In Brief Issue #910

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. 

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, State Attorney-General, the Honourable Jill Hennessy and State Shadow Attorney-General, the Honourable Edward O’Donohue. 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 over 90% of tickets have already been sold.

RSVPs close on Friday 3 May 2019 at 5pm

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Hon Anne Ferguson, this week released details of the silk appointment process for 2019. Suitably experienced lawyers who are officers of the Supreme Court of Victoria are eligible to apply to the Chief Justice to be appointed to the office of Senior Counsel.

Applications will open this coming Monday, 29 April 2019 and close on Friday 31 May 2019 at 5pm. Members should note that the closing date for applications is earlier than it has been in recent years.

The detailed process for the appointment of Senior Counsel in 2019 can be found here. The Chief Justice has published an important message for intending applicants, which can be found here.

Anyone contemplating applying for silk should read each of those documents carefully. They identify, among other matters, the criteria for appointment as silk and the process for appointment. There are some changes to the process this year of which intending applicants should be aware.

Applicants who have questions about the process, or inquiries concerning completion of the application form, are welcome to contact me on a confidential basis at any time.

There will be an information session for silk candidates at 1pm on Thursday 9 May 2019 in the Neil McPhee room. The information session will be made available for viewing on the Victorian Bar website as soon as possible after that date.

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.

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.

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 QC
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.

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 (VicBar Members Only)
Click here to register
Registrations close Thursday 9 May.

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

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

See the #storiesthatmatter and check out HRAFF’s 2019 program featuring an incredible line up of films, art and performances, including Opening Night Film, Damon Gameau’s 2040 (9 May), Australia Says Yes about the Yes campaign and the lead up to achieving marriage equality (15 May), Stop the Boats featuring Behrouz Boochani and Julian Burnside QC (18 May), Wik v Queensland featuring Noel Pearson and Marcia Langton (19 May) and The Panama Papers (11 May). Visit www.hraff.org.au for more info and tickets. 

The LIV Young Lawyers and Victorian Bar New Barristers’ Committee wish to invite you to their upcoming social drinks at The Emerald Peacock on Friday 10 May from 5:30pm onwards. This networking event is a great opportunity to socialise with peers in a relaxed, informal environment – with 2 for 1 cocktail spritzers available on the night this event is not to be missed!

Ship of Fools, stoneware, by Alexandra Copeland 36cm x 36cm

Studio 11, located on level 11 Owen Dixon Chambers East, is delighted to share its current exhibition with you, Eclectic Themes, featuring original art work and ceramics by Alexandra Copeland as well as jewellery, by Jenny Brennan. You are welcome to view the exhibition during business hours. As you may know, the Studio 11 initiative started in 2015 and is run on voluntary basis. The idea is to vary and enliven the work space and offer all members of the Victorian Bar community an opportunity to view and enjoy original art in a convenient setting, as part of the everyday. As usual, all works are for sale. There is no commission payable. Work sheets are available on level 11 Owen Dixon Chambers East.  

Pre-order your copy now

Sir Owen Dixon is the most renowned jurist Australia has ever produced. His lasting significance stems not only from a mastery of the technique of the common law, but from his involvement in many of the most important decisions in Australia’s legal history. During the course of his long tenure on the High Court of Australia, Dixon oversaw the development of virtually every branch of the law. This volume contributes to the understanding of Dixon’s jurisprudence, his judicial method and present-day significance. It ranges widely over the various branches of the law which were enriched by his contributions. The contributors include leading scholars and jurists from across Australia.

The essays which comprise the volume are arranged in three sections. The first takes up a number of fundamental questions going to the character of Dixon’s judicial philosophy. Space is devoted to an assessment of the nature and merits of ‘legalism’, as well as a study of Dixon’s views of the Privy Council. The second section is concerned with his contributions to public law, including his decisions in respect of the criminal law. The third section is concerned with his judgments in private law, including his influence on real property, equity, contract and tort.

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

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.

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

Click here to view the flyer for more information

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

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

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

• Introduction To International Arbitration, 10 May, Perth, Australia
• Accelerated Route Toward Fellowship, 29 – 30 June, Sydney, Australia 

Wednesday 15 May 2019 from 3.30pm – 6.30pm at Deakin Downtown, Level 12, 727 Collins Street

Deakin Law School along with the School of Psychology invite you to an open seminar with Professor Jennifer McIntosh AM (Deakin University and Children Beyond Dispute) and Professor Amy Holtzworth-Munroe (Indiana University).

The researchers describe the processes of child inclusive mediation and child focused consultation. They discuss key features of shared training for law and psychology students and professionals to bring their disciplinary strengths together in highly conflicted disputes between parents.

Syd Balachandran, Clinical Solicitor at Deakin Law Clinic will lead a panel of discussants, including key stakeholders from the field and from the tertiary sector.

Click here for further information and registration details.

The Supreme Court has planned a record number of free events and tours as part of the Law Week 2019 program. The Court will also be opening its doors and holding a range of special events, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 18 May for Courts Open Day. Explore the history and heritage of the courthouse and chat to staff and judicial officers about the operation of the Supreme Court today. For more information please refer to the Supreme Court’s website.

The Attorney-General seeks expressions of interest for appointment as a magistrate of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

Magistrates are appointed by the Governor in Council, on the advice of the Attorney-General.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that Victoria’s courts and tribunals 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 Australians and people 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. Expressions of interest must be received no later than midnight on 19 May 2019.

Please note: Applicants who submitted an expression of interest in appointment as a magistrate before 1 January 2019 must resubmit an application if they wish to be considered for appointment.

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.