Earlier this year, at every AML-related CPD event and Regional Visit that I addressed, I’d ask for a show of hands to see how many people had not yet heard of the Tranche 2 AML/CTF reforms. At first, more hands went up than I’d expected. Over time, I was pleased to see that number decline.

That shift, I hope, reflects the significant and sustained effort the Law Society has put in to help law practices through this significant transition.

A key outcome of this work has been publishing the Law Society AML/CTF Implementation Guides, both for sole practitioners and small practices; and for medium and large practices. These are part of the broader tools and resources we have developed to support the profession.

In last week’s Monday Briefs, we launched a new, interactive, on-demand CPD Course: Complying with your AML/CTF obligations. The course is helpful for those in small practices, including early career lawyers, senior staff needing to engage with the day-to-day management of AML/CTF compliance, and principal practitioners. Even better, it’s complimentary.

As I’ve noted in previous President’s Messages and elsewhere, my first President’s Priority is ensuring solicitors have access to the support and resources required to meet their regulatory obligations, including compliance with the AML/CTF regime.

That commitment won’t stop when the obligations formally commence this Wednesday. The Law Society will continue to provide support as the AML/CTF regime continues to evolve in coming months and years.

Support for all the profession
My two most recent roles have been as an in-house lawyer and, before that, as a government solicitor. That’s why I’m particularly excited about the conferences we have planned for these two important sectors in our profession.

First is the Government Solicitors Conference, to be held in the Strangers Dining Room at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday, 2 September. I’m honoured to be moderating a panel, including Local Court Judge Rami Attia, on dealing with the ever more frequent appearances in court of self-represented litigants including sovereign citizens. You can view the rest of the program and register here.

A week later, on Wednesday, 9 September, the In-House Lawyers Conference will take place at Sydney’s Amora Hotel Jamison. The now familiar ‘Meet the regulators’ session, which I have the pleasure of moderating, will feature senior representatives from the ATO, APRA and ACCC. I encourage you to explore the program and our distinguished speakers. You can register here.

Ronan MacSweeney, President, The Law Society of NSW