Your new colleague: The evolving role of AI in modern legal practice
After much hype, this year feels like the year when AI finally arrived. This session is a practical overview of current developments in AI and Machine Learning and how lawyers can effectively work alongside this technology. We will explore this evolving space using real case studies and examples drawn from Australia and other relevant overseas jurisdictions. This session will cover:

• Where is AI currently being used successfully in legal matters
• What are the risks and mitigations to consider when adopting this technology
• How can you get started safely using the technology in your practice
• What future developments can we expect

This session was recorded on 14 February 2024 as part of the Important issues for in-house lawyers: Mandatory rule 6.1 - live webinar.

Privacy and data management for in-house lawyers – Amber Cerny, Partner, Ernst & Young

In this session Amber Cerny will examine privacy requirements and obligations around managing client, customer and stakeholder data, as well as best practice systems and processes to ensure ongoing compliance.

Practitioners should inform themselves of Rule 6.1 of the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015 which sets out the requirements for the four (4) mandatory CPD areas for NSW legal practitioners – (a) ethics and professional responsibility; (b) practice management and business skills; (c) professional skills; and (d) substantive law. It is the responsibility of each legal practitioner to self-assess as to whether a particular educational activity extends their knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to their practice needs or professional development. If so, then the practitioner may claim one (1) "unit” for each hour of attendance, refreshment breaks not included. 

Under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) (Uniform Law), lawyers must undertake supervised legal practice before they can have Condition 2 removed from their practising certificate and practice unsupervised. It is important for all practitioners to have an understanding of what supervised legal practice should look like in practice, whether they are supervised or in a position to supervise others.

The Law Society’s self-paced course on Supervised legal practice under the Uniform Law will provide both supervising and supervised lawyers with a better understanding of the regulatory requirements and best practices in a supervisory relationship, and provides guidance on how to implement this in the workplace.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand supervised practice requirements under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), the Legal Profession General Rules, and the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules.
• Identify the standard of supervision that is required under the legal profession legislation.
• Recognise an effective compliance management system to support supervision.
• Apply tips for an effective supervisory relationship.
• Understand the requirements of an alternative supervision arrangement.

Our on-demand interactive courses allow you to save your progress and learn to your own schedule. Courses include interactive and engaging content, knowledge checks and links to essential resources.

This course consists of 13 chapters, featuring the expertise of Katherine Lau.

This session was recorded on 9 March 2024 as part of the Focus on sole practice: Mandatory rule 6.1- live webinar.

Marketing in the modern marketplace – Jahan Kalantar, Partner, Executive Law Group

Marketing and branding are key tools to help firms grow and develop but understandably, people can and do become overwhelmed by the number of options that are currently out there. This session is designed to demystify, explain and clarify some of the concepts in modern law firm marketing including branding, social media and creating a unique selling proposition (USP). This session should arm you with some ideas, skills and strategies to get out into the marketplace and help people know a bit more about you and the services that you offer. 

New technologies, remote working and the automation of information management and security has challenged and changed the way practitioners need to think about client file and data management in their day-to-day practice.

The Law Society’s interactive self-paced course on Client file and data management will inform you of your compliance requirements under legal profession legislation as well as your obligations under the Privacy Act and examine the fundamental components of an effective file and data management system. 

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand your compliance obligations under the Uniform Law and other applicable legislation in relation to client file and data management
• Audit and improve your practices’ information systems and processes

 Our on-demand interactive courses allow you to save your progress and learn to your own schedule. Courses includes interactive and engaging content, knowledge checks and links to essential resources. 

This course consists of eleven chapters and features the expertise of Katherine Lau, Professional Support Solicitor within the Professional Support Unit of the Law Society of NSW.

Katherine Lau, Professional Support Solicitor, Professional Support Unit, The Law Society of NSW

This session was recorded on 23 January 2024 as part of the Essentials for hybrid legal practice: Mandatory rule 6.1 – live webinar.

This session will provide an overview of optimal habits for high performing lawyers, including: 

• Mental Agility – Growth Mindset
• Evidence based best practice habits for mental wellbeing
• Mental Fitness with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction