In Brief Issue #911

3May

Welcome to our newest 48 members!

Last night, the family and friends of our newest 48 members gathered to witness the March 2019 readers sign the Bar Roll in a ceremony held in the Banco Court.

Our newest colleagues are an impressive lot, diverse in their education, skills and backgrounds. After signing the Bar Roll, the readers attended the traditional dinner at the Essoign, where the guest speaker was the Hon Justice Richard Niall of the Court of Appeal.

The readers’ course teachers we thanked last night included her Honour Judge Elizabeth Brimer, who was in my own Readers’ Court intake late last century (the March 1999 course).  Judge Brimer was appointed to the County Court during the course and welcomed to the Court on the very same day as the signing ceremony.

My thanks, on behalf of the whole Bar, to all those involved in the Readers’ Course, including Vice-President Simon Marks QC, who chairs the Readers’ Course Committee, the members of that Committee, the Bar’s Education Manager, Nina Massara, Education Coordinator, Christina Mavropoulos and the 140-odd members of the judiciary and Bar who generously donate their time to provide our readers with world-class training in oral and written advocacy, evidence and ethics.

 

Bar Dinner – last chance

This year’s annual Bar Dinner is now only two weeks away, on Friday 17 May. Our guest of honour will be the Hon Anne Ferguson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with after dinner entertainment by the Baker Boys Band. The dinner will be held at the Plaza Ballroom, an incredible venue, with great food and wine. It’s always a great night: a chance to catch up with colleagues from the Bar and Bench, to renew old friendships and to make new ones.

If you have been procrastinating, now is the time to book. There is no need to organise a complete table, although of course you can do that if you wish—if you reserve a single ticket, or a ticket with a friend or group of friends, we’ll do the rest. Get your tickets here.

 

Another last chance – early bird tickets for the ABA ‘Convergence’ Conference in Singapore

Now that the Easter and Anzac Day breaks are behind us, one’s mind naturally wanders to plans to escape the depths of Melbourne’s winter in July. This year there is an obvious choice: Australia’s world-class conference for litigators, the Australian Bar Association’s biennial conference, Convergence 2019.

Time is running out to purchase early bird tickets: you have only until next Wednesday, 8 May.

Featured speakers include the Hon Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC of the High Court of Australia, and the Hon Chief Justice Sudaresh Menon of the Supreme Court of Singapore.

Click here to view a flyer about the speakers. Click here to view the program. Click here to register

There are special delegate airfares with Singapore Airlines, including for families, to Singapore and beyond, with the specials extending to post-conference destinations.

This will be the conference highlight of the year—a unique opportunity to meet up with colleagues from the other independent referral Bars of Australia, obtain your annual quota of CPD points at sessions presented by pre-eminent members of the judiciary and the profession, and get some sun in the middle of Melbourne’s winter.

 

Position Vacant: Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga

Speaking of winter, as we consider Melbourne’s inconvenient commuter distance from the tropics, I draw members’ attention to the attached notice, inviting eminently qualified persons to express an interest in appointment to the role of Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga. The position is expected to become vacant in December 2019. The appointment will be made by the King in Privy Council on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel established by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Tonga. 

 

Bar Council By-Election nominations close Mon 6 May, voting commences Wed 8 May

Nominations close on Monday for the Bar Council by-election to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Jacinta Forbes QC to the Supreme Court.  Online voting will be open between 9am on Wednesday 8 May and 5pm Wednesday 15 May, with the poll being declared at a meeting of Bar Council the following day. More details in the notice below.

 

William Ah Ket Scholarship – launch on 22 May 2019

Members with no more than five years’ post-admission experience are eligible to apply for the 2019 William Ah Ket Scholarship, which is valued at $6,000. The scholarship is awarded for the best paper on a topic relating to equality, diversity and the legal profession or the law. There are two further prizes of $1,000 for short-listed entrants. 

Expressions of interest to submit an essay are open until Friday 31 May 2019, with the deadline for essays being 9 August 2019. The scholarship will be launched on 22 May at the Chinese Museum, 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne, where celebrated Victorian Bar member William Ah Ket is included in the current exhibition, ‘One Million Stories’.

 

 

A busy week

This week, I represented the Bar at the welcome for the Honourable Justice John Snaden in the Federal Court on Monday.  I thank Senior Vice-President Wendy Harris QC for representing the Bar at the welcome for the Hon Justice Tim McEvoy in the Family Court on Tuesday. I also thank Junior Vice-President Simon Marks QC for representing the Bar at the welcome for Her Honour Judge Elizabeth Brimer on Thursday.  Click the links to read the speeches.

Behind the scenes, I met with Chief Judge Kidd of the County Court and the editors of the Bar News.  The Executive of Bar Council met on Thursday.

Forthcoming welcomes

Stewart Anderson QC will be both sworn in and welcomed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia on Monday 6 May 2019 at 9.30am.

The profession will welcome the Hon Justice Jacinta Forbes as a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday 10 May at 9.15am.

George Georgiou SC will be sworn in and welcomed in the County Court on Thursday 9 May at 9.15am.

The Bench Welcome for Magistrates’ Pillai and Dootjes has been confirmed for Tuesday 14 May at 9:15am in Court 1.

Vicbar News & Events
Victorian Bar Dinner 2019 – LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

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, RSVPs close on Monday 6 May 2019 at 5pm

Reminder: Nominations for the 2019 Bar Council by-election

Nominations for the 2019 Bar Council by-election close on Monday 6 May 2019.

Nominations must reach the Honorary Secretary on or before 5pm, Monday 6 May 2019 at the Bar office, Level 5, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, or by email at denise.bennett@vicbar.com.au.

Nominations received out of time cannot be accepted

Online voting opens at 9am on Wednesday 8 May 2019.

PC & PII 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 has now past. Should you still need to renew your PC, please refer to the email sent from the Legal Services Board (LSB) on Monday 18 March, which  outlined details of the PC and PII renewal process. (Information is also provided on the Bar’s website).

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

Corporate Counsel Engagement Project and Pilot Program Breakfast Briefing

In 2018, the Bar conducted a 'listening tour' of General Counsel to further understand the decline in market share of the Commercial Bar. 

The results of the listening tour led to the establishment of the Corporate Counsel Engagement Working Group, which aims to address the findings of the listening tour by implementing, among other activities, a pilot program which we will be inviting all members who accept briefs in commercial law, public law, employment law, and government and regulatory matters, to be a part of. 

To learn more about the results of the listening tour, the content of the pilot, and how you can express your interest in being a participant, join us for breakfast in the Neil McPhee room on Wednesday 8 May.

I will be hosting the briefing, with support from our President, Dr Matt Collins QC.

This is an opportunity for discussion about how we can collectively and collegiately maintain and expand our market share, and improve communication with in-house counsel, corporate counsel, general counsel, and government lawyers.

Please click here to read more about the inception of the project, and further details of the pilot program. 

We hope to see as many of you as possible at this event -  for your efforts, breakfast and refreshments will be served.

Kind regards,

Wendy Harris QC

Applications for Silk close on Friday 31 May, 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 opened on 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.

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 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.

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 (VicBar Members Only)
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

Clerking Review

The Bar Council is conducting a review into the clerking system.  The terms of reference can be viewed here.  Three major questions raised by the review are:

  • Should the Bar regulate the clerks and lists and, if so, how should that be done?
  • With which rules and obligations should clerks be required to comply?
  • How might the clerking system be improved?

If you wish to respond to any of those questions, or have any comments on any of the other matters raised by the terms of reference, or any suggestions on how the clerking system might be improved, please email Stewart Maiden QC and Gabi Crafti by 17 May 2019.

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
12th Human Rights Arts and Film Festival 9-23 May

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. 

10 May 2019 LIV Young Lawyers and NBC social drinks

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!

Studio 11 Art Exhibition


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.  

Book Presale: Sir Owen Dixon’s Legacy

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.

Member Benefits Australia - May exclusive member offers

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

 

The Essoign Members May 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.

Practice & Profession News
JCV: 'A Ground Rules Hearing in Action’: Best practice video released by Judicial College of Victoria

The Judicial College of Victoria have released a best practice video: ‘A Ground Rules Hearing in Action’.

The video can be viewed here.  A preview trailer can be accessed here.

Click here to view the flyer for more information.

Discussion paper “Starts With Us: Sexism and Gender Inequality in the Victorian Legal and Justice Sector”

The goal of this paper is to generate discussion about gender inequality and sexism in the Victorian legal and justice sector that will lead to meaningful action and positive change.

Starts With Us is for and by the legal and justice workforce. The forthcoming phase of Starts With Us is the collaborative development of a sector-wide action plan. The action plan will build upon the knowledge captured in this discussion paper and make use of relevant, successful frameworks and tools, such as the Our Watch (2019) Workplace Equality and Respect package. The plan will also incorporate sector-wide initiatives, coordination and resourcing. To maximise its effectiveness and ensure it reflects the nuances of legal and justice workplaces, the action plan will be driven by organisations from across the sector.

Reappointment of Manager to Alexander Whitehouse & Co

The Legal Services Board has re-appointed a Manager to Alexander Whitehouse & Co for a further six months, expiring on 6 November 2019.

Mr Green was initially appointed in February this year because a legal practitioner associate involved in the Law Practice had died and the Board was satisfied that there was a need for an independent person to be appointed to take over professional and operational responsibility for the Law Practice.

Members of the Victorian Bar who have been briefed and/or undertaken work for the Law Practice should check to ensure any outstanding invoices or other matters are brought to the attention of Mr Green on (03) 9296 2067 or at ben@btglegal.com.au.  The clerks have been been notified of the appointment.

