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In Brief Issue #1116
18Aug
Last Friday I was in Brisbane to attend the Bar Association of Queensland’s annual dinner. It was an excellent event in a very scenic venue right on the Brisbane River waterfront. I enjoyed the speeches by ABA president Peter Dunning KC, and the Hon Justice Flanagan of the Supreme Court of Queensland. All the locals were all very welcoming and it was well worth attending.
I stayed on in Brisbane to attend a quarterly ABA meeting on Saturday. One of the things we discussed was whether to amend the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Barristers) Rules 2015 to introduce another category of mandatory activities. The issue has produced an array of opinions across the various Bars. Our Bar Council has considered the matter and takes the position that an ‘equality and wellbeing’ pillar should be added to the mandatory requirements. At this stage, it is not clear where the ABA will land on the topic.
On Monday evening this week, we held the final meeting of the Preliminary Evaluation Committee for the 2023 silk applications. The PEC has met 13 times since May, and almost every meeting has gone for more than two hours. We have very carefully assessed, and then reassessed, each of the applicants, and have now provided our evaluations to the Chief Justice for her Honour’s consideration. The process is – to say the least – exhaustive. In addition to attending regular meetings, each of the 13 PEC members has spent countless hours consulting the profession about their allocated candidates, and then collated the information for consideration by the rest of the committee. It is a very heavy load to take on in addition to running a practice. This year’s PEC members were: the Hon Pamela Tate AM KC (Chair), me, Gina Schoff KC, Liz Bennett S.C., Chris O’Grady KC, Minal Vohra S.C., David Batt KC, Paul Connor KC, Penny Neskovcin KC, Pat Doyle S.C., Kim MacKay (partner, Holding Redlich), Alan Mitchell (partner, HSF) and Sarah Fregon (partner, Lander & Rogers, and former CEO of the Bar). I would like to thank each of them for their hard work and dedication. Special mention should be made of Pamela’s contribution as Chair. Pamela has done a fantastic job, ensuring we all processed the necessary work on time, effectively and fairly. Having now worked with her very closely during the process, I can say that Pamela’s diligence is something to behold. On behalf of the Bar, I thank her. I would also like to thank Miranda Tulloch (Corporate Services Manager) for providing administrative support to the committee throughout the process. Miranda took on the role in addition to her already heavy workload. She attended every meeting and then performed countless hours of work to ensure that our deliberations were accurately and consistently recorded. Miranda performed one of the most important roles in the process and I thank her for her stellar contribution.
To conclude on the topic of silk applications, as you will know, one of the prerequisites to appointment is attending a sexual harassment training session. The Bar is conducting such a session for barristers over 10 years’ call on Wednesday 13 September. You can register here.
Tuesday saw the Hon Justice Terry Forrest’s last sitting day in the Court of Appeal before his Honour turns 70. His Honour had a long and distinguished career, having been appointed as a judge of the Trial Division in 2009. His Honour was then elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2018. At the hearing, our Solicitor-General, Rowena Orr KC, and Robert Richter KC spoke of his Honour’s many accomplishments both at the Bar and on the Bench. I thank his Honour for his very long and able service to the people of this State.
I also made a statement on behalf of the Bar on Tuesday welcoming the appointment of Catherine Gobbo as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court. With her skills in commercial law – particularly in insolvency law – her Honour will no doubt make a very valuable contribution to the Court. I wish her all the best in her new role.
On Tuesday of next week, I will be attending a VLSB Board meeting and then on Wednesday there will be a meeting of the Peter O'Callaghan QC Gallery Foundation.
Finally, now is a good time to save the date for the 2024 Bar Dinner. Next year we will hold the dinner on a Saturday night and we have changed the venue to the National Gallery of Victoria. Please put Saturday, 18 May 2024 into your diary now.
Sam Hay KC
Supreme Court of Victoria
The Honourable Chief Justice Ferguson of the Supreme Court of Victoria has advised that the Executive Council has appointed Catherine Flavia Gobbo as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria effective 15 August 2023.
Details of the welcome ceremony will be advised when they are known.
The Bar is organising photographic portrait sessions for the next intake of Readers, and is considering booking additional sessions to accommodate other interested barristers.
The session will likely take place in Owen Dixon Chambers East, and will cost $60 per person (inc. GST).
The price includes a ten-minute, one-on-one profile photo session with a professional photographer, plus post-shoot colour correction and image processing. You will be supplied with both hi-res colour, and black and white versions of your preferred shot (chosen on the day of the shoot).
If you wish to register your interest, please click here.
Mediation is an essential part of the justice system with a great many litigated matters being referred to mediation. Barristers and law professionals wishing to become an accredited mediator under the National Mediator Accreditation System can register for the Lawyers Mediation Certificate (LMC) six-day course (on 24-26 November & 1-3 December 2023) here. Early Bird discounts apply, places are limited.
The Pacific Legal Network (PLN) has partnered with the Victorian Bar Foundation in a drive to deliver much needed court attire to public lawyers working hard around the Pacific. The latest donation of court gowns and bar jackets has been delivered to the Samoan Law Society. ‘Pasefika’ lawyers across the region are working hard to serve their communities, often despite serious funding constraints, big case backlogs and limited access to L&D resources. Off the back of similar donations of wigs, jackets and gowns provided to the Solomon Islands Public Solicitors Office and Department of Public Prosecutions last year, VicBar has been instrumental in making sure young lawyers in the region have the equipment they need to keep doing the important work they do. To find out more about the PLN, visit their site, here.
- Applications now open for part level 11, Aickin Chambers. This rare opportunity is open to a new or existing Registered Group, applications close Wednesday, 23 August 2023. For more information or to apply click here.
- Dropbox Enterprise is now available through the BCL Technology Subscription Portal. Click here to see our recent communication.
- Why Take Chambers with BCL? As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Victorian Bar, BCL provides a flexible and unique solution of chamber and technology support only available to members of the Bar. Click here to view our current vacancies.
The following are highlights of upcoming CPD and events for Victorian Bar members. You must be a member of the Victorian Bar and logged into the VicBar website to view these events.
- Following the leader? How to lead effectively and how to be a good junior is on 21 August 2023 from 5:15pm-6:15pm. This seminar will be a discussion about managing the division of labour and different personalities, expectations, and working styles alongside the demands of the brief itself. This is an in-person event and will also be available online via live stream. Click here to RSVP.
- Concurrent expert evidence: the when, the why and the how is on 22 August 2023 from 5:15pm-6:15pm. In this CPD, the speakers will discuss practical matters arising in respect of concurrent expert evidence – the when, the why, and the how; how to set yourself (and your expert) up for success; and some tips and traps for both old and new players alike. This is an in-person event for barristers and will also be available online via live stream. Click here to RSVP.
- AI Legal Tools is on 24 August 2023 from 5:15pm-6:15pm. This session aims to explore the various AI tools available to barristers and how these tools are being effectively incorporated into legal practice. Speakers will share insights, practical examples, and best practices for using these tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal work. This is an online only event. Click here to RSVP.
- Mediators Discussion Group is on 28 August 2023 from 1:00pm-2:00pm. This seminar is an opportunity for anyone to raise any topics for discussion arising from a mediation they conducted, or a continuing issue they face in, or anything else they wish to have some peer discussion and input on their mediation. It can draw on experience as a mediator or as counsel for party at mediation and is an important part of a reflective practice. This is an online only event for barristers. Click here to RSVP.
For more upcoming CPD events, please visit our listings here.
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is offering Bar members an exclusive discount on accommodation, as well as on food and beverages.
This exclusive accommodation discount of 15%, also includes 15% discount on food and beverages, and is available by clicking the link here.
Enter the code VICBAR to get a 15% off when dining in.
T&C's apply. Discounts are not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Percentage off is valid for a maximum discount of $150 per bill. Blackout dates apply.
Offer is valid until 31 August 2023.
Calling all AFL footy fans! We look forward to you joining us for dinner at the Essoign to celebrate the beginning of the 2023 finals. This year’s dinner will be held on Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 6:30pm for 7:00pm, and will feature former AFL General Manager of Football Operations and barrister, Adrian Anderson. Tickets are $135 per person and this includes drinks, footy food on arrival, main course, cheese and chocolates for dessert and tea and coffee. Footy fans are encouraged to come wearing their club colours. Please contact either Robyn Sweet KC (sweet@vicbar.com.au) or Amy Wood (amywood@vicbar.com.au) to make arrangements to reserve your seat! RSVP closes on 24 August 2023 and seats are limited.
Dear Essoign Club Members,
We are open daily from 7:30am – till late
Breakfast - for dine-in or takeaway.
Lunch – Daily Café Menu take away or delivery.
Lunch Dine-In – A La Carte from midday.
Bar – EVERY EVENING – $5 Beer & Wine from 4.30pm – 5.30pm with light snacks available.
Catering & Events – For all occasions including:
Breakfasts
Cocktail Parties
Dinners
Platters for:
Lunches
Morning & Afternoon tea
Or something special you may have in mind
See Catering and Events Pack attached
Email us at essoign@vicbar.com.au
Victorian Bar members are encouraged to use the Member Benefits online portal, where you can access a wide variety of discounts, special offers, and member-only deals as part of your Bar membership.
The exclusive benefits are available Australia-wide and are not generally open to the public.
To activate your account and access the benefits, please click here. You must log in using your vicbar.com.au login details.
Click here to access the monthly Best Buys!
Have you heard about the Richard Griffith Library but have never visited? Held in person at the Richard Griffith Library, this short 15-minute tour with a Law Library Victoria Reference Librarian, will demonstrate how to access the library, point out collections and provide an overview of online subscriptions.
Location: Richard Griffith Library, Level 1, Owen Dixon East
Thursday, 24 August 2023, 1:15pm to 1:30pm Tour of the Richard Griffith Library
Thursday, 21 September 2023, 1:15pm to 1:30pm Tour of the Richard Griffith Library
Thursday, 26 October 2023, 1:15pm to 1:30pm Tour of the Richard Griffith Library
Thursday, 23 November 2023, 1:15pm to 1:30pm Tour of the Richard Griffith Library
Institutional Liability: insights from the front lines.
The seminar will focus on this growing area of practice and provide practical guidance on communication and case management in both the Supreme Court and County Court of Victoria, and discussions will include practical tips of benefit for practitioners in the Common Law Divisions of both jurisdictions.
Justice Andrea Tsalamandris (Supreme Court) will chair this seminar, joined by Justice Stephen O’Meara (Supreme Court), Justice Katherine Bourke (County Court), Judicial Registrar Andrew Baker (Supreme Court) and Judicial Registrar Belinda Bales (County Court).
This hybrid event will be held online and in-person on Thursday, 24 August 2023 from 9:00-10:00am in the Banco Court (Court 1) of the Supreme Court, 210 William Street Melbourne.
Bookings close 5:00pm, Tuesday, 22 August 2023.
Registrations now open for Resolution Institute’s flagship mediation training with a 20% discount on membership.
Do you need to enhance your mediation skills, follow a new career path, or develop your negotiation and conflict resolution skills?
Then why not join our experienced trainer Anne Sutherland in Melbourne (21–25 August) for our mediation training and take your career to new heights?
Our highly sought-after mediation training meets the requirements for the National Mediation Accreditation System in Australia and includes personalised coaching and feedback from highly skilled mediators. Upon completion of the course, you will receive 20% off your membership for your first year which will gain you exclusive access to a range of our membership benefits.
For more info & to register, please visit the link above. You can also write to us at learning@resolution.institute or call +61 2 9251 3366
The Honourable John Middleton AM KC will present the 2023 HAL Victorian Chapter Oration on 'How Healthy is our Democracy in Australia today?'
Thursday, 7 September 2023 at 5:30pm for 6:15pm
DLA Piper Lawyers, 14th floor, 80 Collins St, Melbourne.
Cost: HAL members $35, non-members $50 Drinks & finger food at 5:30pm.
Click here to view the flyer for more information.
Click here for the flyer, which contains details for registration and payment for the Sports Law Conference. Please register and pay by COB Friday, 1 September 2023.
SPORTS LAW CONFERENCE
Venue: Green Gully FC, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs VIC 3038
Date: 9:15am to 11:30am Saturday, 16 September 2023, followed by morning tea
Cost: $80.00 for Conference and morning tea
Chair: Justice Melanie Sloss
Speakers:
Justice Jack Forrest: ‘Anticorruption and sports’
Coroner Simon McGregor & Daniel Nguyen: ‘Concussion in sport and life as a Coroner’
Ivan Griscti: ‘Jurisdiction in Sports’ with comment from Anthony Lo Surdo SC and Simon Philips
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Venue: Green Gully FC (same address as above)
Date: 12:45-5:00pm, followed by presentations and casual meal
Cost: No fee to play or attend the tournament to support
If you wish to play, please email castanl16rec@vicbar.com.au your preferred position and we’ll do our best to accommodate. We may need players for the NSW and QLD teams who may be short on players.
Join Professor Val Napoleon, University of Victoria (Canada), and Chief Justice Debra Mortimer, Federal Court of Australia, for an in conversation event being held at the Melbourne registry on 12 September 2023.
Click here to view the flyer for more information.
The Attorney-General of the Australian Capital Territory, Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, invites expressions of interest from eligible and suitably qualified people for appointment as a Magistrate to the Magistrates Court of the Australian Capital Territory.
The Magistrate will exercise the functions and jurisdiction of a Magistrate of the Magistrates Court of the ACT, as arranged by the Chief Magistrate.
Expressions of interest are sought from all areas of the legal community, including the private, government and community sectors. Women, people with disabilities, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTIQ are encouraged to apply.
Click here for more information and to apply. Expressions of interest close Sunday, 03 September 2023.
We are delighted to invite expressions of interest for two full-time PhD scholarships in the Faculty of Law at Monash University (one to commence in 2023 and one to commence in 2024).
The scholarships are funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury and the Faculty of Law at Monash. The CRE brings together leading researchers in epidemiology, rehabilitation medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, law, health economics, health services research and computational social science at the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne and Monash University.
The PhD scholars will be based in the Australian Centre for Justice Innovation in the Faculty of Law at Monash University and supervised by Associate Professor Genevieve Grant, together with other investigators drawn from the CRE and the Faculty.
Click here for more information.
If you would like to contribute relevant news, events, and updates for barristers and the legal profession to In Brief, please send an email with your content to inbrief@vicbar.com.au or complete this submission form.
Deadline for the next issue:5pm, 24th August 2023