It’s always exciting to create tangible outcomes in those areas that I’ve identified as my President’s Priorities this year. That’s especially so, with my first Priority, of honouring solicitors’ service to their communities.

As I said in my Opening of Law Term speech, pro bono work “reflects a lawyer’s duty to uphold the rule of law and the principle of access to justice.”

Solicitors dedicate significant effort and time to pro bono matters, applying the same professional standards and duties as they do with any client. This is important work, often pursuing just outcomes for people who need legal help the most.

More than 500 firms and solicitor mediators carry out this work through our Pro Bono Scheme. From sole practitioners to large law firms throughout NSW, your contributions are greatly appreciated.

I’m conscious many solicitors want to make more of a contribution to pro bono matters, but may not know the best place to start.

That’s why I asked the Law Society of NSW’s Access to Justice Director to work with our Professional Development team to develop a course that will help solicitors learn more about ways to engage in pro bono work, including setting up a pro bono practice in their firm. The course also covers:

• Best practice principles for delivering pro bono legal services
• The value of pro bono work in increasing access to justice
• The positive impact pro bono work has on the solicitors delivering it

If you are interested in taking the leap into pro bono work, this on-demand interactive CPD course is now available on LawInform here and is free for members. If you wish to join our Pro Bono Scheme, register here.

Regional visits, a ‘chief’ highlight

I’m not the first President of the Law Society to express how honoured I am to be invited to participate in events staged by our Regional Law Societies.

Last week, the North Metropolitan Law Society hosted the Chief Justice of NSW Andrew Bell who delivered a characteristically provocative and amusing speech, as well as an engaging Q&A with Councillor Lauren Absalom. We have been so fortunate that the Chief Justice has devoted so much of his time to supporting the solicitor profession with his ongoing regional visits.

I also thank Wollongong & District Law Society for their hospitality during the CPD by the Shore event on Friday. During the day, its President Elisa Shain and I participated in a Young Justice event at the University of Wollongong.

A particular highlight was the presentation of a recognition award to the Illawarra’s longest serving member of the Law Society, Harold Hanson. This year, at the age of 93, Harold has applied for his final practising certificate capping off a legal career of almost seven decades. Congratulations Harold!

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW