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In Brief Issue #912
10May
Proposed reforms to the Constitution of the Victorian bar
At a special meeting this week, Bar Council resolved to convene a Special General Meeting of the Victorian Bar at 5pm on Wednesday 12 June 2019 at which proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Victorian Bar will be put for the consideration of members.
As members know, successive Bar Councils in recent years have conducted a thorough governance review of the whole of the Victorian Bar. One of the last items that was identified as requiring reform in the course of that review was the Bar’s Constitution.
There has not been a complete review of the Constitution in almost 10 years. Many parts of the Constitution are now out-of-date. To take just one example, the Constitution contains many references to the Legal Profession Act 2004, which was repealed in 2014. The Constitution assumes that the Bar and the Ethics Committee continue to have statutory functions under that legislation which they no longer have.
The Bar Council, under the leadership of its governance working group, has conducted a comprehensive review of the Constitution and proposes a number of amendments, some of which are substantive, and some of which are to improve the clarity and consistency of the document. The whole of the Bar Council has approved the proposed amendments being put to a Special General Meeting.
All members who are eligible to vote will receive an information pack in coming days, including a set of proposed special resolutions, an explanatory memorandum, the proposed amended Constitution and a proxy form.
In broad terms, the substantive amendments that are proposed are aimed at achieving the following:
- moving to a biennial election cycle for Bar Council and prescribing a maximum term limit for the Bar President, in line with the discussion paper, debate and survey that was conducted across the whole of the Bar last year;
- modernising and refining the clause that enumerates the purposes of the Victorian Bar;
- limiting the entitlement of barristers to hold shares or interests in incorporated legal practices;
- empowering the Bar Council to refer for investigation the question of whether a member of the Victorian Bar may have engaged in conduct that would bring the Bar (or the legal profession) into disrepute;
- increasing the flexibility of the Bar to deal with investigations into the conduct of members, in cases where, eg, the Ethics Committee is unable to deal with a matter because of a conflict or some other reason;
- enabling casual vacancies on the Bar Council to be filled by a ‘count back’ process, and prescribing a procedure to resolve ties in Bar Council elections;
- modernising and refining provisions dealing with the Ethics and Counsel Committees; and
- inserting a new Part dealing with the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee.
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.
In the meantime, though, every member of Bar Council is available at any time to discuss the proposed amendments. Floor or interest group meetings with members of Bar Council can be arranged upon request to discuss the proposed amendments by contacting the Executive Assistant to the President and the Bar Council, Denise Bennett, at denise.bennett@vicbar.com.au.
Constitutional reform is always difficult, with apathy its greatest opponent. The Bar Council has taken the view that, in the interests of good governance, we should not put reform in the ‘too hard’ basket.
I expect that almost all of the proposed amendments will be uncontroversial and that members will readily see the sense in making them. If, after considering the matter, you are in that camp, please don’t be apathetic—come to the SGM to vote in favour of the changes, or provide a proxy that enables your voice to be heard.
Some of the changes may be more controversial, but they have been the subject of long and considered debate, in some cases over multiple Bar Councils, and the current Bar Council believes that they all ought to be the subject of debate and decision.
Either way, the governance of the Bar will be enhanced by a robust debate and by members having their say.
I urge members to get involved in the debate, 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.
Corporate Counsel Engagement pilot – call for Expressions of Interest
The Bar is calling for expressions of interest from members wishing to participate actively in a Corporate Counsel Engagement Pilot. The pilot is a two-way education program aimed at improving understanding amongst barristers of ‘what clients want’ as well as how to deliver it; improving awareness amongst in-house counsel of what the Bar has to offer and how and when they should use it; and showcasing the subject matter expertise available at the Bar. More information in the notice below.
Congratulations to Senior Vice-President Wendy Harris QC for her work in investigating and designing the pilot program. For anyone who missed the informative (and very well attended) briefing on Wednesday morning, keep an eye out for the video that will shortly be available in the Members>CPD section of the website.
Bar Council By-Election – voting closes Wednesday 15 May, 5pm
Voting has commenced for the Bar Council by-election to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Justice Forbes to the Supreme Court. We have an impressive (and Melbourne Cup length field) of candidates.
Online voting will be open until 5pm Wednesday 15 May, with the poll being declared at a meeting of Bar Council the following day. Vote from the Members>Voting section of the website. More details in the notice below.
Law Aid Trust – Expressions of Interest
The Victorian Bar has been invited to nominate a trustee to the Law Aid Trust, a charitable trust managed by the Law Institute of Victoria and the Victorian Bar to support the funding of civil disbursements in civil litigation matters undertaken by law firms on a pro bono and “no-win, no-fee” basis.
The Bar is calling for Expressions of Interest from members who may wish to contribute as one of the Bar’s nominated Trustees. The appointment will be for a term of two years.
A position description for the role may be viewed here. The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of Vic Bar members to external bodies can be viewed here.
Your Expression of Interest should identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise, including:
- experience or expertise in the matter/claim types referred to in the Position Description;
- previous contribution to or involvement with the Trust;
- contribution as a trustee or in a similar capacity with other bodies.
Please direct any enquiries or Expressions of Interest to Liz Ingham at the Victorian Bar office: elizabeth.ingham@vicbar.com.au, ph 9225 6947.
The closing date for Expressions of Interest is Friday 24 May 2019 at 4pm.
