When the Law Society of NSW becomes aware of the death, illness or incapacity of a sole principal or sole practitioner, we have a duty to appoint a manager to their practice. These appointments also happen in response to the suspension or cancellation of a sole principal’s practising certificate.

This important work is led by our Professional Standards External Intervention team, which has experienced a significant increase in the need for these appointments over the past year. I encourage suitably qualified practitioners to consider becoming a manager and to express their interest.

Section 336 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) outlines the role and responsibilities of a manager. There are resources and guidance available to support practitioners interested in taking on these appointments, including our External Intervention webpage.

Managers are paid an hourly rate, which may also extend to staff approved by the Law Society to assist the Manager, where required. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us at: [email protected].

From Orange to Orana, engaging with regional solicitors
Following our Regional Justice Summit at Orange last month, where we highlighted the state of regional courts and legal assistance funding, I am again looking forward to continuing to engage with rural regional and remote solicitors at the Orana CPD Day, to be held at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

On Tuesday, 21 July, I’ll join solicitors from the Orana region for a full day of learning, insights and networking. Given the location, I would not be surprised if solicitors from outside the region came along as well. In fact, I encourage it!

The impressive program will feature an address from Deputy Chief Judge of the District Court, Christopher O’Brien AM, who’ll deliver an update on developments at his Court.

As regional solicitors contend with challenges across a number of fronts, the session entitled Running a profitable legal practice: financial strategies for regional firms will provide practical insights, examples and takeaway resources that attendees can apply immediately in their own firms.

The full day program, which also includes sessions on risk management, contingency planning, and a productivity discussion from the dynamic Mario Halouvas, will provide up to six CDP units.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you at the Zoo!

Ronan MacSweeney, President, The Law Society of NSW