In Brief Issue #908

12Apr

New Coroners Court Pro Bono Scheme

The Victorian Bar and the Coroners Court have worked together over recent months to create a pilot of a new pro bono scheme, which will commence in the coming weeks, ahead of a formal launch in June. A copy of the agreement between the Court and the Bar is available here.

The scheme is designed to fill gaps in the provision of legal assistance and representation to people affected by the coronial process who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives.

Under the scheme, Coroners will be able to request the assistance of pro bono counsel, in appropriate cases, in relation to:

  • applications for review of the appointment of a person as senior next of kin;
  • appeals to the Supreme Court from a decision of a Coroner to direct that an autopsy be performed;
  • appeals to the Supreme Court from a decision of a Coroner to refuse a request for an autopsy;
  • appeals to the Supreme Court from a decision of a Coroner to release a body to a certain person; and
  • exceptional circumstances.

The “exceptional circumstances” category is intended to cover situations where a Coroner forms the view that it is both necessary and in the interests of justice to refer a matter for pro bono assistance under the Scheme.

The Coroners Court has developed a Pro Bono Referral Scheme Guide setting out relevant legal principles, legislative provisions and case law in relation to each of the principal categories that may be the subject of referral under the Scheme. The Guide will be provided to barristers participating in the scheme, to assist in ensuring that high quality advice and representation can be provided, noting that assistance is often required on very tight timelines.

For members of Counsel interested in building a practice in the Coroners Court, the Scheme will be a means of gaining valuable experience.

The finalisation of the Scheme is a fine example of collaboration between the Coroners Court and the Victorian Bar, directed at improving access to justice to vulnerable members of the community. It was only possible due to the hard work, over many months, of members of the Bar’s Pro Bono Committee, especially Meredith Schilling and Richard Wilson.  At the Coroners Court, the idea originated with the State Coroner, her Honour Judge Hinchey and has lately been championed by Coroner McGregor. My thanks and gratitude to all involved on this significant achievement. 

To express interest in participating in the Coroner’s Court Pro Bono Scheme, email probono@vicbar.com.au

Bar Dinner

Tickets are selling fast for the annual Victorian Bar dinner on Friday, 17 May 2019. As always, this will be a highlight of the annual calendar. Our guest speaker this year is the Honourable Anne Ferguson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

We have again secured, as the venue, the Plaza Ballroom (Melbourne’s answer to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry) at 191 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Yesterday, I attended one of the most solemn events in the President’s diary, the official Bar Dinner Menu Tasting, which I confess was my principal reason for standing for a second term. The food and wine are both exceptional.

Tickets are $220. There is a discounted rate of $130 dollars for readers from the September 2018 and March 2019 intakes. Book a table of 10, or ask to join a table either as a smaller group or an individual. Book now to avoid disappointment…click here to register.

 

A busy week

My public duties this week included representing the Bar at the ceremonial welcome for Justice O’Bryan in the Federal Court (speech available here) and attending the Supreme Court Prize Awards Ceremony (see below), one of those events that, because of the talent of the winners, naturally causes the mind to wander to a dark place about whether, nowadays, one would even get into law school or obtain a graduate position.

Behind the scenes, I chaired a meeting of the Bar Council’s Governance Working Group in relation to the forthcoming proposal to reform the Bar’s Constitution and attended an Ethics Committee meeting which was also attended by the Legal Services Commissioner and members of her staff.

 

Appointment

Congratulations to Stewart Anderson QC, who has been appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, commencing on 6 May.  I wish Stewart every personal and professional satisfaction in his new role. Details of his welcome will be advised when they become available.

 

Vale Andrew Bristow

A sad event at the Bar this week, with the loss of Andrew Bristow, who is remembered fondly throughout the judiciary and profession for his wit, charm, common sense and perception. The Bar’s obituary and details of the funeral may be found here.

Welcomes

My thanks to Geoff Dickson QC, who represented the Bar on Wednesday at the welcome for the Honourable Justice Norah Hartnett as a judge of the Family Court of Australia. Geoff's speech can be read here.

My speech at the welcome for Justice O’Bryan can be read here.

John Snaden will be both sworn in and welcomed as a judge of the Federal Court on Monday 29 April 2019 at 9.30am.

The profession will welcome the Hon Justice Tim McEvoy to the Family Court of Australia on Tuesday, 30 April 2019 at 4:30pm.

Vicbar News & Events
Practising Certificate & Professional Indemnity Insurance Renewal - 2019/20

The practising certificate (PC) renewals cycle for 2019/20 opened on Monday 18 March 2019. The deadline for renewing your PC without incurring a surcharge is 30 April 2019.

The LPLC requires payment of the professional indemnity insurance (PII) premium by 31 May 2019. Information regarding PII was distributed to members several weeks ago.

You should have received an email from the Legal Services Board (LSB) on Monday 18 March outlining details of the PC and PII renewal process. (Information is also provided on the Bar’s website).

Links for online lodgement are available through your member home page or you may go directly to LSB Online and LPLC website. Login to LSB Online and LPLC renewal using your Practitioner Number as the username (your Practitioner Number is published in the email sent to you by the LSB or you can contact the Bar office for assistance). If you experience technical difficulties, please contact the LSB Online help desk by email online@lsbc.vic.gov.au in the first instance.

The LSB Online service deals with all PC administrative matters. There is no printed PC renewal form. Should you require assistance renewing your PC, the Victorian Bar office can help you to access and use LSB Online, members who wish to attend the Bar office for assistance please do so between 9am - 3pm or contact Daphne Ioannidis on 9225 8326 to make an appointment.

The forms for LPLC Applicant Declaration (PII) are now available from the LPLC’s website or from the Victorian Bar Office on Level 5 205 William Street, however, practitioners are encouraged to renew online

Victorian Bar Dinner 2019 - 70% TICKETS SOLD

All members of the Bar and the Judiciary are invited to the annual Victorian Bar Dinner: 7pm, Friday 17 May 2019 at the Plaza Ballroom.

Our guest of honour this year is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honourable Anne Ferguson. We will be welcoming a long list of honoured guests, including the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC and State Attorney-General, the Honourable Jill Hennessy. As always, it promises to be a great night.

Click here to register online. You can book a ticket as an individual guest, as a guest on an organised table, or as a table organiser.

In the Bar’s approach to be more sustainable, we will not be sending hard copy invitations this year, only e-invitations. If you did not receive an invitation please contact alannah.jones@vicbar.com.au as we may not have a current email address for you.

We encourage members to book now to avoid disappointment, as 70% of tickets have already been sold.

Flu Shots 2019

Flu shots will be available for members in the Parents Room, Owen Dixon Chambers West on Tuesday 21 May 2019 from 7.30am – 1.00pm.

Bookings must be made online, and will be on a first in, first served basis.

Click here to book your time slot. 

Click here to download the Medical Consent Form.

Failed to meet your CPD requirements? Don’t panic…

The Vicbar CPD committee would like to remind members that the 2018/19 CPD year has ended and all members should now have completed the minimum of 10 CPD hours, covering all four CPD fields.

However, if you were unable to meet the CPD requirements by 31 March 2019, please follow these simple steps:

  1. When completing your PC renewal form online, you will need to identify as having not completed your CPD requirements. Those who self-identify as having not met the requirements will automatically be called up in this year’s CPD audit and required to submit a rectification plan.
  2. The LPUL Rules and Vicbar CPD Policy guidelines allows you to submit a rectification plan within 21 days, outlining the steps you intend to take to rectify the non-compliance.  Please see Rectification Plan Template
  3. Confirm when you have completed your rectification plan.
  4. If you believe you have extenuating circumstances and would like to apply for a CPD exemption, please ensure you notify the CPD committee as soon as possible. Please include any supporting documentation.

All queries and correspondence should be directed by email to CPDAudit@vicbar.com.au.    

Lawyer’s Mediation Certification Course

The Victorian Bar is proud to present the 2019 Lawyer's Mediation Certification Course.  Few spots remaining – book now to avoid disappointment.

