Illuminating the true nature of members’ work
President's Message | 4 March 2024
When we take our oaths as solicitors at the beginning of our careers, we join a profession with a centuries-long tradition of service to the community.
Among the broader community, this is one of the least known and recognised aspects of the practice of law. That’s why I pledged to highlight solicitors’ service to the community as one of my President’s Priorities for this year.
There are as many examples of the work beyond our billable hours as there are solicitors. This work isn’t done for recognition, but it still lacks the acknowledgement it deserves.
This week, the Law Society’s Access to Justice team drew my attention to solicitors who will serve on the Law Society Mediators Panel for the period ending December 2025.
Members of the Law Society Mediators Panel assist with the mediation of disputes where parties seek to negotiate an agreement to avoid one being imposed on them by a court.
This round of expressions of interest was the first in which the Access to Justice team asked solicitors applying for inclusion on the panel whether they would be willing to provide pro bono mediation services from time to time. I’m delighted, but not surprised, that four out of every five solicitors placed on the panel have indicated their willingness to do so.
This overwhelming response speaks volumes about these panellists’ dedication to service, an approach shared across our membership and the legal profession generally. As someone with an extensive background in mediation, I am grateful for the panellists’ willingness to assist people who need it most and for carrying on one of the finest traditions of our profession.
Right climate for advice
Last week, I was honoured to host the launch of the Law Society’s new Practitioner Guidance on Climate Change.
This work, which recognises an evolving duty of a solicitor to advise clients on climate change risks, is the result of the valuable efforts of our Climate Change Working Group.
The guidance will assist solicitors to ensure clients have the benefit of advice that will assist them to deal with the physical, regulatory and liability risks associated with climate change.
Because climate-related risks will affect most clients and nearly all areas of legal practice, I encourage all members to absorb and apply this guidance. We’ll be updating this information to keep pace with developments in climate regulation.
Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW
Among the broader community, this is one of the least known and recognised aspects of the practice of law. That’s why I pledged to highlight solicitors’ service to the community as one of my President’s Priorities for this year.
There are as many examples of the work beyond our billable hours as there are solicitors. This work isn’t done for recognition, but it still lacks the acknowledgement it deserves.
This week, the Law Society’s Access to Justice team drew my attention to solicitors who will serve on the Law Society Mediators Panel for the period ending December 2025.
Members of the Law Society Mediators Panel assist with the mediation of disputes where parties seek to negotiate an agreement to avoid one being imposed on them by a court.
This round of expressions of interest was the first in which the Access to Justice team asked solicitors applying for inclusion on the panel whether they would be willing to provide pro bono mediation services from time to time. I’m delighted, but not surprised, that four out of every five solicitors placed on the panel have indicated their willingness to do so.
This overwhelming response speaks volumes about these panellists’ dedication to service, an approach shared across our membership and the legal profession generally. As someone with an extensive background in mediation, I am grateful for the panellists’ willingness to assist people who need it most and for carrying on one of the finest traditions of our profession.
Right climate for advice
Last week, I was honoured to host the launch of the Law Society’s new Practitioner Guidance on Climate Change.
This work, which recognises an evolving duty of a solicitor to advise clients on climate change risks, is the result of the valuable efforts of our Climate Change Working Group.
The guidance will assist solicitors to ensure clients have the benefit of advice that will assist them to deal with the physical, regulatory and liability risks associated with climate change.
Because climate-related risks will affect most clients and nearly all areas of legal practice, I encourage all members to absorb and apply this guidance. We’ll be updating this information to keep pace with developments in climate regulation.
Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW
