Early Career Lawyers News

NEWS

Modern Advocate Lecture Series

In order to improve and foster collegiality in the profession, particularly amongst the younger members, QLS deputy president Christine Smyth initiated the Modern Advocate Lecture Series. This initiative is a practical response to equitable briefing within the profession and engages senior members of the solicitor’s branch with junior members of the bar. QLS Ethics Centre launched  the series on Tuesday 25 October 2016.

Read more

QLS Senior Counsellors service

"Be respectful of tradition, but don't limit yourself by tradition. There may be a new and better way. Don't be afraid to think outside the square.” – Michele Sheehan, QLS Senior Counsellor

For over four decades QLS has supported practitioners with guidance through its QLS Senior Counsellors’ service. QLS Senior Counsellors assist solicitors on a range of professional and ethical problems, and each QLS Senior Counsellor is eager to offer their support, experience and practical wisdom. Whether it is career advice, guidance on a matter or acting as an intermediary whilst you decide whether or not to report a situation to QLS, they are on the other end of the phone willing to help.

Contact the QLS Ethics Centre on 07 3842 5843 or find a QLS Senior Counsellor online (member log-on required).

MEDIA RELEASES

QLS says abolition of antiquated laws allowing 17-year-olds to be sentenced as adults a win for common sense

The State Government’s decision to dispatch antiquated and archaic laws requiring 17-year-old offenders to be sentenced as adults would help teens avoid becoming career criminals, according to Queensland Law Society.

Read more

QLS joins national call for PM to reverse slashing of legal assistance funding

Queensland’s peak lawyer body has backed a push by the nation’s more than 60,000 solicitors demanding Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to restore legal assistance funding.

Read more

QLS backs inquiry into appallingly high Indigenous detention rates

Queensland Law Society has praised the Federal Government’s decision to hold an inquiry into the appallingly high detention rate of Indigenous Australians.

Read more

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

Conveyancing Conference 2016 – last chance to register

Friday 25 November, Law Society House, Brisbane

Registration closes on Tuesday 22 November for our conference especially designed for conveyancing practitioners, delivered by experts in the field. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be agile and responsive to change and keep abreast of topical issues. Join the experts in practical sessions that will inform you on deciphering and interpreting a survey plan, identify risk management strategies and answer frequently asked questions on E-Conveyancing. Gain a clearer understanding of the new CGT withholding tax regime, hear from the QLS Ethics Centre on issues faced by conveyancing practitioners, and understand how changes can occur in an off-the-plan disclosure statement.

Be quick and register today.

View full program and register now

EVENTS

Early Career Lawyers Christmas Party

Thursday 8 December, Aquila Caffe Bar, Brisbane

Celebrate the festive season with fellow early career lawyers at our annual Christmas Party. Dust off your Santa hats, get your jingle bells on and join us over drinks and canapés for a merry evening at Aquila Caffe Bar. Be quick as this popular end-of-year event is sure to sell out!

Purchase your tickets now

Introduction to Civil Litigation

Friday 18 November, Law Society House, Brisbane

This interactive course provides junior practitioners with the practical guidance, examples and skills they need to successfully run a civil litigation file. Join us to hear from the experts about the important concepts and rules of the civil litigation process and the regulatory framework, issues to consider in the conduct of a civil litigation matter and the relevant steps in both undefended and defended litigation. 

Register now – get in quick as registrations close Wednesday 16 November!

Essentials: Testamentary Trusts - last chance to register

Wednesday 23 November, Law Society House, Brisbane

This half-day workshop is the ideal opportunity for early career lawyers to gain practical knowledge on the fundamental issues relating to attributes, creation and use of testamentary trusts. With client’s assets and family circumstances becoming more complex over time, understanding and advising on testamentary trusts in wills is essential. Attend this workshop to gain a clearer understanding on what a testamentary trust is, the different types that exist and the advantages and disadvantages.

Register now – registrations close Monday 21 November

Core CPD Webinar: Costs Fundamentals – Clarity for Clients

Tuesday 29 November 2016, 12.30-1.30pm, online

The retainer is the centerpiece of the solicitor/client relationship, and can set both the scope and spirit of that relationship. Constructed properly, a retainer can lay the foundation for a positive, long-term and mutually beneficial association; get it wrong, however, and it will become the focus of a protracted dispute over costs.

Presented by Shane Budden, Ethics Solicitor, QLS Ethics Centre, this core webinar covers the necessities involved in developing a transparent and thorough cost retainer that will support a positive and on-going relationship with your client. The webinar will cover the importance of a retainer, fundamental requirements for disclosure, ongoing costs disclosure obligations, what happens when the scope of the work changes during the matter and amending the client agreement. The retainer is more than a price list, it is the first step on the journey with your client; ensure you get it right.

View program and register now

QLS ETHICS CENTRE

Personal pressures may lead to professional consequences

On occasions, we are faced with personal pressures which may intrude into our professional lives. Three decisions from the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal identify the way in which personal problems impact us. Read more

PROCTOR WORKING GROUP

CONTACT

Greer Davies