The course runs over 6 days in early May as an intensive and interactive educational experience.  The participants will learn negotiation strategies, participate in a number of role-playing simulations, and receive personalised feedback from highly skilled mediation practitioners.

COST:  $3075 (inc GST) for Members*

            $3590 (inc GST) for Non-members

A discount of 10% is available to participants in the March 2019 or September 2018 Reader's Courses.

DATE:  3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12 May 2019, 8.30 – 18.00

WHERE:  Owen Dixon Chambers East, Level 1, 205 William Street, Melbourne

CPD POINTS:  8 CPD points are available in the Ethics & Professional Responsibility; and Barrister Skills categories.

The Victorian Bar is proud to have amongst its members some of the most experienced lawyer mediation practitioners in the country. If you would like more information please click here, or register for the course please fill out the online form.

Expert Evidence Workshop

Presented by The Victorian Bar

The ability to work with expert witnesses is now a requirement for every area of practice. This workshop is a good opportunity to conference with, examine and cross examine expert witnesses in guided simulations. This workshop is suitable for barristers at all levels of seniority.

MODERATORS
Prof the Hon George Hampel AM QC
Elizabeth Brimer SC
Diana Price

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Delivered in three evening sessions, this workshop is suitable for all areas of practice and all levels of seniority.

NEW DATES and TIMES
Introduction Session 1:
Tuesday 14 May 2019 (5.00pm – 7.00pm)

Session 2: 
Tuesday 28 May 2019
(5.00 – 7.00pm)

Session 3: 
Tuesday 4 June 2019
(5.00 – 7.00pm)

VENUE
Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 Williams St

CPD POINTS
This Seminar is a component of the Victorian Bar CPD Program and will carry 6 CPD points.

COST
$350

Registration
Numbers in this workshop are strictly limited.
Click here to register.

Commanding the Room Seminar

Presented by The Victorian Bar

“You graphically reminded me of the value of giving your instrument, (the voice) its full potential" - Ian Gray (Former Chief Magistrate)

In this practical workshop with Richard Lawton, you will develop skills in:-

  • Vocal delivery strength
  • Communication style
  • Body language awareness
  • Breath control for handling nerves
  • Tips for delivering a clear story

Richard is a master voice and presentation coach delivering training on The Reader’s Course since 2012, and also at Lander and Rogers, Freehills, Vic.Legal Aid, and The N.S.W. Bar Assoc. For 5 years he has co-faciltated the ‘As She Speaks’ programme for women at K&L Gates, and Baker McKenzie. His past life as a theatre director gives him a unique capacity for individual coaching and bringing out the best in people.

Numbers are limited to enable individual coaching and small group practice.

MODERATOR
Richard Lawson

DATE and TIME
Wednesday, 15 May 2019
(5.00 – 7.00pm)

VENUE
Neil McPhee Room, Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 Williams St

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

COST
$100

Registration
Click here to register.
Registrations close Thursday 9 May.

Law Week Events at the Victorian Bar 13-19 May 2019

Step up to the Bar

Presented by the Victorian Bar, Step Up to the Bar will inform lawyers, students and the interested members of the general public of what to expect in a career at the Bar.

Find out what life at the Bar is like from the barristers who’ve done it all before — from setting up Chambers to establishing a client base, appearing in Court and balancing work and family life. Discover how you might become a barrister. Learn about the Bar Readers’ Course and what it’s like to sit the bar exam. Hear about the clerking system — how to become a barrister’s clerk or how to find one. Find out about our mentoring program.

After the panel, attendees have the opportunity to meet members of the VicBar, legal service providers and clerks.

DATE: Tuesday 14 May 2019, 5pm – 7pm

VENUE: Neil McPhee Room, Owen Dixon Chambers East, Level 1, 205 William Street, Melbourne

REGISTER: https://vicbar.formstack.com/forms/law_week_step_up_to_the_bar

 

New Faces of the Bar

Come along to this event to hear diverse Victorian barristers share their stories and experiences and shed light onto life as a contemporary barrister.

The Victorian Bar is an association of proudly independent, fearless advocates.  A barrister is an independent lawyer with specialist skills in advocacy before the court, dispute resolution, strategy and advice.  It’s a diverse, interesting, challenging and rewarding legal career.

The Bar has come a long way since its foundation in 1884.  Even a generation ago it remained a small association of approximately 400 barristers.  In 2019 the Bar has grown to over 2100 practicing barristers.  The Bar is committed to promoting equality and diversity in the legal profession.  It is committed to the principles of justice, integrity, equity and the pursuit of excellence.

The present Victorian Bar is made up of barristers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, attracting lawyers whatever their background, personal circumstances, gender identity, race, sexuality, disabilities or beliefs.

DATE: Wednesday 15 May 2019, 5pm - 6:30pm

VENUE: The Essoign, Owen Dixon Chambers East, Level 1, 205 William Street, Melbourne

REGISTER: https://vicbar.formstack.com/forms/law_week_new_faces_of_the_bar

 

Sir Owen Dixon – the Man, the Portrait, the Artefacts

Sir Owen Dixon (1886-1972) was Australia’s sixth Chief Justice and one of the world’s premier legal minds. His impact is still felt throughout the Australian legal community.

Combining legal, social, art and costume history, this presentation explores the life, times and legacy of the Honourable Chief Justice Dixon. Discover a range of portraits and artefacts from the Victorian Bar’s collection.

DATE: Thursday 16 May 2019, 5pm – 7pm

VENUE: The Peter O’Callaghan QC Gallery, Owen Dixon Chambers, 205 William Street, Melbourne

REGISTER: https://vicbar.formstack.com/forms/law_week_sir_owen_dixon_the_man_the_portrait_the_artefacts

 

Chocolate and Wine, I Thought I Was Fine

Have you ever considered a career as a barrister or wondered what exactly barristers do?

This special performance showcases the skills of counsel against the background of a bail application. After the performance, you’ll have the opportunity to meet practising barristers and ask questions.

DATE: Saturday 18 May 2019, 10.30am – 11.30am OR Saturday 18 May 2019, 1.30pm – 2.30pm

VENUE: County Court of Victoria, Court 4.2, 250 William Street, Melbourne

Bookings not required – please arrive early to secure a seat

The Victorian Bar Choir: Term 2 restarts Thursday 2 May 2019

Join fellow barristers and members of the VicBar community for an hour of relaxation and fun. Experience and obvious talent not required. All welcome.

Click here to view the flyer

Click here for the registration form

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
“Gallipoli,” an exhibition by David Munro at the Essoign Club

5:00pm - 6:30pm on Wednesday 24th of April (Anzac Day Eve) Opened by his Honour Judge Trapnell.

A suite of paintings inspired by David’s visits to Gallipoli and original WW1 photographs.

A note about the artist David Munro:

David Munro is a retired member of the Victorian Bar (Bar Roll No 975). He came to the Bar after an adventurous life, having left school at 14 years old. He completed his schooling at night school whilst working as a law clerk and training as a commando with the Citizen Military Forces. He became a soldier and served in Special Forces (Commando) and was later commissioned, serving as an Intelligence Officer and finishing as Lieutenant Colonel.

He was called to the Bar in 1971 and retired in 2008.

The paintings on the walls around you are part of a suite of images of the topography of the Gallipoli campaign. David Munro has drawn his inspiration from six visits to the site and original WW1 photographs.

Click here to view the invitation to David’s exhibition.

Member Benefits Australia - April exclusive member offers

Don't miss out on these exclusive member deals for April with some great offers and gift ideas.

 

VGLS: The Sir Edmund Herring Trophy

The Sir Edmund Herring Trophy

Easter Tuesday, 23 April 2019

 

To be contested on the North Course of Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, corner Skye Rd and Karingal Drive, Frankston.

Bench and Bar vs Solicitors

in a 4BBB Stableford teams format.

Registration and use of practice facilities from 7.30am

Course briefing at approx. 8.00am outside the pro shop

Tee off (mini shotgun start) commences at 8.30am

 

Lunch:

Holmes List, Barristers are generously providing lunch.

This is an opportunity for you all to enjoy the fabulous new club house.

Lunch will commence immediately after play concludes.

 

Cost: $150 per person. 

(PKCGC members will have the green fee component credited 

to their club accounts in the next monthly billing cycle)

 

RSVP by Monday, 15 April 2019: 

to carolinepaterson@vicbar.com.au and please indicate the following:

  1. Whether you require a cart
  2. Your preferred playing partner
  3. Any dietary requirements

New members of the VGLD are always welcome! 

ATTENTION ALL GOLFERS

Designed to cater for golfers of all abilities, our Golf Body Screening is conducted over three 45 minutes sessions with our Allied Health staff.

MOVE BETTER, SWING BETTER, SHOOT LOWER

To book your appointment email admin@absolutehealthperformance.com.au, phone 03 8547 4830, or pay us a visit at 199 William St.

Kitchen Night Menu

Every Thursday and Friday till 7.00pm

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to check out what is on offer on our “Kitchen Night Menu” please see the attached menu.

Lyrical Lunchtimes Concert Series

BottledSnail Productions is pleased to announce the return of our Lyrical Lunchtimes concert series in the Law Library for 2019. Our first concert for the year will be on Thursday 18 April at 1.15pm in the Law Library, 210 William Street.

As always, the concerts are free and there is no need to book. For further details contact Kylie.Weston-Scheuber@vicbar.com.au.

Click here for more information

Habeas Chorus is seeking singers

Habeas Chorus is seeking singers with a musical background to join us for our upcoming concert in July!

Habeas Chorus is a choral experience for all members of the Melbourne legal profession, including practitioners, support staff and students. Habeas Chorus provides an escape from the daily pressures of the workplace, an opportunity to build new relationships, and to present a range of music with a commitment to excellence and passion. Each term explores different repertoire and thematic ideas, from classical standards to clever pop arrangements.

This term’s concert is a collaboration between Habeas Chorus and the Lawchestra, featuring Fanny Mendelssohn’s Hiob Cantata, The Promise Lives on by Rosaphanye Powell, and other inspiring works by female composers.

Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings at 7.00pm.

For further details contact diana.costaras@vicbar.com.au.

Practice & Profession News
Expansion of County Koori Court sittings to Warrnambool

Please find below a letter from the County Court regarding the expansion of County Koori Court sittings to Warrnambool.

Family Court Practice Direction No. 1 of 2019

Please click here for a new Family Court of Australia Practice Direction: No. 1 of 2019 – applications for leave to appeal.

The Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia takes a vital step towards reform and engages the Honourable Dr Chris Jessup QC to oversee development of unified family law processes

The legal profession and the community have called for changes to the family law system. In response, the Courts are taking a major step to improve family law in Australia. This includes establishing, for the first time, a common set of rules, forms and case management in the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

Thousands of families are involved in family law proceedings in Australia every year. The current system has been criticised as being confusing, inefficient and causing unacceptable delays. This is partly because it involves two different sets of rules, forms and processes. In an effort to rectify this problem, a working group of Judges of both Courts was established in February and government funding has been secured to properly resource this project. This endeavour has been a key priority of Chief Justice Alstergren since his appointment as Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in October 2017.

The Chief Justice is pleased to announce that former Federal Court Judge, the Hon Dr Chris Jessup QC, has this week accepted an invitation to Chair the Joint Rules Harmonisation Working Group. Dr Jessup QC will oversee the harmonisation project, and assist in developing a consistent approach to case management which places a priority on identifying risk to children.

“Dr Jessup QC, assisted by two barristers, will work closely with the Judges in the Working Group to draft a common set of rules and forms, and will be actively involved in consulting with all Judges, the profession and other stakeholders that have an interest in the jurisdiction. The appointment of an independent Chair to this position will ensure objectivity, transparency and confidence in the process.

“Despite the best efforts and integrity of individual Judges of both Courts, and the assistance of the profession, there has been a long history of unacceptable delays in having family law cases heard and determined. That needs to change as does our family law system, and I call upon the profession and other stakeholders to support this vital project as the Courts endeavour to improve access to justice for Australian families. The community should expect no less,” Chief Justice Alstergren said.

Council Releases Sentencing Snapshots for Seven Offences

The Council has released new Sentencing Snapshots detailing sentencing trends in the five years to 30 June 2018 for seven offences sentenced in the Victorian higher courts (the Supreme and County Courts):

Among the findings are:

  •    99% of the 132 people sentenced for murder received an immediate custodial sentence (imprisonment or another form of detention). The median (midpoint average) imprisonment term for murder was 22 years. The longest sentence imposed for murder was life imprisonment.
  •    99% of the 69 people sentenced for manslaughter received an immediate custodial sentence. The median imprisonment term was 8 years, and the longest sentence imposed was 12 years.
  •    97% of the 59 people sentenced for culpable driving causing death received an immediate custodial sentence. The median imprisonment term was 6 years, while the longest sentence imposed was 11 years. The average imprisonment term also rose over time, from 5 years and 11 months in 2013–14 to 7 years and 8 months in 2017–18.
  •    75% of the 124 people sentenced for arson received an immediate custodial sentence. The median imprisonment term was 2 years, while the longest sentence imposed was 7 years and 9 months.
  •    74% of the 156 people sentenced for theft received an immediate custodial sentence. The median imprisonment term was 1 year and 6 months, while the longest sentence imposed was 4 years.

In addition, people were more likely to receive an immediate custodial sentence for obtaining property by deception (66% of the 77 people sentenced) than for obtaining a financial advantage by deception (53% of the 187 people sentenced). However, imprisonment lengths were more severe for the latter offence. The median imprisonment term for obtaining property by deception was 1 year and 8 months, and the longest sentence imposed was 4 years. The median imprisonment term for obtaining a financial advantage by deception was 2 years and 6 months, and the longest sentence imposed was 7 years.

Profession CPD & Events
ABA CONVERGENCE 2019 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN | Singapore | 11-12 July 2019

The ABA is delighted to announce registration for its Commercial Law conference in Singapore is now open.  Open to all members of the Australian and Asia-Pacific legal professions, we invite you to register for what will be an excellent 2-day conference and social program.

Visit the Convergence 2019 website now

Payment options include credit card or EFT at a later date.  

Among the confirmed speakers are:

  • The Hon Susan Kiefel AC, Chief Justice of Australia
  • The Hon Sundaresh Menon, Chief Justice of Singapore
  • The Hon Stephen Gageler AC, High Court of Australia
  • The Hon Andrew Phang, Supreme Court of Singapore
  • The Hon Dr Michael Hwang SC, Dubai International Financial Centre Courts
  • The Hon Craig Colvin, Federal Court of Australia
  • The Hon Jacqueline Gleeson, Federal Court of Australia
  • The Hon A S Bell, President, NSW Court of Appeal
  • The Hon Judith C Kelly, Supreme Court of the Northern Territory​
  • The Hon John Vaughan, Supreme Court of Western Australia
  • V. K. Rajah, former Attorney-General of Singapore 
  • Judith Gill QC, 20 Essex Street Chambers, London Court of International Arbitration
  • Fedelma C. Smith, Senior Legal Counsel, Permanent Court of Arbitration
  • Kathryn Haigh, General Counsel, AUSTRAC
  • Cameron Ford, Senior Corporate Counsel, Rio Tinto
  • George Lim SC, Chair, Singapore International Mediation Centre
  • Samuel Chacko, Legis Point LLC, Singapore
  • Jimmy Chan, Clifford Chance, Hong Kong
  • Dinesh Dhillon, Allen & Gledhill, Singapore
  • Professor Bryan Horrigan, Dean, Faculty of Law, Monash University 
  • Michelle Quigley, Group Manager, Legal & Risk, AusGroup

Registration is available from just $1,990 (excluding flights and accommodation), and a tax invoice will be sent once successfully registered. 

Unable to attend?  The ABA is also pleased to announce that you can now sponsor a barrister of under 7 years practice to attend the conference. ​

For more information, please visit the event website or contact the events team at events@austbar.asn.au.

Aviation Law Conference 1-3 May 2019

The ALAANZ 2019 Conference takes play Wednesday 1 May - Friday 3 May here in Melbourne.

Click here to view the flyer for more information

Switch On in the Law Library… Locating unreported judgments

Thursday 2 May, 1.15pm-1.45pm

This training session, held in the Supreme Court Library, provides guidance for locating unreported judgments of the Victorian Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates’ Court and VCAT. You will find out which online free and subscription websites hold judgments and what to do when you cannot find what you are looking for.


All are welcome and entry is free. To register please email libraryevents@supcourt.vic.gov.au

The Honourable Jennifer Coate AO Commissioner for the Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission

Join us for breakfast with The Honourable Jennifer Coate AO


Commissioner for the Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission

Speaking as part of our continuing series “The Anatomy of a Royal Commission” on:

The benefits of the inquiry style of proceeding and its role in the broader legal system and policy development. 

Date:
8 May 2019

Time: 
7.15am - 8.45am
Breakfast 7.15am-7.45am
Presentation 7.45am - 8.45am

Venue:
Monash University Law Chambers, 
555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Cost:
$Free
(but please register via the link below for seating and catering purposes)

CPD Units:
Please note this seminar qualifies for 1 CPD unit
for Solicitors and Barristers.

Click here to RSVP

 

CIArb Australia Branch Courses

 Please find below links to upcoming courses from the Chartered Institute of Artibitrators (Australia) Limited

IBA Annual Conference Seoul 2019

The IBA's Annual Conference 2019 is taking place in Seoul, South Korea between the dates of 22-27 September 2019.

More information on the Conference is available on the IBA website and in the live programme.

Careers & Opportunities
Banking and Financial Services Law Association - Annual Scholarship and Research Essay Prize

2019 RESEARCH ESSAY COMPETITION

PRIZE POOL OF A$12,000

The Banking and Financial Services Law Association is the leading professional organisation for banking and financial services law in Australia and New Zealand. The BFSLA’s objects include the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge of banking and financial services law and practice in Australia and New Zealand, including by encouraging research.

To that end, each year the BFSLA invites citizens and permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand to submit research essays on important matters in banking and financial services law and/or practice (including insolvency) that are currently topical in Australia or New Zealand, in competition for a prize pool.

The prize pool in 2019 is A$12,000.

Entries must be submitted by 5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, 5 July 2019. The winner or winners, if any, will be announced at or around the BFSLA’s annual conference, which this year will be held from Thursday, 29 August 2019 to Saturday, 31 August 2019 at the Sheraton Mirage resort on the Gold Coast.

To be eligible, entries need to display a high degree of legal scholarship and original thinking, and to be of a standard, as regards both content and presentation, that is suitable for publication in a refereed law journal.

For a full list of conditions, more information about the prize and an explanation of how to enter, go to the Association’s website, bfsla.org.

If you have any other questions about the prize, please email Julia Clancy at 2019researchprize@bfsla.org.

Chair of the Coronial Council of Victoria

The Attorney-General is seeking expressions of interest for a new Chair of the Coronial Council of Victoria (Council) for a term of three years. The Chair would be eligible to apply for reappointment at the expiration of the term, and is remunerated in accordance with the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines.

The position is an opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced person, with excellent leadership and management skills, and high-standing in the community, to lead the Council in advising the Attorney-General on matters of importance to Victoria’s coronial system. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the issues that arise in the coronial setting, a high level of integrity, strong decision-making and strategic thinking, and an ability to work collaboratively with Council members and stakeholders.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. Applications are welcome from people of all ages, genders and sexual orientations, people with a disability (adjustments to the recruitment process will be provided upon request), Aboriginal Victorians and Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Appointment is subject to probity checks, including a National Police Check.

To apply, please go to the Victorian Government's 'Get on Board' website. Applications close midnight on Sunday 12 May 2019.

InBrief Submissions - please email to: inbrief@vicbar.com.au 
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 17th April 2019