This program complies with Rule 6.1 of the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015 under the Legal Profession Uniform Law requirements of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Practice Management and Business Skills, Professional Skills, and Substantive Law. 

Latest cases from The Real Property Law List – Diane Skapinker, Principal, Skapinker Law 
Diane’s paper will focus on recent property law cases that she believes will be of interest to property practitioners. She will discuss the legal principles raised in those cases and explain how the cases apply or expand on those principles. 

Retail and commercial leasing – Gary Newton, Partner, HWLE Lawyers 
This session will offer an update on retail and commercial leasing, including on the Retail Leases Amendment (Review) Bill 2025. An update on recent leasing cases will also be presented. 

Taking instructions and providing clear contract advice – off-the plan contracts – Mark Smith, Principal, Brander Smith McKnight 
Off the Plan Contracts are becoming increasingly popular with NSW’s rising population and housing crisis. Such contracts are useful in assisting developers to obtain finance and approval for new developments and can provide benefits to purchasers and developers. However, they also significantly alter the risk sharing profile of a property purchase; they can be laden with risks for purchasers, and so require scrutiny and negotiation before being accepted. 

This session will cover the aspects of these contracts that require the most attention when it comes to advising purchasers. This analysis will also consider recent amendments to the Conveyancing Act that are intended to provide more protection to purchasers, as well as the role of good advice. 

Changes in strata law – Danielle Francis, Senior Associate, Chambers Russell Lawyers 
In Australia, around 15% of residents live in strata-titled properties, and this figure continues to grow as urban density increases. Strata law is a complex and evolving area that directly affects everyday Australians, and recent reforms by the NSW Government aim to address the challenges of strata living. Join Danielle Francis of Chambers Russell Lawyers for an insightful session exploring the latest developments in strata law, including key legislative changes and recent case law. 

Ethics and professional responsibilities for property lawyers – Linden Barnes, Senior Ethics Solicitor, Law Society of NSW 
Linden Barnes will provide an update on recent ethical issues, with a focus on the issues arising in property law such as: 

• Acting for multiple clients. 
• Proper instructions. 
• Dealing with non-lawyers. 

Navigating AUSTRAC’s starter program for conveyancers – from unboxing to action – Carol Prasad, Professional Support Solicitor (AML), Law Society of NSW 
AUSTRAC’s new Starter Program is designed to help conveyancers and legal practitioners meet their anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations. This presentation explores how the Conveyancer 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.