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In Brief Issue #1121
22Sep
Last Saturday was a very good day. We held the 2023 Sports Law Conference and Tri-State Football Tournament at Green Gully FC. It started off with several interesting sports-related papers, and then teams from three states took to the field for a series of matches.
First up was NSW v Qld. Queensland put in a spirited effort, but NSW won the match 4-0 with a very strong performance. Johnny Selfridge was awarded a Player of the Match award for Qld. Vahan Bedrossian SC asked the referee to issue him with a yellow card (resulting in a $50 fine for charity) for missing a sitter right in front of goal, but he still secured a Player of the Match award for NSW.
Next up was Victoria v Qld. We managed to win that match 4-0, with Daniel Nguyen, Nicholas Phillpott, Alexander Solomon-Bridge and Chris Archibald KC all putting the ball into the back of the net. Alex left his usually quiet demeanour on the sidelines when he stepped onto the pitch; in fact, after scoring his goal, he celebrated by pulling his shirt over his head and running back down the field. Caitlin Pincott was awarded player of the match for Qld; a very solid effort given it was her first time playing the game (although I note she has a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her name for the 4x400m relay).
The final match was Victoria v NSW, which our northern neighbours went into as reigning champions. Now, people who know me well will tell you I don’t usually get very animated when watching sport. Watching this match was very much an exception. I got right into it. To give you an idea, this video captures Victoria’s first goal and my less-than-composed reaction to it. The match was hotly contested and, even though it was a “friendly”, the referee’s yellow card got a bit of a workout. After a lot of back and forth, we ended up winning 2-0 and taking home two trophies: the Tri-State Cup, and the NSW v Victoria Cup. Both now sit – proudly and securely – in a glass cabinet (vitrine?) in the Richard Griffith Library.
I thank each member of the VicBar FC squad for a stellar effort and a winning performance that made me very proud: Anthony Klotz (coach), Adrian Bates, Alexander Solomon-Bridge, Chris Archibald KC, Chris Beach, Daniel Nguyen, Gorjan Nikolovski, James Eley, Jamie O’Regan, Jim Fitzpatrick, LeRae Sandy, Nicholas Phillpott, Nico Muniz Saavedra, Patrick Santamaria, Phil Cadman, Simon Tan, Mike Kats, John Gurr and James Penny. Player of the match awards were given to Chris Archibald KC (for the Qld v Victoria match) and Phil Cadman (for the grudge NSW v Victoria match). I also thank the NSW and Qld squads for making the conference and the tournament such a success. It was a pleasure to host them. Mention should also be made of Peter Agardy and Anthony Lo Surdo SC who instigated the competition back in 2008 and have done so much to support it since.
On Tuesday, I spoke on behalf of the Bar at his Honour Judge Andrew Palmer’s welcome ceremony at the County Court. His Honour has an absolutely first-rate academic pedigree, having won – among many prizes – the Supreme Court Prize, and the Vinerian Scholarship. I thanked his Honour for the remarkable contribution he made over many years to the Readers’ Course, where he has been a main presenter during Advocacy Week. A great number of members have benefitted from his skill as a teacher. His Honour will be a real asset to the County Court, and we wish him well as he starts his judicial career.
Yesterday, I flew to the Gold Coast to attend the ABA national conference, Cornerstone 2023: The Rule of Law. Well over 30 members are in attendance, with speakers including the Hon. Justice Michelle Gordon AC, the Hon. Chief Justice William Alstergren AO, the Hon. Justice David O’Callaghan, Sturt Glacken KC, Martin Scott KC, Dr Matt Collins AM KC, Róisín Annesley KC, Claire Harris SC, Tomo Boston KC, Premala Thiagarajan, and James Waters.
On Wednesday afternoon next week, I will speak at the Hon. Justice John Dixon’s farewell ceremony. His Honour has served on the Court with distinction since September 2010. I am looking forward to thanking him for his service to the Court and the people of this State. Members are invited to attend robed, but without wigs.
Members should note the date for the Hon. Justice Ian Waller’s welcome ceremony. It will be held on Monday, 2 October at 9:15am in the Banco Court. As with Justice John Dixon’s farewell, members are invited to attend robed, but without wigs.
Cath Devine recently completed a book, A Practical Guide to Child Support, and will be hosting an event to launch it on Friday, 6 October 2023 in the Essoign Club. It starts at 4:30pm, with tickets available from the Eventbrite site or Cath’s website.
Finally, please note that next week In Brief will go out on Thursday because of the Grand Final public holiday. Accordingly, notices for publication need to be provided to the Bar Office by COB on Wednesday.
Sam Hay KC
Federal Court of Australia
A ceremonial sitting of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia will be held to mark the appointment of the Honourable Justice Christopher Horan as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia in Court 1, Level 8, Federal Court of Australia, Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 305 William Street, Melbourne, on:
Friday, 20 October 2023 at 9:30am
To attend in-person, please RSVP by email to Ms Dimitra Argyros - dimitra.argyros@fedcourt.gov.au. Closing date for RSVP is Friday, 6 October 2023.
Seating will be arranged in Court 1 or another Court for viewing via video link.
Supreme Court of Victoria
A welcome ceremony to mark the appointment of the Honourable Justice Ian Waller as a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria will be held in the Banco Court, Supreme Court of Victoria, 210 William Street, Melbourne on:
Monday, 2 October 2023 at 9:15am
All counsel who are able to do so are asked to attend, robed (wigs are not worn in the Supreme Court).
Supreme Court of Victoria
A farewell ceremony will be held to acknowledge the Honourable Justice John Dixon’s retirement and service to the community.
The farewell ceremony will take place in Banco Court, Supreme Court of Victoria, 250 William Street, Melbourne on:
Wednesday, 27 September 2023 at 5:00pm
All counsel who are able to do so are asked to attend, robed (wigs are not worn in the Supreme Court).
Members who have yet to pay their subscription fees are reminded that they are now significantly overdue and should be paid as soon as possible. Bar subscriptions are an integral component of a barrister’s ability to practice. If you have not made arrangements to pay your subscription fees, please do so. Should you require assistance on this or other administrative matters, the Victorian Bar office can help you. Members who need assistance should email membership@vicbar.com.au or contact Mark Bryant on (03) 9225 7111.
The New Barristers' Committee Coffee with Silks series is returning for 2023. Held on three consecutive days at the Essoign Club, it’s an opportunity for new barristers to meet and engage with Silks in a relaxed, social setting. It’s informative, and it’s free!
8:00 – 8:45am Tuesday, 24 October: Criminal Law
8:00 – 8:45am Wednesday, 25 October: Public/Administrative Law, Tax Law, Industrial Law & Commercial Law
8:00 – 8:45am Thursday, 26 October: Family Law, Migration Law, Compensation Law & Common Law
RSVP by Monday, 16 October.
The Victorian Bar News Editorial Committee is calling for contributions for the 2023 Summer edition (No. 174).
The VBN is the Bar’s twice-yearly magazine. While content is curated by the editorial committee it is driven by the Bar’s members and friends, so please let the stories, photographs and Verbatim contributions flow! The content deadline for the upcoming edition is 14 October 2023.
Contributions (and any related questions) should be directed to vbneditors@vicbar.com.au.
Victorian Bar News Editorial Committee
The Law Institute of Victoria and the Victorian Bar New Barristers’ Committee invite all barristers and solicitors with less than 6 years' experience in their fields to this unique and vibrant social event on Friday, 13 October.
Our special guest, the Honourable Justice Maree Kennedy will open the evening, sharing her Honour’s reflections on the importance of building professional relationships early in your career. Enjoy drinks and dinner for a night of brain-teasing riddles, laughter, and friendly competition as you mingle with fellow legal professionals.
Tickets are $50 each and include canapes and main course, click here to register.
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, but places are limited.
- Individual applications are now open for part level 11, Aickin Chambers. This rare opportunity is open to all barristers, visit the Vacant Chambers page on the BCL website to view and apply for all available rooms.
- 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.
- How to burn bright and not burn out is on 26 September 2023 from 5:15pm-6:15pm. In this seminar our speakers Bernadette Healy, Psychologist and Professor Craig Hassed, Monash University, will canvass the topic of burnout – how to maintain maximum productivity and the highest professional standard without becoming run down. This is an online only event. Click here to RSVP.
For more upcoming CPD events, please visit our listings here.
The Annual Hockey Match between Vicbar and the Law Institute of Victoria has been scheduled for Thursday, 5 October at 6:00pm.
We hope that you can come along on the evening and be part of the team.
Please lock in this date and let Natasha know your availability.
Barrister, mediator, and arbitrator Cath Devine has recently completed her book, Devine’s Guide, A Practical Guide to Child Support and will be hosting its launch at the Essoign Club from 4:30pm to 6:00pm on Friday, 6 October.
Designed to help legal practitioners navigate the challenging maze of child support legislation, the book is written in a user-friendly style which includes clear references to relevant case law, decisions, and precedents.
The foreword was written by his Honour Justice Grant Riethmuller (FCFCOA Division One) and is available to read here.
Tickets to the event are available here, or through Cath’s website here.
The Essoign now has a coffee cart open on the ground floor of Owen Dixon West.
Available daily from 7:30am is tea, coffee and a selection of sweets and pastries.
Ask about our VIP coffee cards at the cart.
Click here to view the flyer.
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!
The Children’s Court of Victoria is implementing a new online case management system for child protection proceedings.
How you interact with the court is going to change. You will use the CMS Portal to file documents electronically, access case information, draft and submit proposed consent minutes and obtain court orders.
The new CMS Portal for child protection matters has moved the release date and will now go live on 23 October 2023.
Contact cmsproject@courts.vic.gov.au for information about training opportunities available to the profession.
The Equality & Diversity Committee reminds all signatories to the Law Council's Equitable Briefing Policy to submit their confidential reports by 30 September 2023.
You can submit your report on-line here.
The collection of this confidential and aggregated data is vital to assess the impact and effectiveness of the Policy. Guidelines are available from the Law Council website to assist adoptees in completing their reports.
The development of the next edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (‘AGLC’) is now underway. It is hoped that the new edition, the AGLC 5, will improve the AGLC’s usability and comprehensiveness for the benefit of the Australian legal community.
Consequently, we are soliciting feedback and suggestions on the AGLC. We invite you to provide feedback.
This consultation period closes on 31 October 2023. For more information, please click here.
Have you heard about the Richard Griffith Library but have never visited it? 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, 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
Melbourne Law School is pleased to present the following events:
2023 Sir George Turner Public Lecture:
The Rule of Law in a Messy World: Limits, Limitations, and Challenges
Presenter: Professor Emeritus Gerald J. Postema
In his book, Law’s Rule, Professor Postema argues the rule of law aims to temper power and protect against power’s potential for arbitrary exercise. This profoundly important ideal serves an even more fundamental set of interrelated ideals – community, equality, and freedom from domination. The rule of law can only flourish when a community-wide ethos of fidelity supports it. Yet, law must resist capture by its enemies and rule in a world of entangled legal orders and competing moral values. While outlining and defending his conception of the rule of law, Professor Postema will explore challenges posed by law’s task of ruling in a ‘messy’ world.
We hope you can join us for this opportunity to hear Professor Emeritus Gerald J. Postema speak. Light refreshments will be served from 5:30pm with the lecture starting at 6:00pm.
Date & time: Wednesday, 4 October 2023, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Melbourne Law School, G08 Theatre, 185 Pelham St, Carlton
Further information and registration
2023 Seabrook Chambers Public Lecture:
The changing form of the Executive branch of Government and declining accountability
Presenter: The Hon. Robert Redlich AM KC
In this lecture, The Hon. Robert Redlich will examine the centralisation of power, the exponential growth in the sphere of influence of ministerial advisors, the continuing decline in ministerial responsibility and the marginalised role of the public service. His presentation will explore how that changed environment has been accompanied by a lack of accountability in failing to follow conventions, codes of conduct and due process – aspects of due governance designed to maximise the prospect that the exercise of power serves the public interest. He also argues executive government’s willingness to address deterioration in these standards usually depends upon public exposure of these failings; the ability to inform the public is an essential function of an effective integrity commission.
We hope you can join us for this opportunity to hear The Hon. Robert Redlich AM KC speak. The lecture will start at 6:00pm and is hosted by the Melbourne Law School.
Date & time: Monday, 23 October 2023, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Melbourne Law School, G08 Theatre, 185 Pelham St, Carlton
Columbia Law School's Office of Graduate Degree Programs will soon travel to Melbourne to promote their Executive LL.M. and traditional LL.M. programs.
Click here to register to attend an information session.
FREE | Wednesday, 27 September, 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 1 CPD — Practice Management
Preparing a will for clients involves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires a deep understanding of the law, thorough information gathering, attention to detail, and effective communication.
Christien Corns, Partner and Sam Rappensberg, Senior Associate, K&L Gates, will identify the key areas that practitioners should focus on getting right when preparing wills and provide tips and strategies on how to avoid claims.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to wills work, this webinar will enhance your expertise and outcomes for your client.
About the speakers
Christien Corns has extensive experience acting in complex commercial litigation, with a particular focus on insurance, professional indemnity, major torts, sports, defamation and related media issues.
Sam Rappensberg is an experienced insurance and commercial litigation lawyer, specialising in professional negligence, life insurance and defamation matters.
Invitation to 2023 Sir Zelman Cowen Centre Oration: Craig Foster AM on sport as catalyst for social change
You are cordially invited to attend the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre 7th Annual Oration.
The Oration will be delivered by Craig Foster AM. Craig will speak about the capacity for sport as a platform and catalyst for positive social change, through a human rights lens.
DATE: Thursday, 28 September 2023
TIME: 5:30pm-7:00pm (including refreshments)
VENUE: Courtyard Lecture Theatre, 295 Queen Street, Melbourne (entry via Little Lonsdale St)
About the speaker:
Craig was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his significant services to human rights, multiculturalism, and refugee support organisations, and to football, and is the current NSW Australian of the Year for 2023 and Chair of the Australian Republic Movement. He is also a member of the Multicultural Council under the Department of Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship division.
Click here for more information and to register.
Sentencing Theory and Practice Masterclass
Emeritus Professor Arie Freiberg AM, former Chair of the Victorian Sentencing Council, will be facilitating the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre’s Sentencing Theory and Practice Masterclass.
The Masterclass runs over two intensive days, and is crafted for those already aware of the practices and challenges of sentencing in the criminal jurisdiction but wishing to deepen their understanding. Each year the program attracts participants from different backgrounds, including law firms, police, regulatory agencies, the Office of Public Prosecutions, and the courts. The program is highly interactive, allowing participants to share and contribute to each other’s knowledge, and to build connections with other practitioners. As such, places are limited to a maximum of 20 people.
The details are:
Date: Thursday, 12 October and Friday, 13 October 2023
Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Delivery: In person at the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, 295 Queen Street
Cost: $1,250 including GST (this includes full catering)
Register: by email to cowen.centre@vu.edu.au
Participants can claim 10 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for completing the masterclass. For further details please see the attached information. More information is also available on the SZCC website here.
You are cordially invited to attend the James Cook University 2023 Mayo Lecture being held on Wednesday, 4 October 2023.
The Mayo Lecture is a prestigious annual event run by the James Cook University Law Students Society (JCULSS) supported by the JCU College of Business, Law and Governance in honour of Mrs Marylyn Mayo, JCU's foundation law staff member.
This year, we are pleased to announce that the Mayo Lecture will be conducted by Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen at the Bebegu Yumba Campus in Douglas, Townsville. Dr Keon-Cohen was one the of Legal Counsel for the Plaintiffs throughout the Mabo litigation; has acted for claimants in many native title and immigration matters in the Federal Court; has appeared in the High Court in constitutional, native title and refugee matters; and has written and lectured extensively on Indigenous rights.
The title of Dr Keon-Cohens lecture will be, “From Slavery to Sovereignty? Mabo, Native Title and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
The Lecture will be followed by light refreshments.
When: Wednesday, 4 October at 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Online & Bld 142, Room 111, Science Place Lecture Theatre, JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, Douglas
This event will also be live streamed. Please register with the link below.
Register for this event here.
2023 Susan Campbell Oration
The Impact of Clinical Legal Education on Professional Identity Formation
Join us on Thursday, 19 October to hear from Professor Lisa Bliss as she shares her experience as the director and co-founder of the Health Law Partnership Clinic, where she teaches both law and medical students to integrate their clinic learning experiences into their vision for who they want to become as professionals.
This event will be held in person at Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne from 5:30-7:30pm - 19 October. Register here
Monash Law Gala Dinner 2023
Law Reform: Designing laws that work
You are warmly invited to the Monash Law Gala Dinner 2023 on Thursday, 26 October with keynote speaker the Honourable Justice Mordecai Bromberg. A Monash Law alumnus whose passion for legal research and Law Reform has been reflected in his impressive career. In July this year, Justice Bromberg was appointed President of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) for a five-year term.
This event will be held in person at the RACV City Club, Lvl 17, 501 Bourke Street Melbourne from 6:00-10:00pm - 26 Oct. Purchase your ticket here
The Migration Law Committee from the Federal Dispute Resolution Section of the Law Council of Australia is pleased to announce it will be hosting a seminar event for lawyers on 27 October 2023 in the Gold Coast. This will be offered in-person and online.
When: Friday, 27 October 2023
Where: The Langham, 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD & online
Time: 1:00pm - 5:30pm (AEST) followed by drinks and canapes
Click here to view the flyer.
Click here for further information.
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine will this year host the Graeme Schofield Oration to be provided by Dr Morris Tidball-Binz, Geneva-based UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions.
This lecture will be on the application of humanitarian forensic investigation processes in serious violations of human rights and will be free of charge.
The oration will held at the NGV, and will be followed by a dinner at the Garden Restaurant, in a separate, paid ticketed event.
The oration:
Date: Thursday, 16 November 2023
Time: 6:00pm AEDT
Location: Clemenger BBDO Auditorium, National Gallery of Victoria
RSVP: Here
The dinner:
Three course dinner with drinks $190.00 per ticket or $1,520 per table
Location Garden Restaurant National Gallery of Victoria
Time 7:30pm AEDT Thursday, 16 November 2023
RSVP: Here
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, 27th September 2023