An introductory session for recently admitted lawyers or those new to briefing counsel. By the end of the session participants will:

• Understand the different roles in the relationship between instructing solicitor and counsel
• Be able to brief and instruct counsel effectively to get the most out of the engagement
• Know how to compile a counsel brief with a good working structure

Communicating effectively with non-lawyers, including decision makers – Ali Dibbenhall, Head of Legal, Asia Pacific, LexisNexis 

Transform legal advice into clear, compelling communications. In this 1-hour workshop for in-house counsel, learn proven techniques to actively listen, tailor your style for any audience, craft crisp written communications, and handle sensitive conversations. Whether you're new or seasoned, gain confidence in communicating legal risks and recommendations effectively to business stakeholders.

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. 

Client interviewing skills: the art of obtaining instructions – Heather McKinnon, Partner, Bryant McKinnon Lawyers 

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. 

In this back-to-basics presentation, the President of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal, Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman, and Deputy President (Forensic Division), Magistrate Michael Antrum, will guide participants through the essentials. 

The presenters will traverse the principal issues that are confronted in the Civil and Forensic divisions of the Tribunal and will provide insights into working with the Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020. Practical aspects surrounding representation of patients, making relevant submissions and navigating Tribunal procedure and practice will be covered. 

For practitioners new to the jurisdiction or those thinking about it, this will be an invaluable introduction. For experienced lawyers, the session will provide an opportunity to brush up on the basics. 

This session was recorded on 2 March 2022 as part of the Top tips for personal injury lawyers - mandatory rule 6.1 live webinar.

In this session, David will show you how to approach PTSD cases, both from a plaintiff and defendant perspective. You will also learn what issues will arise for you as a lawyer and the professional skills required when they do.

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. 

In this session, John Turnbull SC will discuss:

• The importance of understanding the legislative basis upon which damages can be awarded.
• Relevant factors to consider in relation to non-economic loss, including judicial subjectivity and the clear identification of assessment parameters.
• Tips and essentials skills for reading and interpreting financial records.

This session was recorded on Wednesday 20 September 2023 as part of the Buzzwords: Generative - live webinar.

Generative AI has been generating a bit of buzz recently. In this session, we will discuss its opportunities and challenges for lawyers, and explore how existing legal obligations can and should be applied to this technology.

Our expert panel will elaborate on various aspects related to generative AI and its impact on legal practice, including:

• What is generative AI, its current landscape, and use within the law,     
• How to avoid new risks that emerge from its use,
• Whether generative AI might be engaging in legal practice and who is responsible when something goes wrong,
• Its current and future impact on the legal profession, including business models and pricing of legal services. 

Get the buzz on generative AI.

We are pleased to deliver this on-demand recording complimentary to members.

Panel Moderator Anneka Ferguson, Senior Lecturer with the UNSW Practical Legal Training Program, Solicitor of Walker Gibbs and King, Member of the Law Society of NSW Ethics Committee

Tom Dreyfus, CEO, Co-founder Josef

Aggie Maisano, General Counsel, Gadens Lawyers, Member of the Law Society of NSW Ethics Committee

Clayton Noble, Senior Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand

Lindsay O’Connor, Head of Core Product – Pacific, LexisNexis

Jennie Pakula Manager, Innovation and Consumer Engagement Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner

Bruno Solia, Partner, MinterEllison

Dr Dilan Thampapillai, Dean and Head of School, The School of Law, the University of Wollongong

This session was recorded on Tuesday 18 July 2023 as part of the Buzzwords: Growth mindset - live webinar.

Lawyers traditionally develop a fixed mindset throughout their training and practice, which can lead to being overly risk-averse, perfectionistic, and fearing failure. Professionals who adopt a growth mindset can better adapt to disruption and change by seeing it as an opportunity to grow. 

Our panel will explore and discuss the following: 

•    What is a growth mindset?

•    How a growth mindset can prepare you for change and innovation.

•    Why a growth mindset is essential for successful leadership at all levels and how to develop it.

•    How can we benefit from a growth mindset within the legal practice?

We are pleased to deliver this on-demand recording complimentary to members.

Michael Bunting, Founder, The Mindful Leader 

Sue Rosen, Executive Coach, Sue Rosen Executive Coaching

Tim Sprague, Executive Coach/Psychologist, The Coaching Practice 

Panel Moderator Simonette Vaja, Wellbeing Manger, The Law Society of NSW

This session was recorded on Wednesday 29 March 2023 as part of the Buzzwords: Neurotechnology - live webinar.

The rise of neurotechnology raises ethical, social, political, economic, and legal issues that span many areas of law, including human rights, privacy, criminal, contract, commercial, employment, consumer, mergers & acquisition, medical, technology, and digital. 

Neurotechnology can be part of a headset, wristband, helmet, computer gaming, cochlear and other brain implants. It can also be used to monitor or cognitively enhance workforce or treat various medical conditions.  

During this expert panel event we will aim to anticipate the challenges and opportunities of neurotechnology for the legal profession, covering: 

• What is neurotechnology, where is it today and where is it heading? 
• Are the current regulatory systems and human rights protections adequate? 
• How can lawyers prepare for neurotechnological advances?

We are pleased to deliver this on-demand recording complimentary to members.

Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, President, Australian Human Rights Commission

Dr Allan McCay, Academic Fellow, Sydney Law School, Deputy Director, Sydney Institute of Criminology

Lesley Sutton, Partner, Gilbert + Tobin 

Associate Professor Frederic Gilbert PhD, Ethics Lab -Principal Lead, Head of Discipline - Philosophy & Gender Studies, School Of Humanities, College Of Arts, Law And Education, University of Tasmania

Cassandra Banks, President, The Law Society of NSW