NAIDOC Week 2024 begins on Sunday, 7 July. The theme this year is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. This year’s theme speaks to a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, and “calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.”

The Law Society is proud to support this work, and we do so in many ways. The Law Society’s ongoing program of law reform and policy work on legal issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is informed by our Indigenous Issues Committee led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-chairs.

One of those co-chairs is Danielle Captain-Webb, a proud Wiradjuri and Gomeroi woman, born and raised on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast. She is also a Councillor of the Law Society.

Our NAIDOC Week 2024 celebration on Thursday, 4 July features Danielle in a fireside chat with Dr Terri Janke, a proud Wuthathi, Yadhaigana and Meriam woman and practice principal of Terri Janke and Company. She is also an international authority on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.

This event promises insights into both women’s early careers and a lively discussion on the challenges and opportunities faced by First Nations people in the legal profession.

There’s special pricing for Students and First Nations Early Career Lawyers (just $10.00). Members can book for $20.00 and non-members for $40.00. See you there!

Pro Bono Scheme campaigns a bonus for access to justice

At the beginning of my term as President, I nominated as one of my Priorities ‘Lawyers’ service to their communities’. This choice was driven by my deep conviction that as a profession, we are alive to the needs of our communities and give of ourselves to meet those needs where we can.

This year, the work the Law Society’s Access to Justice (A2J) Team has helped to reinforce that conviction and given added credence to our motto, Defending the Rights of All.

In February, A2J set out to recruit 50 firms to the Law Society Pro Bono Scheme in 50 days. In a result that speaks volumes of the firms approached to serve, the target was achieved within 32 days and 58 firms had signed up by the end of day 33.

But there were still firms with more to give. A2J’s Thirty Firms in the Vault campaign reached that goal in just 14 days, and registrations continue to come in.

From a total target of 80 for these two campaigns, more than 100 firms have committed to making their lawyers available to help some of our community’s most vulnerable people on a wide range of matters, including criminal law, employment law, family law, not-for-profit organisations, wills and estates.

I thank each and every firm for their willingness to provide this service, which will be a true help to many in our community.

DFV: A trauma informed approach to practice

In 2022-23, 83 per cent of matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia had domestic and family violence (DFV) presenting as a risk.

Any practitioner who comes into contact with DFV in the course of their work will benefit from an online webinar next Tuesday, 2 July featuring Senior Judicial Registrar Amy McGowan and Director of Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion at the FCFCOA, Hayley Foster.

There would be fewer people in NSW with a deeper understanding of the issues around DFV than Ms Foster, given her long history in the sector. I encourage all interested members to register for this event.

Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW