It’s an important time of year for the Law Society of NSW. Today, you’re receiving the official notice of our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Thursday, 24 October along with our 2023-2024 Annual Report.

We’ve worked hard to make the report as clear as possible, to provide key information to you about how the Law Society has performed over the year. My President’s Message in the Annual Report has enabled me to look back over the highlights of my term so far and those of my predecessor, Cassandra Banks. I encourage you to read the report here.

The last order of business for the day is the Declaration of Election of Councillors. Last week, you will have received information about candidates for election to the Law Society Council and an invitation to vote as the polling period opened.

14 candidates have nominated for six vacant positions on the Council. As the deadline for requesting hard copy paper ballots has now passed (13 September), those who have not requested paper ballots must cast their votes online. The deadline for all votes is 2pm (AEDT) on Monday, 21 October.

I thank all candidates for their willingness to step up to serve the profession through the work of the Council of the Law Society. Councillors represent a cross-section of our members, and their contributions are central to guiding the Law Society as it continues its work to strengthen the solicitor profession. I wish all candidates well.

Spring into Pro Bono

Following on from two immensely successful campaigns earlier this year by our Access to Justice (A2J) Team to recruit firms to the Law Society Pro Bono Scheme, there’s a new opportunity for practices to sign up, and display the commitment to service that is a hallmark of our profession.

The Law Society of NSW is commencing its Spring into Pro Bono campaign today. We are inviting firms, both small and large, regional and local to join the pro bono movement before the year is out.

We are specifically looking to register family law firms that are willing to assist with a discrete task, such as preparing Response documents for a parenting matter or representing a parent at a mediation.

The A2J Team would also welcome Wills and Estates firms, particularly those that specialise in Family Provision Claims and firms with the expertise to assist charities with a specific legal problem, for example, negotiating entry into a contract or with applying for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status.

If your firm is interested in joining this initiative, you can find the Pro Bono Scheme registration form here. If you have any questions, please contact our A2J Team by email at [email protected].

Committee EOI deadline is today

At the beginning of this month, I let you know that expressions of interest (EOIs) for membership of one of the Law Society’s 27 Regulatory, Policy and Segment Committees had opened. If you were intending to submit an EOI, but hadn’t got around to it, you have until 5pm today to do so.

I cannot speak highly enough of the more than 400 solicitors who volunteer to work on these committees. They play a crucial role in in helping to guide our advocacy to government and the community. Members of our Regulatory Committees are responsible for preserving and reinforcing the status of our profession through their decision-making under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.

Work on these committees is a great way to contribute to the profession and the rule of law, as well as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your professional networks. Details about how to submit an EOI are below in the body of this edition of Monday Briefs, but be quick about it!

Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW