Random Banner 2
In Brief Issue #914
24May
A memorable Bar Dinner
My inbox has been full all week of rave reviews about the annual Bar Dinner held last Friday, tempered by a couple of “constructive suggestions” for next year—the opposite of the usual response to any major Bar event.
The general consensus appears to be that members enjoyed the pared back formalities, which freed up more time to socialise, catch up with colleagues, make new friends and, in the case of a higher-than-usual-number, dance.
The undisputed highlight of the night was the keynote speech by our guest of honour, the Chief Justice, the Hon Anne Ferguson, who answered a series of questions submitted anonymously by members of the Bar. There were too many to recount fully here, but my favourites included:
Question: Have you thought about bringing back wigs, just for bad hair days?
Answer: I suspect that question was submitted by a bald man. Wigs don’t solve bad hair days, they cause them.
Question: Chief Justice Kiefel is a fly fisher. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg has had a workout named after her. What’s the least Chief Justice-y thing about you?
Answer: I am the only Chief Justice ever to have had a hit on the iTunes chart [it’s true: if you haven’t done so yet, check out the superb Gertie’s Law podcast].
Other highlights of the night were the toast to the rule of law, by the Attorney-General, the Hon Jill Hennessy MP; the address by Senior Vice-President Wendy Harris QC, who introduced the Chief Justice and made a baffling joke about yours truly that no-one understood; and the Game of Thrones themed response to the Chief Justice’s speech by ABA President Jennifer Batrouney QC, who also proposed a toast to the independent Bars of Australia.
As always, the Bar office staff did a superb job in organising what was a memorable night. Special thanks go to Katherine Lorenz, Amanda Utt and Alannah Jones, among many others.
Applications for silk close on Friday 31 May, 5pm
A reminder that the deadline for applications for silk is earlier than usual this year, and is fast approaching.
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.
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.
Members who missed the Bar’s information session for silk candidates may view it here.
Town Hall meeting on proposed reforms to the Constitution of the Victorian Bar – 30 May, 5pm
Two weeks ago I summarised the purpose of proposed reforms to the Bar’s Constitution, which will be put to a Special General Meeting at 5pm on 12 June 2019 in the Neil McPhee room.
A Town Hall style meeting will be held to discuss the proposed changes, and to enable questions to be answered, on 30 May 2019 at 5pm in the Neil McPhee room.
There are other opportunities for you to inform yourself about the proposed changes, including by discussing the proposed reforms with a member of Bar Council. A meeting for your floor or interest group can be arranged with members of Bar Council by contacting the Executive Assistant to the President and the Bar Council, Denise Bennett, at denise.bennett@vicbar.com.au.
All members who are eligible to vote should consult the set of proposed special resolutions, explanatory memorandum, the proposed amended Constitution and the proxy form.
I urge members to get involved in the debate, to inform yourself about the changes and to attend the Special General Meeting on 12 June. If you are unable to attend, I urge you to appoint a proxy. An appointment of proxy form is available here.
The mystery of the lost robe bag … chapter 2
Several members have deduced that the embroidered initials “EDL” on the lost robe-bag that I mentioned in my message last week point to it having been once owned by the late Edward D Lloyd QC, aka “Woodsie”, who died in 1988.
Assistance is now sought as to who came to treasure the bag after Woodsie passed and was using it as recently as late last year, when it was found in a courtroom in the County Court. Please send any information to Angela Liantzakis, at Angela.M.Liantzakis@countycourt.vic.gov.au.
Bar nominee sought for appointment to the Board of the Victoria Law Foundation
The Bar is calling for expressions of interest for the position of Victorian Bar nominee to the Board of the Victoria Law Foundation. The position has become vacant due to the appointment of Judge Elizabeth Brimer to the County Court
Appointments are made by the Attorney-General pursuant to section 7(2)(b) of the Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009. Appointments are for a three-year term.
The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of members to external bodies can be found here. Your Expression of Interest should include a copy of your CV and identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise.
Please forward your expression of interest to Denise Bennett at denise.bennett@vicbar.com.au. The closing date for EOIs is Thursday 30 May 2019 at 5pm.
Bar nominee sought for the Law Council Equal Opportunity Committee
The Bar is also calling for expressions of interest for the position of Victorian Bar nominee to the Law Council of Australia’s Equal Opportunity Committee. The position has become vacant due to the appointment of Justice Jacinta Forbes to the Supreme Court. More details in the notice below.
Special RACV Club membership offer
The Victorian Bar has secured a special RACV Club membership offer for our members, with the joining fee waived before 30 June and significantly discounted thereafter, as well as a discount on the annual membership fee each year. Details in the notice below or on our member benefits page.
This is exciting news. Members of the RACV Club get access, at the City Club on Bourke Street, to a range of stylish dining venues, entertainment options and unique spaces including the billiards room and library. For an additional fee, members can obtain access to the fitness centre and pool. Members also benefit from access to the RACV Healesville Country Club in the Yarra Valley, as well as reciprocal rights to more than 160 clubs, located around the world.
This is a new offer to members of the Victorian Bar, and great value.
Other membership benefits
Members of the Victorian Bar are entitled to range of other discounts and benefits that are well worth a look.
The Victorian Bar has negotiated a number of exclusive offers, including gym memberships, cars, books and online subscriptions, wine, insurance and even discounted myki cards.
Even more benefits are available to all members of the Victorian Bar, via our membership of the Australian Bar Association, including discounts from major retailers and service providers.
If you haven’t familiarised yourself with these member benefits, you aren’t getting the maximum value from membership of your association.
Launch of the William Ah Ket Scholarship
On Wednesday evening, I attended the launch of the William Ah Ket scholarship for 2019. The scholarship honours a great Victorian barrister, William Ah Ket, who was the first barrister of Chinese background in Australia. William signed the Bar roll in 1904 and had a distinguished career at our Bar, despite facing impediments and discrimination because of his race. The scholarship of $6,000 (with two prizes of $1,000 to runners-up) is awarded each year to the applicant who produces the most outstanding research paper of 5,000 words or less on a topic dealing with equality, diversity and the legal profession or law, and is open to lawyers with no more than 5-years post-admission experience. More information is available here. The scholarship is an initiative of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association Inc and Maddocks.
Reconciliation week event – Wednesday 29 May, 5.15pm
National Reconciliation Week each year reminds us of two dates of significance to lawyers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. On 27 May 1967, over 90% of Australians voted Yes in the referendum to amend the power in s 51(xxvi) of the Constitution to enable the Parliament to make laws “for the people of any race for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws”. Almost exactly 25 years later, on 3 June 1992, the High Court recognised native title in the Mabo decision.
During Reconciliation Week, the Victorian Bar will host a Welcome to Country ceremony prior to a CPD jointly presented by the Indigenous Justice Committee and the Equality and Diversity Committee on legal issues affecting Indigenous Australians. All members of the Bar are welcome to attend the ceremony and CPD. I am delighted that a number of Indigenous law students and lawyers will join us for this event. More details in the notice below.
Caroline Kenny QC, Chartered Arbitrator
Congratulations to Caroline Kenny QC, who has recently been awarded Chartered Arbitrator status. She is the only woman in Australia to currently hold the rank.
Caroline is also the President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia).
The LPLC requires payment of the professional indemnity insurance (PII) premium by 31 May 2019. 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.
The practising certificate (PC) renewals cycle for 2019/20 is also open. Should you still need to renew your PC, links for online lodgement are available through your member home page or you may go directly to LSB Online.
You can login to LSB Online and the LPLC renewal site using your Practitioner Number as the username (your Practitioner Number is published in the email sent to you by the LSB in March or you can contact the Bar office for assistance).
If you require assistance renewing either your PC or your PII, please do so by attending the Bar office between 9am - 3pm or contact Daphne Ioannidis on 9225 8326 to make an appointment.
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.
The information session is available for viewing in the Members CPD Catalogue.
Presented by The Indigenous Justice Committee & The Equality and Diversity Committee
A CPD exploring current themes in civil, criminal and family law cases involving Indigenous clients. Hear from speakers working at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Djirra and Victoria Legal Aid. Hosted by the Victorian Bar as part of National Reconciliation Week.
