During my regional visits this year, I’ve heard from practice leaders that while there is plenty of work for solicitors and support staff in the country, attracting and retaining talent remains a challenge.

At the same time, I’ve been inspired by the young solicitors who have made the move. They tell me the variety and depth of the work is stimulating, challenging and rewarding. At our Welcome to the Profession events, I’ve encouraged graduates to be open minded about where they choose to practise.

The Law Society of NSW has long been committed to advocating for access to justice in our rural, regional and remote (RRR) areas. I’m thrilled that the Law Society has been able to work with the Presidents of our Regional Law Societies to launch Careers in the Country, a dedicated platform designed to connect RRR law practices with solicitors and support staff seeking new career opportunities. You may have seen information about this in your inbox in recent weeks.

Careers in the Country is more than just a regional jobs board. It also features Regional Guides to showcase information about practising in, and living in, the regions. Guides are currently available for the Albury & District; Blue Mountains; Central West; Clarence River & Coffs Harbour; Orana; and North & North West Regional Law Societies, as well as a dedicated Regional Guide for Young Lawyers. Work is underway to prepare guides for the remaining country Regional Law Society areas.

I’m looking forward to sharing more about this exciting initiative at the Rural Issues Conference at the Sheraton on the Park on Friday, 24 October. In the meantime, if you’re a solicitor open to taking your skills to the country, visit the platform and see what the future may hold. This resource is also accessible via the ‘What’s On” section of Monday Briefs.

Looking back, looking ahead: Annual Report and Council Elections
Last Friday, 26 September, you will have received the Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Law Society of NSW. Attached to the invitation was our Annual Report for the financial year 2024-2025.

I encourage you to explore the report, which outlines a truly remarkable 12 months for this organisation and the solicitor profession. It highlights the breadth of work undertaken by Law Society staff, Councillors, and volunteer expert committee members to advance the interests of NSW’s 43,000 solicitors over the 12 months to 30 June. The report also acknowledges the invaluable work of our Immediate Past President, Brett McGrath, in the second half of last year.

Later today, you will also receive information about the candidates for election to the Council and an invitation to vote. 11 members have been nominated for six vacant positions. You are encouraged to vote electronically. Members who have opted to receive hard copy voting papers or for whom we do not hold a unique personal email address will receive hard copy voting papers by post.

The ballot closes at 2.00pm on Monday, 20 October and the results will be announced at the Law Society Annual General Meeting, to be held at 4.30pm on Thursday, 23 October.

Committee EOIs close tomorrow
The work of the 400-plus volunteers on our policy, segment and regulatory committees is crucial to maintaining the Law Society’s role as both the co-regulator of the profession, and its trusted voice to government and the community.

Expressions of interest close at COB tomorrow afternoon, for positions on two segment Committees (Government and In-house Corporate Lawyers); two regulatory Committees (Licencing and Professional Conduct); and nine policy Committees (Human Rights, Indigenous Issues, Injury Compensation, Litigation Law and Practice, Privacy and Data Law, Property Law, Public Law, Revenue NSW/Law Society Liaison, Rural Issues).

Serving on these committees provides an opportunity to give back to your profession, contribute to law reform or the regulation of the profession, and to engage with like-minded colleagues. If you have a desire to serve, find out more here.

Jennifer Ball, President, The Law Society of NSW