise those affected by crime or involved in the criminal justice system.

The Quick Guide may be read alongside the Council’s recent publication, A Guide to Sentencing Schemes which provides an overview of the various sentencing schemes in Victoria, the offences they apply to, and their different commencement provisions.

All of these educational resources are now available from our website.

https://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/news-media/news/major-revamp-council%E2%80%99s-educational-resources

Making the Open Courts Bench Book easier to read

The Judicial College has rewritten the Open Courts Bench Book to make it shorter, clearer and easier to read.

The updated bench book now has:

  • clearer explanations of the relevant law; and
  • fewer sub-topics, so each page has more information.

These changes continue the College’s program of making the bench books easier to read and navigate.

Overview of changes to sentencing law in 2018

The Sentencing Advisory Council has today released an overview of 12 legislative and judicial changes made to sentencing law in 2018.

The aim of the overview is to help criminal justice stakeholders and the wider community navigate recent changes to the way sentencing law operates in Victoria.

Key changes include the introduction of standard sentences, Category A and B serious youth offences and new sentencing orders. Other changes affect what a court can take into account when sentencing certain types of offences and offenders, such as offenders who put emergency workers at risk by driving.

Changes to Sentencing in Victoria: An Overview of 2018 is available for download from our website: https://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/publications/changes-sentencing-law-victoria-overview-2018

Profession CPD & Events
ABA Singapore Conference—11-12 July 2019

The Australian Bar Association (ABA) will host its biennial international conference in Singapore: Convergence 2019, 11 - 12 July. More information is available here.

  • Sponsored by Singapore Airlines: 9-20%* off best available Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First-Class fares for delegates and their families
  • Staying and conferencing at the Andaz Singapore (Hyatt)
  • Gala dinner: Fullerton Bay Hotel’s Clifford Pier
  • There will be excellent Partner and half-day Family Programmes available
  • Return flights to Singapore and beyond: Europe, America, Asia
  • The first 100 passengers flying on Singapore Airlines will receive a status match for eligible Gold Frequent Flyer delegates who can become KrisFlyer Elite Gold members.
  • Lower fare levels already booking out!

Accommodation and airfare bookings now available!  Email mice@spencertravel.com.au to take advantage of these exclusive offers.

*depending on the class of travel and booking class available at the time of booking

La Trobe Law School/Australian Institute for International Affairs Victoria Public Lecture

Topic: The Future of International Solidarity in Global Refugee Protection

Speaker: Professor Obiora Okafor, UN Independent Expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity

Date/time: 14 February 2019, 6pm-7.30pm.

Venue: 124 Jolimont Rd, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia

Registration: https://aiiavic.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events/22022-the-future-of-international-solidarity-in-global-refugee-protection

MLS Events - Upcoming Conferences

International Legal Ethics Conference 2018

2019 National Wellness for Law forum

Making Wellness Core Business

Presented by Melbourne Law School and Faculty of Law, Monash University

Date: 14 – 15 February 2019
Venue: Day 1 - Melbourne Law School, Day 2 - Faculty of Law, Monash University, Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

The Wellness for Law Forum 2019 is being jointly hosted by Melbourne Law School and Monash University, Faculty of Law. This is the ninth annual gathering of the national Wellness Network for Law and its supporters, from academia and the profession. The Forums provide the opportunity for scholarship and good practice to be shared in a collegiate and supportive environment. Click here to view flyer.

Website: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/rxg6

BottledSnail Productions presents The Laramie Project

In February 2019, BottledSnail will stage its next major theatrical production, The Laramie Project. This incredibly moving and thought-provoking play by Moisese Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.

Dates

21 February 2019 - 2 March 2019

About

In October 1998, on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming, a 21-year-old gay college student named Matthew Shepard was savagely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in the freezing night. The murder became a watershed historical moment in civil rights in America.

In the aftermath of Matthews’s death, members of a New York theatre company travelled to Laramie and, over the course of 18 months, conducted more than 200 interviews with residents of the town. Using  interview transcripts, court documents and media reportage as source material, they created The Laramie Project, a play that chronicles how the community grappled with the hate crime.

Directed by Nicky Neville–Jones, The Laramie Project is presented by BottledSnail Productions, a not-for-profit production company run by and for legal professionals. Established in 2013, the company has produced more than 27 creative projects with over 350 legal professionals, ranging from full scale theatre productions to lunchtime concerts. They have helped raise over $45,000 for charity, including the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation.

Book tickets

Twilight Session – Judges on Ethics

Presented by Deakin Law School

Date: Monday, 25 February 2019

Venue: Deakin Downtown, Level 12, 727 Collins Street, Collins Square

Do you have your CPD point in Ethics and Professional Responsibility?

Attend this FREE twilight session to gain your outstanding CPD unit for the year.

Hear from members of the Judiciary, including His Honour Judge Joshua Wilson and the Honourable Justice Ross Robson who will speak about Ethics at Deakin Downtown.

The session will be followed by drinks and canapés and an opportunity to network with legal practitioners.

Register now: bit.ly/DLSethics

Cyngler Consulting Courses

2019 Courses

  • Do you ever find yourself in difficult conversations? Come and join one our programs.
  • Do you need mediation accreditation or reaccreditation? Enrol in our next course.
  • Are you wanting to extend and enlarge your mediation skills? Come and take one of our Mediation Masterclasses.
  • Do you need training or support in conflict management, decision making or listening skills? Get in touch with us.

This year’s scheduled programs are listed below. We look forward to assisting you in 2019.

February 25, 26 and 27
Mediation Master Class - 3 Days

March 18-20 and 25-27 
National Mediator Accreditation - 6 Days

March 4, 5 and 6 *New*
Facilitated Conversations - 3 Days

Visit our website www.cynglerconsulting.com for more information and to register.

Melbourne Catholic Lawyers' Association dinner

The MCLA is hosting a dinner on Friday 1 March, with guest speaker Archbishop Peter Comensoli, introduced by the Honourable Justice Christopher Beale.

The evening will commence with Mass at St Augustine’s at 6pm, followed by dinner at the Essoign Club at 7pm. The cost is $110 for 2 courses and drinks and is payable by Friday 22 February. All welcome - please see www.catholiclawyers.com.au for details.

Judges: Angry? Biased? Burned out?

The National Judicial College of Australia and the Australian National University will present their annual conference on 2nd & 3rd March, 2019 at the Australian National University campus in Canberra.

This conference brings together members of the Judiciary, academics, policy makers and experts in fields such as psychology to consider current issues and challenges in the Australian justice system. The program will examine the experience of emotion and bias in the court room, including the way in which judges engage emotionally with their work; the impact that this can have and what measures may be taken to alleviate these impacts.

Click here for more information and to register.

Upcoming Family Law conferences

Havana Cuba

There will be a family law conference held in Havana Cuba from 7 to 12 April 2019. The conference will take place at the Grand Hotel Kempinski, it will include  papers from various barristers, solicitors and others who deal with family law. There will be time to see the city and partake in cultural activities”

Click here to download the conference flyer.  
 

Arctic Conference

 Following on from our successful conference in Antarctica in January 2017 there will be a further family Law conference in the Arctic in July 2020. There will be time on board the new ship, the Greg Mortimer, to hold a conference and also partake in the activities on and off the ship.”

Click here to download the conference flyer.  
 

Justice Gageler AC Keynote Speaker at 2020 HAL Conference, Greece

The Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL) is delighted to be hosting a second International Legal Conference in Rhodes, Greece from 5-10 July 2020. Please save the date for what promises to be a memorable conference.

HAL is privileged to have the Hon Justice Stephen Gageler AC as the keynote speaker.

Registrations will open in May 2019 for the conference. Further details will be posted on the HAL website www.hal.asn.au in due course.

Careers & Opportunities
Senior Registry Lawyer, Supreme Court of Victoria

Victoria's highest court is seeking a legally qualified person with three to four years post-admission experience to assist judicial officers with the management of personal injury proceedings.

About the role

As a Senior Registry Lawyer you will provide key pre-trial case management support to the judicial officers managing the Personal Injuries, Dust Diseases and Civil Circuit Lists and will supervise other legally and non-legally qualified staff who also provide such support. 

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have at least three to four years post-admission litigation experience, ideally including personal injury claims, and the ability to supervise and work collaboratively with staff to develop, implement and refine best practice and procedure. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Applications close Tuesday 19 February 2019.

InBrief Submissions - please email to: inbrief@vicbar.com.au 
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 14th February 2019