The Law Society of New South Wales, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000
The transition into an in-house role presents an exciting opportunity to develop new skills and change the way you practise law. As with every change, while you embrace the opportunities, you might also face some challenges.
To support you during this transition, the Law Society is pleased to invite you to join us at our Moving In-House: Practice essentials program. This exclusive program will be offered in-person at the Law Society of NSW for a full day on 23 June 2026.
Throughout the course of the day you will hear from in-house legal experts and senior Law Society solicitors on a range of important topics for practitioners who are moving into corporate legal practice. This includes ethical dilemmas relevant to in-house legal practice, legal operations and project management, the latest important substantive law updates, and career mapping for in-house lawyers. This program will give you practical guidance and tips on how to successfully navigate the transition and ensure you have the foundations to forge a rewarding in-house career.
Ivana Kovacevic, Multi Award Winning Fractional General Counsel, Non-Executive Director and Chair, Keynote Speaker and Mentor
Linden Barnes, Senior Ethics Solicitor, The Law Society of New South Wales
Elaine Wong, In-House Corporate Lawyers Committee Member, The Law Society of New South Wales Anthony de Govrik, In-House Corporate Lawyers Committee Member, The Law Society of New South Wales Nick Satouris, Professional Support Solicitor, The Law Society of New South Wales
Linda-Rose Daya, Head of Legal Project Management and Design, Gilbert + Tobin
Michael Green, Barrister, Level 22 Chambers Sissi Chen, In-House Corporate Lawyers Committee Member, The Law Society of New South Wales
Gavin Ingram, In-House Corporate Lawyers Committee Member, The Law Society of New South Wales
John Pender, In-House Corporate Lawyers Committee Member, The Law Society of New South Wales
'We’re Not Gonna Take It': Parody, satire and damages in copyright law – on-demand recording
This session was recorded on 9 March 2022 as part of the 'We’re Not Gonna Take It: Parody, satire and damages in copyright law - live webinar.
Do you want to further develop your understanding of copyright law? This session will delve into the parody and satire defence in light of the recent Universal Music v Palmer decision. Come and listen to the lawyers from the firm that represented Universal Music in this matter and led this publishing giant to winning the case in court.
Clive Palmer’s unlicensed use of Twisted Sister’s song We’re Not Gonna Take It in election advertising resulted in one of the highest awards of damages in a copyright case in Australia, and some further clarification about the parody or satire defence.
Hear from the lawyers who successfully represented Universal Music in the case, including their insights on:
issues around the originality and similarity of musical works;
the scope of the parody and satire defence in the Copyright Act;
assessment of compensatory damages (including the application of the “user principle” in copyright cases); and
why the Court ordered one of the highest awards of additional damages ever for copyright infringement.
Courtroom demeanor and advocacy skills are crucial for early career lawyers aiming to make a significant impact in litigation and general legal proceedings. This session focuses on navigating courtroom etiquette effectively and honing advocacy techniques to enhance professionalism, credibility, and persuasive power before judges, juries, and opposing counsel.
This session was recorded on Friday, 11 October 2024 as part of the Early Career Lawyers stream at the Annual Conference 2024.
Curiosity is a catalyst for growth and innovation within the legal profession. This session explores the transformative power of curiosity in shaping a more dynamic and resilient legal practice. By encouraging a culture of inquiry and exploration, legal professionals can enhance problem-solving abilities, deepen client relationships, and drive positive change within their practices and the broader legal profession.
This session was recorded on Friday, 11 October 2024 as part of the Early Career Lawyers stream at the Annual Conference 2024.
Recorded on 11 October 2024
Magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim, Magistrate, Local Court of NSW Jennifer Ball, LSNSW Senior Vice President & Senior Partner Clayton Utz Linden Barnes, Senior Ethics Solicitor, The Law Society of NSW Craig Emery, Head of Legal Chapter and Chief Compliance Officer, Telstra Taylah Spirovski, President, NSW Young Lawyers (Moderator)
"Should I accept that offer?" A comprehensive methodology for valuing litigation claims and advising advising clients on settlement – on-demand recording
This session was recorded on 12 June 2024 as part of the Key considerations for settlements: Mandatory rule 6.1 - live webinar.
A prudent party should settle if (but only if) the value of settlement exceeds the value of litigating. But without a methodology for quantifying the “value of litigating”, a party can’t reasonably make that assessment. This seminar presents a novel, comprehensive and practical methodology for quantifying the value of litigating and for resolving the dilemma: “should my client accept the offer on the table, or litigate?” It will break down a 3-step valuation methodology for quantifying the “value of litigating”:
Probability-weighted valuation of all monetary claims and exposures
Notionally monetising the value of critical non-monetary ancillary advantages and disadvantages of litigation (eg, stress, opportunity cost, reputation damage)
Monetising the value of the risk associated with the litigation
In order to enrol in this course, you will require a LawID account, please click here for further details on how to create a free non-member account.
This engaging panel discussion will address the issues of boundaries and burnout within the legal profession equipping early career lawyers with the knowledge and practical techniques to maintain a healthy work-life balance and lay the foundations for a prosperous legal career. Hearing from early career lawyers and expert psychologists in the field, we will conduct a deep dive into this topic using palatable language to highlight the role we all play in fostering resilience and protecting the wellbeing of ourselves, our clients and our colleagues.
This session was recorded on Friday, 11 October 2024 as part of the Early Career Lawyers Annual Conference 2024.
Recorded on 11 October 2024
David Fox, Psychologist Mei Gong, Senior Associate, Johnson Winter Slattery Elli Balafas, Wellbeing Manager, The Law Society of NSW (Moderator)
2025 Government Solicitors Conference – on-demand recording
This conference will explore the vital role government solicitors play in safeguarding the rule of law. From navigating reform and complex risk to providing principled advice with integrity and foresight, our full-day program offers practical sessions, legal updates, and expert guidance designed to strengthen your work in the dynamic public sector environment.
This session was recorded as part of the 2025 Government Solicitors Conference
The conference will cover challenges and opportunities for corporate counsel, including legal risk management, ethical considerations, and innovation.
Whether you’re part of a small team or advising a multinational organisation, this tailored conference offers practical strategies to help you stay agile, foster collaboration, and lead with integrity.
These sessions were recorded as part of the 2025 In-House Lawyers Conference.
This conference will explore the vital role solicitors in rural and remote regions play in their communities, often managing broad areas of law, navigating limited resources, and balancing close community ties with professional obligations.
These sessions were recorded as part of the 2025 Rural Issues Conference.
Recorded on 24 October 2025
Bobbie Wan, Head of Regulatory Policy and Strategy, The Law Society of NSW Neil Jeans, Partner, Risk Consulting, Grant Thornton Sarah Maddox, Enforcement, AUSTRAC Karina Penfold, Partner, Turner Freeman Lawyers Linden Barnes, Senior Ethics Solicitor, The Law Society of NSW David Allen, Managing Director at Haille Paine Solicitors; President, Southern Tablelands Law Society Ann Fischer, Wellbeing Manager, The Law Society of NSW Jess Salvato, General Counsel, RELA Steven Wright, Associate Director Crime (West/South), Legal Aid NSW Jason Elias, Chief Executive Officer, Elias Recruitment Ben Gouldson, Managing Director, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers Analiese McKelvey, Solicitor, Family Law and Care & Protection, Legal Aid NSW
A case study of compulsory land acquisition: Compensation and other considerations – on-demand recording
In this recorded seminar, Lucinda Morphett will run through the basics of compulsory land acquisition in NSW. The seminar will also examine the quirks of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW), as well as recent case law relating to compulsory land acquisitions.
This session was recorded as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2024.
This session was recorded on 29 August 2025 as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2025.
This session will analyse the differing spouse maintenance considerations that both Applicants and Respondents are to take into account under varying living situations. The session will assess the key issues and challenges in spouse maintenance cases with specific reference to the different circumstances in which individuals find themselves post separation. The presentation will showcase how different living situations impact spouse maintenance claims. This will be achieved by way of examining the most recent and relevant case law in an attempt to observe the current trends and future directions. The session will conclude by providing some practical strategies in terms of negotiating and litigating spouse maintenance issues.
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Viewers are advised that various Conference sessions contain graphic details that some may find distressing, including but not limited to references to sexual offences, child pornography and violence. Please review the program and use your discretion before proceeding.
If you have experienced sexual assault, domestic or family violence and require assistance, please contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) to speak with a counsellor from the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.
This will be an interactive session in which some topical issues will be raised for discussion. The speaker, the Honourable Philip Hallen SC, also welcomes any questions/topics which an Accredited Specialist would like to discuss, bearing in mind the session time available.
This session was recorded as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2024.
This session was recorded on 28 August 2025 as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2025.
This session will cover the following topics: a recent case law update in the public liability area; slip and falls on public lands/footpaths; injuries on licensed premises and in supermarkets /shopping centres; and subcontractor/head contractor cases.
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Viewers are advised that various Conference sessions contain graphic details that some may find distressing, including but not limited to references to sexual offences, PTSD and violence. Please review the program and use your discretion before proceeding.
If you have experienced sexual assault, domestic or family violence and require assistance, please contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) to speak with a counsellor from the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.
This session was recorded on 28 August 2025 as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2025.
This session will focus on changes to strata title laws in NSW Wales since the 2021 statutory strata law review. Phase one changes, effective from 11 December 2023, will be reviewed. The session will also examine phase two changes, commencing in 2025, concerning: developer accountability; the uptake of sustainability infrastructure; strata managing agents’ reporting requirements; strata committee governance; and an enforceable undertakings scheme concerning common property repairs and maintenance. The 2025 changes affecting owners will also be discussed, including: protection of owners’ corporations against unfair contracts; protection of owners in relation to embedded networks; providing safeguards in relation to the payment of levies for owners; and changes affecting those experiencing financial hardship. Some recent decisions may be referred to, including The Owners – Strata Plan No. 2661 v Selkirk [2024] NSWSC 760 and The Owners – Strata Plan No 87639 v Karimbla Properties (No. 4) Pty Ltd (No. 2) [2025] NSWSC 107.
Fair and equitable access to justice is a fundamental principle for the legal profession. The reality is, there are many parts of the community struggling to tap into even basic services. And yet there are countless numbers of lawyers working hard to bridge what must seem like an insurmountable gulf. Apart from a large injection of public funding, what are five things the profession could do to ensure those most in need of legal assistance, actually receive it?
Please note that not all questions asked by the live audience are clearly audible.
This session was recorded on Thursday 10 October 2024 as part of the Annual Conference 2024.
This session was recorded as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2025.
This session addresses recent case law on currently prohibited unfair business practices. This will include developments and trends in misleading or deceptive conduct, unfair contract terms, and unconscionable conduct. The session will then turn to considering the current consultation on a possible prohibition on unfair trading practices. This will include consideration of the current state of consultation, what the prohibition may look like, and how the prohibition would intersect with the current prohibitions in the ACL.
Caveat litigation is fast paced, requiring solicitors to make high-level tactical decisions under time pressure which will have significant consequences for their client. This seminar will traverse advanced issues and strategies in caveat litigation by considering common scenarios practitioners can expect to encounter and will provide the legal framework and strategies for achieving the best outcome. Topics covered will include withdrawal under s 74MA of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) (the Act), considerations relating to applications to extend or withdraw a caveat, and the role of substitute security for the caveat. The seminar will also touch on compensation under s 74P of the Act, professional obligations regarding lodgement of caveats, and how to effectively brief counsel on urgent applications.
This session was recorded as part of the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2024.
This recorded webinar was originally captured during the Specialist Accreditation conference 2022 – Business Law and Property Law streams.
Georgina Hey and Mindaugas Skavronskas provide a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of IP assets and their distinction from quasi-IP concepts from the perspective of providing accurate and thoughtful advice to clients. Moreover, this session delves into the creation and protection of IP assets, the audit and management of IP portfolios, IP valuation and commercialisation as well as IP enforcement.
The Law Society of New South Wales, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Build your confidence in the courtroom by joining Patrick Griffin SC and experienced solicitor advocate David Evenden for this practical full-day workshop on oral advocacy.
The course will give you the opportunity to hone your advocacy skills, and will also cover a range of essential topics and tips relating to:
Court etiquette
Ethical issues
Appearing at directions hearings/mentions/interlocutory applications
Pleas in mitigation
Please note there is pre-reading required prior to attending the workshop.
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising government decision-making. This session will explore the potential of AI to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in public administration, while addressing the ethical and legal challenges that accompany its use.
This session was recorded as part of the 2025 Government Solicitors Conference.