A couple of weeks ago in this message, I mentioned the continuing commitment of the solicitor profession to delivering pro bono work as found in our 2024 Annual Profile of Solicitors in NSW. Respondents to our Practising Certificate Survey donated a total of almost 56,000 working days between them.

That’s both something to be proud of, and to improve upon. As you may have seen, our Access to Justice Team has launched its winter pro bono campaign, Justice Doesn’t Hibernate, with the aim of growing the number of firms participating in the Law Society of NSW’s Pro Bono Scheme to 550.

These campaigns have been very effective. At the start of 2024 there were 328 firms signed up to the scheme. Three recruitment drives in the same year resulted in more than 170 new firms joining. Going into the current campaign, there were just under 500, and since then, an additional 21 firms have signed up.

One of those firms didn’t have to wait long for their first pro bono matter. Offering Wills & Estates expertise, the firm provided much needed support to a bereaved widow who lives with a number of physical health conditions and for whom English is a second language.

The pro bono advice and assistance the firm is providing through applying for letters of administration, displays the dedication that inspired me to choose Honouring solicitors’ service to their communities as my first President’s Priority.

If you think your firm can be doing more in this area, I encourage you to scan the QR code on page 61 of the latest Law Society Journal, or access the form here. You can also contact the Pro Bono Scheme on (02) 9926 0396 or email [email protected]. 

Serving the profession near and far

I’m now just past the halfway point of my term as President of the Law Society, and by far the most enjoyable aspect of this role is the opportunity to engage with members from right across the state, hearing your concerns and your advice on how to act on them.

From the beginning of the year, I’ve visited 11 of our 29 Regional Law Societies: spanning Sydney and the suburbs, across much of the state, and I’ll be continuing these visits through the year.

On 26 August, we’re delighted to be hosting Northern Suburbs Regional Visit – CPD with a View for solicitors in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs and surrounding areas. In collaboration with the North Metropolitan Regional Law Society, this event will feature sessions on managing risks, enhancing productivity, AI, ethics, and, importantly, an update on the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.

Those who register can look forward to an evening networking and dinner reception. We are thrilled that The Hon. Justice Julie Ward, President of the NSW Court of Appeal, will be our esteemed guest and keynote speaker at the dinner.

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW