The Law Society of NSW

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday for the 2025 NSW Young Lawyers Professional Development Day and Gala Dinner. Attendees got to enjoy a dynamic full-day program featuring esteemed speakers from across the legal profession and connect with fellow early career solicitors. A special thank you to our speakers for sharing their valuable insights: lida kaban, The Honourable Justice Ainslie-Wallace, Linden Barnes, Anneka Ferguson, Anna Fischer, Theo Kapodistrias, Katherine Lau, Heather McKinnon, Nicholas Mendoza-Jones, Gemma Curcio, Paul Monaghan, Dilan Thampapillai. We encourage you to check our NSW Young Lawyers events webpage for further information about upcoming events and networking opportunities: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pow.ly/RCZo50WxNWv

The NSW Young Lawyers Environment and Planning Law Sub-Committee invites you to attend its annual Trivia Fundraiser on Friday, 29 August 2025. The evening promises to be full of food, drink, exciting prizes and great trivia hosted by our quiz master, Samuel Chu. All proceeds will be donated to the 2025 NSW Young Lawyers charity, Project Youth. Places are limited, summon your team and register today — trivia glory awaits: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pow.ly/R7pi50Wym5t

The Law Society of NSW, in collaboration with the North Metropolitan Regional Law Society, is delighted to invite you to a full-day CPD conference and dinner in the scenic surrounds of Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills. This informative event offers 6 CPD units and is tailored for legal practitioners across all areas of practice. Join us for a day of professional development, networking, and inspiration in one of Sydney’s most picturesque venues. Spaces are limited, secure your spot by Friday 8 August 2025: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.ploom.ly/AHfrlj4 Event supported by Lawcover, Deposit Power, Dye & Durham, Herron Todd White, and Legal Home Loans.

The countdown is on!    There is just one month until the Specialist Accreditation Conference returns, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers, including members of the judiciary, Accredited Specialists, and senior counsel.    With five dedicated streams, the program will deliver advanced CPD tailored to your area of practice.    Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from leading experts and connect with fellow legal practitioners who are committed to excellence in their area of practice.    https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/ge55aBqX  

Just Chat podcast - Dr Louise Buckingham Louise Buckingham is CEO of Arts Law, Australia’s only community legal centre for artists and arts organisations. As creative industries face multiple headwinds, Louise discusses the impact of technology, how legal matters can be overwhelming for young artists and the vital role of pro bono lawyers. Listen here https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.ploom.ly/FXoPQU4

The Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW has published an important update for practitioners regarding the interim arrangements for appearances at the Downing Centre Local Court following the recent flooding and temporary closure. Read the latest here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gezuuJf4

Ready to put your cards on the table? Join us for the next instalment of our Productivity in Practice series on Wednesday 6 August, and learn the secret strategies of top negotiators. Walk away with the mindset and tools to handle any conversation with clarity, confidence and control. Hosted by executive coach and behavioural expert Dani Bennett, with 35+ years of experience helping professionals negotiate with impact. Learn more and register: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eNV7kC9N #NegotiationSkills #ProductivityInPractice #ProfessionalGrowth

As a dog-lover, the last two days of ‘swearings-in’ for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia new Court Dogs, Molly, Lani and Sunny have bordered on the magical.   These dogs, specially trained by Guide Dogs Australia, will bring comfort and affection into the often stressful atmosphere of a court room, assisting vulnerable witnesses as they give evidence.   I’m so grateful to the Chief Justice of the FCFCOA the Hon. Will Alstergren for approaching The Law Society of NSW’s President of last year, Brett McGrath to help fund the expansion of this amazing program into the Parramatta, CBD and Newcastle Registries of the Court.   Justice Alstergren told staff and friends of the Court Dog Program at Sunny’s swearing in at Newcastle today, the clearer, more confident evidence witnesses can deliver with the benefit of one of these dogs, is resulting in fewer adjournments – and therefore leading to more efficient justice.   I’m so please that the Council of the Law Society agreed to this request without hesitation. It’s a fine example of the legal profession’s support for the community of which I’m extraordinarily proud. 

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR PRACTITIONERS IN SYDNEY NSW Department of Communities and Justice

It was an absolute thrill to be present at the ‘swearing-in’ of Molly at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Registry at Parramatta this morning.   Molly is the first of three Court Dogs to be appointed to the FCFCOA, with Lani to be sworn in at the court’s CBD registry this afternoon and Sunny to be sworn in tomorrow at the court’s registry at Newcastle.   As I said this morning, the swearing in of these dogs marks the opening page of another chapter in the long story of how humanity has relied on animals, not just to serve our needs, but to be so much more: to provide moments of relieve, and joy, and moments of love.   I’m grateful to Chief Justice the Hon. Will Alstergren for approaching The Law Society of NSW to fund the expansion of the FCFCOA’s Court Dog Program to NSW. Our Council agreed without hesitation. The companionship Court Dogs will provide to court users, including vulnerable witnesses, will alleviate significant stress, and enable them to give clearer, better evidence.   Keep an eye on the TV news tonight for more news about this wonderful program.