With the official Opening of Law Term a couple of weeks away, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage members, if you are so inclined, to join your faith communities in marking the beginning of another year in service of the law.

These services provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important role lawyers have in the proper functioning of not only the justice system, but the entire community.

Along with my fellow councillors of the Law Society, I’ll be honoured to represent the solicitor profession at this year’s Opening of Law Term ceremonial events. You’ll find details about these events below, in this edition of Monday Briefs.

Over the coming weeks we will welcome 11 new magistrates to the Local Court of NSW.

When Attorney General Michael Daley announced these appointments late last year, the Law Society welcomed the regeneration of Local Court judicial talent they represent, as well as the expansion of the bench of Australia’s busiest court by five additional magistrates.

The President of the Law Society has many duties, and welcoming new judicial officers to the bench is one of the highlights of this office. Some appointees are known personally, some by reputation, and the majority of appointees started their careers as solicitors. Most, if not all, of the 11 new magistrates are current or former members of the Law Society.

Of those, Shaun Mortimer provided valuable service to the Law Society as the representative of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) on our Indigenous Issues Committee, the Professional Conduct Committee, and as a member of our Specialist Accreditation Board.

These swearings-in mark the beginning of what may well be the most important stage of their legal careers. I have the honour of representing you at the majority of these events and I’m grateful to my colleagues on Council, Moira Saville and Jade Tyrrell, for speaking on your behalf at the ceremonies I’m unable to attend.

If you attend a swearing-in ceremony, I invite you to stand in court as I do, to welcome the newest arrivals to the bench.

While the year has just started, the practising certificate renewal season will be on us before we know it!

Our LawInform team has put together a comprehensive program of extraordinarily high standard quality for those who are looking to complete their CPD requirements in time for the new practising year.

The program includes one day intensive live webinars on Property Law and Elder Law, Wills and Probate, along with 17 live half-day courses covering up to four mandatory knowledge areas. You can access the full LawInform Q1 2025 program here.

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW