Hear from legal experts as they discuss some of the current issues faced by sole practitioners, and earn three CPD units.

Topics include: 

Navigating AUSTRAC’s starter program for legal practice – from unboxing to action – Carol Prasad, Professional Support Solicitor (AML), Law Society of NSW
AUSTRAC’s new Starter Program is designed to help legal practitioners meet their anti-money laundering/counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations. This presentation explores how the Legal Practice Starter Program will guide practitioners through risk assessment, client due diligence, an AML/CTF program and other key obligations. Attendees will gain practical insights into what to expect from the Starter Program, how to prepare their practices, and the critical first steps towards a compliant and resilient profession. 

Ethical and effective client communication – Linden Barnes, Senior Ethics Solicitor, Law Society of NSW
Linden Barnes will provide an update on recent ethical issues relating to client communications, including:

• Courtesy.
• The no-contact rule.
• Proper instructions.
  
  

Managing costs – Nick Satouris, Professional Support Solicitor, Law Society of NSW
The content covered in this session will include:

• Providing proper cost disclosure, and exceptions to cost disclosure.
• The consequences of failing to properly disclose.
• The benefits of entering into a cost agreement with the client and the different types of cost agreements.
• Cost disputes.
• Cost recovery, including cost assessments.
• A discussion on proper billing practices.
  
  

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.

If you self-assess that this particular educational activity extends your knowledge and skills, this program may allow you to claim three (3) of the mandatory areas: (a) ethics and professional responsibility; (b) practice management and business skills; and (c) professional skills.