Profession CPD & Events
ABA CONVERGENCE 2019 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY 8 MAY – NO EXTENSIONS POSSIBLE

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from some of the profession’s greatest minds and enjoy networking with colleagues from throughout Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Asia.  Register from as little as $1,990*

REGISTER NOW

 

Wednesday 10 July: Arrival Drinks

Mr Stork

Nestled at the rooftop on Level 39 of the Andaz, Mr Stork is a destination bar providing 360-degree views of the city. Named after the white and long-legged birds, which are often viewed as a good omen, Mr Stork houses ten teepee huts and relaxed seating set amid lush tropical landscaping to best enjoy the breathtaking views.

Dress: smart casual                       

 

Thursday 11 July: Welcome Party 

Aura, National Gallery of Singapore

Spanning across two floors of National Gallery Singapore, Aura is an elegant and modern multi-concept dining destination by Michelin star chef-restaurateur Beppe de Vito.  Join delegates at the former Supreme Court of Singapore as we celebrate the conclusion of day 1 with spectacular views of Singapore.

Dress: smart 

                    

Friday 12 July: Gala Dinner

The Clifford Pier, Fullerton Bay Hotel

The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a modern hotel that pays tribute to a bygone era. Infused with a sense of refinement and a style that is both contemporary and international, its iconic dining destination is The Clifford Pier.  Join colleagues under the white vaulted ceiling at this fabulous destination as we celebrate the close of the conference.

Dress: black-tie                

For more information on the excellent program, speakers and sponsors of Convergence, please visit the website: http://convergence2019.com.au  

Enquiries

Camilla Gray

ABA Event Manager

E: rsvp@austbar.asn.au

T: 02 9229 1720

M: 0411 323 873

*Junior Bar under 7 years at the bar - first 30 registrants

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

Cross-discipline Collaboration for Children in Family Law Disputes

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.

Learn more about the Supreme Court during Law Week

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.

Melbourne Catholic Lawyers' Association breakfast

The MCLA is hosting a breakfast on Monday 20 May with Rod Dreher, best selling author of “The Benedict Option”.

The breakfast will take place at 7.30 at the Essoign Club.  The cost is $35 and is payable by Tuesday 14 May.  All welcome - please see www.catholiclawyers.com.au for details.

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
Appointments to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

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.

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.

Job Vacancy - Chief Justice of Tonga

JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS AND DISCIPLINE PANEL

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL VACANCY

Lord Chief Justice

Kingdom of Tonga

The Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel, established by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Tonga, makes recommendations to the King in Privy Council on the appointment of eminently qualified persons to the Judiciary.

The Panel hereby notifies that a vacancy is expected in December 2019 for the position of Lord Chief Justice.

Expressions of interest should be sent by e-mail to Ms. Rosamond Bing, Clerk (Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel) at rosamond.c.bing@gmail.com.

All expressions of interest will be treated in the strictest confidence.

2019 William Ah Ket Scholarship launches

The 2019 William Ah Ket Scholarship is now open for expressions of interest.

The scholarship – named after Australia’s first barrister of Chinese background – is open to final year law students, law graduates undertaking practical legal training and young lawyers with no more than five years’ post-admission experience.

Applicants are required to write a paper researching a topic relating to equality, diversity and the legal profession or the law.

The winner of the Scholarship will receive $6,000. A further $1,000 prize will be given to two shortlisted entrants.

Expressions of interest to submit an essay are open until Friday, 31 May 2019. The deadline for submitting an essay is 9 August 2019.

The William Ah Ket Scholarship is an initiative by the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) and sponsored by law firm Maddocks. It is designed to recognise the historical contribution of William Ah Ket to the legal profession as the first Asian Australian barrister in Australia.

William studied at the University of Melbourne and then completed his articles at the firm of Maddock & Jamieson (now Maddocks) in 1903. William joined the Bar in 1904, becoming the first Chinese barrister to practise in Melbourne.

The judging panel for this year’s scholarship will be:

  • The Honourable Michelle Gordon AC, Justice of the High Court of Australia
  • The Honourable Helen Murrell, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Australian Capital Territory
  • Professor Sally Wheeler OBE, Dean of ANU College of Law
  • Patrick Ibbotson, Chairman and Partner of Maddocks

The winner will be announced by the Honourable Susan Kiefel AC, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, in Canberra in October 2019.

To submit an expression of interest or for more information on the William Ah Ket Scholarship, head to the AALA website.

An event to officially launch the William Ah Ket Scholarship will be held on 22 May 2019 at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne. If you would like to attend, please register here.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jason Silverii
Communications Manager, Maddocks
Tel: 3 9258 3509
Mobile: 0407 618 058
jason.silverii@maddocks.com.au

InBrief Submissions - please email to: inbrief@vicbar.com.au 
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 9th May 2019