I mentioned the importance of practitioners in rural, regional and remote (RRR) NSW in this message earlier this month, while calling attention to next week’s CPD and networking day in Port Macquarie.

I’ve had the honour of attending several of these events this year, either organised by our expert team at the Law Society of NSW, or curated locally by our Regional Law Societies. Each has provided excellent professional development opportunities and a chance to connect with colleagues from across the profession.

Now, after enjoying the company of RRR solicitors in their local communities, it’s my turn to invite them to Sydney for our annual Rural Issues Conference, where I’ll be honoured to deliver the opening address.

Solicitors working in regional areas face specific needs and challenges, including land transactions, succession law, court protocols, and managing client relationships. This conference brings together expert voices to address these needs, while providing a collegiate and inspiring day of legal education.

Each of the six sessions explores real issues encountered by our RRR solicitors, ranging from estate planning and disputes in rural communities, to the complexities of rural property transactions, advice on how to represent complex clients, and ethical decision-making in rural practice.

One session will be devoted to identifying, discussing and actioning issues that are critical to strengthening rural practices, and the administration of justice in regional communities.

I’m once again grateful to the District Court of NSW for the participation of the Hon. Deputy Chief Judge Stephen Hanley SC, who will provide attendees with what his Honour is calling, his ‘Country Call-over’ of matters affecting rural practitioners in his jurisdiction.

The Rural Issues Conference is to be held on Friday 23 October 2026 at the Amora Hotel Jamison. There is good reason for RRR practitioners to register early. Early bird pricing for the Rural Issues Conference ends next Sunday, 23 August, and there’s a further discount for groups of five or more. You can register here.

Ronan MacSweeney, President, The Law Society of NSW