Please join us for Welcome to Country and refreshments.
CHAIR
Magistrate Abigail Burchill
SPEAKERS
Patrick Warner, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Alan Dewis, Victoria Legal Aid
Kehndra Hooker, Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service, Djirra
DATE and TIME
Wednesday, 29 May 2019
5.15pm
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 one CPD point.
Registration (VicBar Members Only)
Click here to register
The Bar is calling for expressions of interest for the position of Victorian Bar nominee to the Board of the Victoria Law Foundation. The position has become vacant due to the appointment of Judge Elizabeth Brimer to the County Court.
Appointments are made by the Attorney-General pursuant to section 7(2)(b) of the Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009. Appointments are for a three-year term.
The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of members to external bodies can be found here. Your Expression of Interest should include a copy of your CV and identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise.
Please forward your expression of interest to Denise Bennett at denise.bennett@vicbar.com.au. The Closing date for EOIs is Thursday 30 May 2019 at 5pm.
The Bar is calling for expressions of interest for the position of Victorian Bar nominee to the Law Council of Australia Equal Opportunity Committee. The position has become vacant due to the appointment of Justice Jacinta Forbes to the Supreme Court.
Committees of the Law Council of Australia provide expert advice to the Law Council Secretariat on matters of legal policy.
The Equal Opportunity Committee (the Committee) considers issues related to equality, inclusion and diversity in the Australian legal profession. The current strategic priorities of the Committee include: advocating for the implementation of practical measures to address the issue of sexual harassment in the legal profession; promoting cultural diversity in the legal profession, including through information and thought sharing with other bodies; and, five years on from its initial publication, reflecting on the National Attrition and Reengagement Study (NARS). Most recently, the Committee provided guidance to the Law Council on its submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, and on its proposal for the National Collection of Cultural Diversity Data through the inclusion of three uniform questions in Constituent Bodies’ practicing certificates.
The Chair of the Committee is Ms Kate Eastman SC. Meeting dates are scheduled as follows: 18 July (5.00pm teleconference), 20 September (face-to-face meeting in Melbourne (TBC)), and 14 November (5.00pm teleconference). Work, including through self-nomination to sub-committees, continues ad hoc between meetings. Any member of the Victorian Bar with interest in these areas and the ability to attend the meetings is invited to apply.
The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of members to external bodies can be found here. Your Expression of Interest may include a copy of your CV and should identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise.
Please forward your expression of interest to Denise Bennett at denise.bennett@vicbar.com.au The Closing date for EOIs is Monday 10 June 2019 at 5pm.
The Equality and Diversity Committee’s Re-engagement Lunch will take place at 1pm on 17 June 2019 in the Bar Council Chambers, Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East.
The purpose of the lunch will be to bring together members of the Bar currently on parental leave, recently returned from parental leave or planning to take parental leave, to discuss how to approach practice after a period of leave, refresh knowledge of practice requirements, and to facilitate reconnection with colleagues.
CLICK HERE to register by Wednesday 12 June 2019
SAVE THE DATE
The Victorian Bar is pleased to announce the 2019 Junior Bar Conference has been confirmed for Friday, 21 June.
Speakers and Program are still to be finalised, but make sure you save the date in your calendar now.
Watch the website and In Brief for more details coming soon.
The VicBar office has been contacted regarding some lost jabots that were found on the footpath. If these jabots belong to you please contact communications@vicbar.com.au and we can put you in touch with the person who found them.
Chamber & Car Park Rental Increase – Effective 1 July 2019
The Board of Barristers' Chambers Limited has decided to increase chamber and car park rents by 3.75% from 1 July 2019.
Rents are reviewed annually after considering the costs of continuing to provide services across all our buildings and the need to fund our current and future projects.
Ninian Stephen Chambers Rental Increase – Effective 1 May 2019
Rent for Ninian Stephen Chambers will increase by 4.25% from 1 May 2019, reflecting the annual rental increase from the building’s owner under the lease.
The increase for May and June will be reflected in your June invoice.
BCL’s purpose is to provide cost-effective accommodation and technology services to the Bar. Throughout FY19 we have significantly reduced our costs, improved our responsiveness and increased the reliability of our technology services. There is still a significant amount of work to be completed, including developing a longer term property strategy to cater for the future needs of the Bar and ensure its continued financial strength.
Please contact BCL CEO Paul Clark on 9225 7962 or paul.clark@vicbar.com.au if you require any additional information.
John Karkar QC
Chairman
Barristers’ Chambers Limited
Proudly sponsored by the Victorian Bar and global law firm, Jones Day, 2019 CIArb Australia Business lunch will be held at Vue de Monde on Wednesday, 5 June 12 – 2 pm. Guest Speaker: Leah Ratcliff, Global Disputes, Jones Day. Caroline Kenny QC, CIArb Australia President will deliver Welcome Address and Wendy Harris QC, Senior Vice President, Victorian Bar will give the Vote of Thanks and Sponsor Remarks.
Upcoming CPD events:
You must be a member of the Victorian Bar and logged into the VicBar website to view the following events.
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.
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.
Don't miss out on these exclusive member deals for May with some great offers and gift ideas.
May travel deals and a special New York and Japan Snow Season deal.
Join us on Wednesday 19th June along with wine maker Pat Carmody for a three course dinner with matching Craiglee wines.
Craiglee is a local family run winery who have cemented itself as one of the finest producers of Shiraz and Chardonnay in Australia with its world class wines.
Limited spaces available and bookings are essential.
Book at www.trybooking.com/BCPOI
See attached for more information or to make a booking. For any enquiries please contact Marijana on 9225 6748.
Claim your RACV Club benefits today
The Victorian Bar has secured RACV Club benefits for its members in Melbourne City and Healesville.
A special introductory offer for Vic Bar members wanting to join the RACV Club ends on 30 June, 2019. If you join before 30 June 2019, the RACV will waive its joining fee, so the annual membership fee of $910 will be reduced to $520. Membership includes exclusive access to the RACV City Club in Melbourne’s CBD, the Healesville Country Club in the Yarra Valley, and over 160 reciprocal clubs globally.
By joining RACV Club, you gain access to a range of social, leisure and business facilities and services. You will receive a 50% discount on accommodation at RACV Resorts, as well as discounted dining and day spa packages through the club rewards program. Members also receive unlimited golf with their stay at the Healesville Country Club, which boasts one of the best golf courses in Australia.
Other exclusive offerings for RACV Club members includes access to the fully equipped business centre and discounted parking rates at the Melbourne CBD venue. An optional subscription to the RACV Club fitness facilities in Bourke Street (valued at $595) is also available to members.
- To become a member, print and complete this form.
- Scan and send your completed form to clubmembership@racv.com.au before 30 June, 2019.
- Click here for more information about the Victorian Bar’s associate corporate membership program with the RACV Club.
I am pleased to advise that the Commission's consultation paper on contempt of court was published online yesterday on the Commission's website (link below) together with a summary document.
https://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/projects/contempt-court-judicial-proceedings-reports-act-1958-and-enforcement-processes/contempt
The closing date for written submissions is 28 June 2019.
For ease of reference, click here for a copy of the consultation paper.
We look forward to discussing the reference further with you at our meeting on 18 July 2019.
Please note that a meeting agenda and papers will be circulated closer to the meeting date.
In the interim, should you have any queries, please do not hesitate in contacting either myself or Anna Beesley, the reference team leader.
Kind regards
Bruce Gardner PSM
Acting Chair
Victorian Law Reform Commission
Email: bruce.gardner@lawreform.vic.gov.au
Executive Assistant: andrea.lane@lawreform.vic.gov.au
Tel: +61 3 8608 7800
Fax: +61 3 8608 7888
Level 3 / 333 Queen St
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
www.lawreform.vic.gov.au
The Council has released new Sentencing Snapshots for six offences sentenced in the Victorian higher courts (the Supreme and County Courts):
- rape
- sexual assault
- persistent sexual abuse of a child under 16
- indecent act with a child under 16
- sexual penetration of a child aged 12 to 16
- sexual penetration of a child aged under 12.
The new Snapshots detail sentencing trends in the five years to 30 June 2018. They present data on the type and length of sentences imposed for the principal offence (the most serious offence in a case). Since March 2011, Snapshots have incorporated changes to sentence or conviction following an appeal.
Findings
The majority of people sentenced for persistent sexual abuse of a child under 16 (93%), rape (91%) and sexual penetration of a child aged under 12 (81%) received a custodial sentence.
The percentage of people receiving a sentence of imprisonment was highest for the most severe sex offences:
- persistent sexual abuse of a child under 16 (88%)
- rape (85%)
- sexual penetration of a child aged under 12 (74%).
Of the six offences, persistent sexual abuse of a child under 16 had the highest median principal imprisonment length (6 years). The median for rape was 5 years and the median for sexual penetration of a child aged under 12 was 4 years.
The median prison sentence for the principal offence of sexual penetration of a child aged 12 to 16 (2 years and 9 months) was substantially lower than the median prison sentence for sexual penetration of a child aged under 12 (4 years).
The average prison sentence was highest in 2017-18 for four of the six offences:
- rape (6 years and 8 months)
- sexual penetration of a child aged 12 to 16 (3 years and 3 months)
- sexual assault (2 years and 2 months)
- indecent act with a child under 16 (1 year and 11 months).
The Council has today released updated sentencing statistics on SACStat (Sentencing Advisory Council Statistics Online), the Council’s online statistical database.
SACStat now includes sentencing data for over 200 offences sentenced in the higher courts (the County and Supreme Courts) of Victoria over the five years to 30 June 2018. This is the fourth update to higher courts data on SACStat since the database was publicly launched in 2012.
SACStat continues to present approximately 500 offences sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria over the three years to 30 June 2016.
Court of Appeal Data
Higher courts data on SACStat includes sentencing outcomes from the Court of Appeal. Any change to sentence or conviction as a result of a successful appeal before 1 July 2018 has been incorporated into the sentencing data.
Sentencing Summary Reports
SACStat now includes short narrative reports summarising sentencing outcomes for many offences heard in the higher courts. These summaries are available for any principal offences with at least 10 charges and cases receiving imprisonment.
Summaries are available for all offences sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court.
The summaries can be printed and are easily accessed for use on smartphones and tablets.
You can access SACStat from the database homepage or from our website.
The Sentencing Advisory Council has today released a report on current sentencing practices for firearms offences in Victoria.
The report examines trends in the prevalence of firearms offences in Victoria and considers sentencing outcomes for 132 firearms offences defined in Victorian law. The offences carry maximum penalties ranging from a fine (up to 10 penalty units) to 17 years’ imprisonment.
The report finds that growing numbers of firearms offences are being sentenced in Victorian courts, and the courts’ are increasingly using imprisonment to sentence these offences.
In sentencing firearms offences that carried a maximum penalty of imprisonment:
- 84% of the charges sentenced in the higher courts resulted in imprisonment
- fines were the most common sentencing outcome (26% of all charges sentenced) in the Magistrates’ Court
- a youth justice centre order was the most common sentence in the Children’s Court in 2016-17 (35% of all charges).
However, the rate of fines decreased in the Magistrates’ Court, from 31% in 2012–13 to 20% in 2016–17. At the same time, both imprisonment and community correction orders became more common, accounting for 59% of all charges sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court in 2016–17.
The report also examined the characteristics of firearms offenders sentenced in the higher courts, finding that:
- 83% had a prior history of offending
- 40% had drug priors
- 34% were on an order, such as bail or a community correction order, at the time of the firearms offence
- 81% had substance abuse issues (alcohol and/or other drugs)
- 65% were identified as methylamphetamine users.
You can download the full report, Firearms Offences: Current Sentencing Practices, from our website.
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*
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
T: 02 9229 1720
M: 0411 323 873
*Junior Bar under 7 years at the bar - first 30 registrants
Thursday 6 June, 1.15pm-1.45pm
Lawlex brings together legislation and parliamentary information in a one-stop location. Linking through to authorised versions of legislation from all jurisdictions, Lawlex also provides links to explanatory material and Hansard. Come along to the Supreme Court Library and see how you can search the freely accessible parts of Lawlex.
All are welcome and entry is free. To register please email libraryevents@supcourt.vic.gov.au
Looking for a reason to book your next skiing adventure?
Antipodean Advocacy: Trans-Tasman Perspectives
Join the ABA/NZBA's joint Criminal and Public Law conference in Queenstown from 23-24 August 2019. We are delighted to provide you with early bird registration access until 8 June.
The program has been carefully curated by both the Australian and New Zealand Bar Associations to include topical sessions of interest to all practitioners in both jurisdictions. The conference will be held at the Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown and practioners from all areas of the legal profession may gain up to 8.75 CPD hours.
Session Highlights
Keynote
The Rt. Hon. Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann
What Can Criminal Lawyers Teach Civil Litigators?
The Hon. Justice Michael Corboy (AU)
Marie Dhyrberg QC (NZ)
Peter Callaghan SC (AU)
Ken Archer (AU)
Advocacy in Inquiries
Simon Mount QC (NZ)
Rowena Orr QC (AU)
Mary Scholtens QC (NZ)
Aaron Martin (Deputy Solicitor General, NZ)
Indigenous Rights
The Hon Christian Whata (NZ)
Tony McAvoy SC (AU)
Simeon Beckett (AU)
The Rights, Responsibilities and Role of Media in Criminal Justice
Arthur Moses SC (AU)
Jonathan Eaton QC (NZ)
Marie Mills (MD, Mills Wilson)
Cate Brett (NZ)
Garry Williams (NZ)
Americas Cup: Action on the Water and in the Courts
Dr James Farmer QC (NZ/AU)
Dr Hamish Ross (NZ)
Visit the event website to learn about the:
- Excellent conference program and gala dinner
- Outdoor activities including catered sailing or snow golfing experiences
- Selection of fabulous hotels available
https://nzconf.austbar.asn.au/
Register today to ensure your pick of the accommodation in Queenstown. Do not delay: rooms will sell quickly.
Attached for your convenience are the following PDFs:
We look forward to seeing you on the slopes!
Enquiries
Camilla Gray
ABA Event Manager
T: 02 9229 1720
M: 0411 323 873
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.
Legal practitioners with experience in criminal law and advocacy, and a passion for the administration of justice, are invited to apply for Senior Crown Prosecutor and Crown Prosecutor positions.
This is an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced legal practitioners to undertake and support criminal prosecutions on behalf of the Victorian community.
Crown Prosecutors perform a vital role in the criminal justice system, appearing on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions in criminal trials and appeals and providing legal advice to the Office of Public Prosecutions.
Working within the Crown Prosecutors’ Chambers is an opportunity to advance your career and be at the forefront of the move to sophisticated technology changes within criminal law, including e-trials.
The successful applicant/s will prosecute and advise on serious crimes, appear in a wide range of matters in all criminal jurisdictions, including regional courts.
The successful appointee(s) will have access to flexible working conditions.
Salary will be commensurate to relevant experience.
To submit your expression of interest please visit www.careers.vic.gov.au and provide a current CV and cover letter.
For more information please contact:
Chief Crown Prosecutor Brendan Kissane QC
ChiefCrown@opp.vic.gov.au
Applications close: 11.59 pm Sunday 2 June 2019
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.
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
The Australian Academy of Law is pleased to announce the offering of its Annual Essay Prize for 2019.
The Prize is open to anyone, wherever resident, who is studying or has studied legal subjects at a tertiary level, or who is working or has worked in a law based occupation. There is no limit by reference to the age or seniority or experience of, or position held by, a person who may submit an entry. Accordingly, judicial officers, legal practitioners, legal academics and law students are all eligible to submit an essay.
The amount of the Prize is $10,000.
The essay topic for the Prize in 2019 is as follows:
How do private law and public law interact in Australia? What are, and what should be, the available remedies (public or private or both) where they interact?
The deadline for the submission of an essay is 31 August 2019. This time limit is strictly observed, as the Rules Governing the Annual Essay Prize make clear.
Those Rules can be accessed on the Academy’s website: www.academyoflaw.org.au
Refer to the Academy’s website also for further information about the actual submission of an entry as well as information on previous winners.
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 30th May 2019