I’m delighted to share exciting details of the Law Society of NSW’s 2026 Annual Conference, to be held on Wednesday 11 March, at ILUMINA in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

The theme, Uniting the Profession, reflects a core purpose of the Law Society since our earliest days, and this spirit is woven through the program. From strengthening the human capabilities and professional skills that underpin effective practice, to navigating emerging issues, most notably the new anti-money laundering/counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

The Annual Conference’s timing is particularly important, given the commencement of the AUSTRAC enrolment process for affected practices, just three weeks later on March 31.

That’s why I’m especially pleased to announce that AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas will deliver the keynote address to the Conference. There will also be sessions on how solicitors and their practices can prepare for compliance with the AML/CTF regime, identify common compliance mistakes, and use AUSTRAC’s Starter Kits to manage their AML/CTF regulatory obligations.

This Conference presents an unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from the regulator on what will be a significant change for a large part of the profession.

Members will be aware that the AML/CTF Rules were published in August, and, just last week, AUSTRAC issued its long-awaited Core guidance. I encourage you to review this guidance, which among other things, provides more detail on what it means to provide a ‘designated service’ as defined by the AML/CTF Act.

The Law Society’s Professional Support Unit provides free and confidential guidance to all solicitors regarding their AML/CTF obligations (email [email protected] or call 02 9926 0249).

Other Conference highlights include:

• a dedicated session on the Law Society’s new Solicitor Capability Framework, a key outcome of my President’s Priority this year to deliver quality support for solicitors’ career success;
• practical sessions on managing professional liability risks around the use of AI;
• a judge-led session on court etiquette; and
• ‘speed-dating for lawyers’. This will be an interactive session designed to help to solicitors broaden their professional networks, connect with practitioners in complementary areas of practice, and build valuable relationships.

The day after the Annual Conference (12 March), the Law Society will hold the 2026 Law Students Careers Summit at the International Convention Centre. This event offers students from all years of study across NSW a unique opportunity to connect directly with top employers and organisations from across the legal ecosystem and find out more about legal career paths.

You can find out more about the event or register as an exhibitor here.

While both events will happen after my term as President has concluded, I’m confident that the Law Society of NSW’s commitment to supporting solicitors through all stages of their careers, will continue to thrive for generations to come.

You can register for the Annual Conference here.

In service to the profession

I’ve often said the privilege of leading the solicitor profession as President of the Law Society of NSW has been the highest honour of my legal career.

Last Thursday, at our Annual General Meeting, I was able to update attendees on the achievements of my year so far, and also highlight the many successes of my predecessor as President, Brett McGrath.

We do not have these opportunities without the support of the profession, so I want to thank the thousands of members who voted in the election for Councillors. I thank all candidates, successful or otherwise, who indicated their willingness to serve in this important role.

I congratulate those who were elected, including former President Mary Macken, who now returns to Council, filling the reserved position of Corporate Councillor. Anthony Gordon will continue his service in the reserved Country Councillor position.

Alexia Yazdani and Jade Tyrell have been re-elected, and will fill the reserved positions of Suburban Councillor and Large Firm Councillor, respectively.

I also congratulate Angelo Bilias on his re-election to Council for a further three-year term, and Wen Ts’ai Lim, who is joining Council for the first time.

I also welcome to the Council Tim Roberts, who will serve as the Young Lawyer Councillor for a one-year term.

The election results were announced at the conclusion of the AGM and are published below in today’s Monday Briefs.

Jennifer Ball, President, The Law Society of NSW