One of the most important functions of the Law Society of NSW is the provision of high quality continuing professional development (CPD) that is relevant and flexible, whether you prefer learning in-person, online, hybrid or on-demand. The continued delivery of CPD that supports your career success is one of my President’s Priorities this year.

That said, even the best CPD must evolve. We’ve been listening to your feedback on how, when and where our flagship CPD events should take place.

You told us you appreciated the calibre of keynote speakers and content in previous Annual Conferences, but the timing didn’t always suit your calendars. There was a strong appetite for more tailored, standalone events that allow for deeper learning and networking within specific practice communities.

Based on this feedback, and aligned with our broader strategic priorities, we've reshaped our approach. This year, we’re returning to a more focused format with three targeted CPD conferences for government, in-house and rural practitioners, designed to support deeper engagement within each group.

We’re also planning a refreshed Annual Conference in early 2026, strategically timed in the lead-up to the end of the CPD year, focused on delivering practical, high-value content including AML and other emerging priorities.

The Government Solicitors conference is the first in this series on Wednesday, 3 September and appropriately being held at NSW Parliament House in the Strangers Dining Room. We’re honoured to welcome NSW Attorney General the Hon Michael Daley who will open the event with a speech on safeguarding legal institutions and the role of government solicitors.

We’ll also hear from Judge Judith Gibson, Defamation List Judge at the District Court of NSW, on defamation, vulgar abuse and the ethics of shame. Mental wellbeing will also be a focus with a session featuring Dr Colin James, author and expert in lawyer wellbeing addressing vicarious trauma, moral injury and burnout in government legal practice.

Solicitors practising in the Corporate Sector can expect an equally inspiring day of learning and engagement at the In-House Lawyers Conference on Tuesday, 9 September at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.

Counsel from key Australian regulators, including the ATO and ACCC will update in-house lawyers on critical and pending developments in regulation and take your questions. A panel of in-house lawyers will discuss how the culture of an organisation can be a ‘silent regulator’, influencing both performance and compliance.

Finally, the Rural Issues Conference on Friday, 24 October, also at the Sheraton Grand, will bring together solicitors practising in rural, regional and remote (RRR) areas to network, and learn.

The event will explore one of the most pressing challenges facing RRR practitioners and their communities; how to attract and retain legal talent to practice in the regions, along with practical sessions on the incoming anti-money laundering regime.

Other highlights include a panel discussion on conflicts of interest in estate planning and family provision claims involving rural interests and assets, as well as a session on psychological wellbeing for rural solicitors. 

Each of these conferences will provide up to six CPD units and cover mandatory CPD knowledge areas. Book for the Government Solicitors Conference, the In-House Lawyers Conference and the Rural Issues Conference. Early Bird pricing applies to Government and In-House until 7 July and 28 July for the Rural Issues Conference.

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW