This session was recorded on 20 February 2024 as part of the Practice essentials for government lawyers: Mandatory rule 6.1 – live webinar.

Hear from legal experts in this live online course as they discuss some of the current issues faced by government lawyers legal practitioners, while earning four CPD units.

Topics include:

Briefing counsel – Bianca Gallifuoco, Barrister, Level 22 Chambers

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

Legal ethics – Paul Monaghan, Senior Ethics Solicitor, Professional Support Unit, The Law Society of NSW

In this session Paul Monaghan will consider fulfilling ethical and professional responsibilities when practising as a government solicitor. 

Review of recent administrative law cases – Thomas Kwok, Partner, Holding Redlich

Administrative law is at the core of what government lawyers do. This session will bring you up to speed with the latest in administrative law. Case examples may be from areas outside your ‘home’ legislation, but are selected for their general relevance to administrative decision-making.

Wellbeing for government lawyers – Simonette Vaja, Wellbeing Manager, The Law Society of NSW

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 

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 four (4) of the mandatory areas: (a) ethics and professional responsibility; (b) practice management and business skills; (c) professional skills; and (d) substantive law.