A busy week
My week was book-ended by welcomes – for Justice Anderson in the Federal Court on Monday and Justice Forbes in the Supreme Court this morning. My thanks to Victorian Bar Vice-President Wendy Harris QC, who represented the Bar at the welcome for Judge George Georgiou in the County Court yesterday. Click the links to read the speeches.
I attended the launch of Law Week on Wednesday and yesterday assisted the Hon Stephen Charles AO QC with an information session for members considering applying to take silk. A video of the information session will be available on the Members>CPD section of the website soon.
Behind the scenes, I chaired a special purpose Bar Council meeting in relation to the proposed Constitutional reforms as well as a meeting of the Bar Council Executive. I met with the Victorian Attorney-General, the Legal Services Commissioner and the CEO of BCL.
Welcomes
The profession will welcome Magistrate Shiva Pillai on Tuesday 14 May at 9:15am in Court 1 of the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
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.
Following on from our breakfast briefing, the Corporate Counsel Engagement Working Group are now seeking expressions of interest from Counsel who wish to participate in the Pilot.
The Pilot is open to all members who accept briefs in commercial law, public law, employment law and government and regulatory matters. The Pilot will broadly encompass:
- a ‘two-way’ education program aimed at:
- improving understanding amongst barristers of ‘what clients want’ as well as how to deliver it;
- improving awareness amongst in-house counsel of what the Bar has to offer and how and when they should use it; and
- showcasing the subject matter expertise available at the Bar; - direct engagement with corporate clients through networking, seminars, and other events;
- enhancement of the quality and useability of information available about the Bar and barristers, including;
- the improvement and standardisation of barrister profiles to enhance searchability and the usefulness of the information provided;
- the development of ‘tool kits’ for in-house corporate counsel; and
- the adoption of other measures by individual barristers to ensure ready accessibility for clients and greater ‘user-friendliness’;
- the establishment of a secondment program for interested barristers; and
- the collection of ‘before and after’ survey data to facilitate the assessment of the success of the Pilot.
The Pilot will require active participation from those involved. Participants will be selected based on criteria including the need for diversity within the Pilot (in terms of seniority, areas of practice, gender, cultural/ethnic background etc) and the content of their EOI.
Click here to read more about the inception of the pilot project.
Click here to begin the EOI process. EOIs close at 5:00pm Wednesday 22 May.
The Victorian Bar together with the Australian Intercultural Society invites you to the 2019 Ramadan Iftar Dinner with the Muslim Community.
DATE
Monday 27 May 2019
TIME
5.15pm for 5.30pm start
VENUE
McPhee Room, Level 1
Owen Dixon Chambers East
205 William Street, Melbourne
COST
$50
RSVP (ESSENTIAL)
Friday 17 May 2019
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.
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
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
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
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 (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
Have you ever considered a career as a barrister or wondered what exactly barristers do?
This special performance showcases the skills of counsel against the background of a bail application. After the performance, you’ll have the opportunity to meet practising barristers and ask questions.
DATE: Saturday 18 May 2019, 10.30am – 11.30am OR Saturday 18 May 2019, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
VENUE: County Court of Victoria, Court 4.2, 250 William Street, Melbourne
Bookings not required – please arrive early to secure a seat
The 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.
The Victorian Bar has been invited to nominate a trustee to the Law Aid Trust, a charitable trust managed by the Law Institute of Victoria and the Victorian Bar to support the funding of civil disbursements in civil litigation matters undertaken by law firms on a pro bono and “no-win, no-fee” basis.
The Bar is calling for Expressions of Interest from members who may wish to contribute as one of the Bar’s nominated Trustees. The appointment will be for a term of two years.
A position description for the role may be viewed here. The Bar’s protocol for nomination and appointment of Vic Bar members to external bodies can be viewed here.
Your Expression of Interest should identify any relevant areas of experience or expertise, including:
- experience or expertise in the matter/claim types referred to in the Position Description;
- previous contribution to or involvement with the Trust;
- contribution as a trustee or in a similar capacity with other bodies.
Please direct any enquiries or Expressions of Interest to Liz Ingham at the Victorian Bar office: elizabeth.ingham@vicbar.com.au, ph 9225 6947.
The closing date for Expressions of Interest is Friday 24 May 2019 at 4pm.
Upcoming CPD events:
You must be a member of the Victorian Bar and logged into the VicBar website to view the following events.
See the #storiesthatmatter and check out HRAFF’s 2019 program featuring an incredible line up of films, art and performances, including 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.
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.
BottledSnail Productions is pleased to present its special all-piano Lyrical Lunchtimes Concert for Law Week 2019. The concert will be on Thursday 16 May at 1.15pm in the Law Library, 210 William Street. Entry is free and there is no need to book. Click here or contact Kylie.Weston-Scheuber@bottledsnail.com for more details.
Don't miss out on these exclusive member deals for May with some great offers and gift ideas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Publicly available resources provide access to Legislation online, and in this session Librarians from the Law Library of Victoria will show you how you can find Acts and Legislation information. The Law Library of Victoria also subscribes to several resources that can help you locate more information related to Legislation, such as second reading speeches and previous versions of Acts.
This session is held as part of Law Week 2019. To RSVP please email libraryevents@supcourt.vic.gov.au
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 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.
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
Please find below links to upcoming courses from the Chartered Institute of Artibitrators (Australia) Limited
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.
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.
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.
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
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 16th May 2019