All QLS News Headlines
Lexon has released a risk alert containing helpful pre-Christmas practice planning points, two quick cyber tips to help avoid Christmas hacks, and a reminder to start the New Year with the latest protection available.
Queensland Law Society today attended a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the family law court system, explaining that the changes would not assist Australian families.
The Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia has issued Practice Direction 1 of 2019.
Members are reminded that under the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), many registrations over serial numbered goods are applied for the maximum period of seven years. From 30 January 2019, it is possible that clients’ PPSR registrations (registered for seven years) will start to expire.
What a privilege it has been to have served as the 2018 QLS President. I was previously involved with the Society as a QLS Councillor for four years, but this year I have been able to witness firsthand the great work that QLS staff and committee members carry out day in, day out.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) The Treasury Review of Registry Fees, (2) Indigenous Knowledge Consultation, (3) the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, (4) the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, and (5) the Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018.
The Queensland Public Advocate has called on the State Government to ensure that the Mental Health Review Tribunal (the Tribunal) operates with full transparency. The Public Advocate, in its annual report tabled in Parliament on 6 December 2018, detailed its concerns regarding the Tribunal’s operations and procedures.
Queensland Law Society is the peak membership body for the solicitors of Queensland, with a focus on assisting the public in their understanding of the law and legal profession.
As we wind down from 2018 and kick off with a new year, QLS would like to thank our members and wish everyone a safe and happy festive season. During the holiday season, QLS will be closed from 2pm on Friday 21 December to 8.30am on Monday 7 January. The first QLS Update of 2019 will arrive in members’ inboxes on Wednesday 16 January.
As we near the end of the year, we reflect on the year we’ve had and the achievements that have occurred thanks to you – the solicitors of Queensland. We appreciate the efforts of each and every one of our members, through their various dedication to the work of the Society and wider legal profession. In my final column for the year, I will share my appreciation more fulsomely.
From 7 December 2018, the Queensland Courts will send SMS messages to adult defendants on bail to remind them of the date and time for their next court appearance.
The District Court of Queensland has provided arrangements for applications, crime, planning and environment, and children’s jurisdictions over Summer 2018-19. These arrangements begin at 4pm on Friday 21 December 2018 and conclude on Monday 28 January 2019.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, (2) the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, and (3) the Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) the Justice Legislation (Links to Terrorist Activity) Amendment Bill 2018, (2) the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, and (3) the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) the Human Rights Bill 2018, (2) Justice Legislation (Links to Terrorist Activity) Amendment Bill 2018 and (3) the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
As Queensland’s peak professional body for the legal profession, Queensland Law Society has an essential role to play in leading the profession towards healthy, safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces. The Society has created a position statement that sets out a strategy to highlight what we consider as the issues and our response to them.
Notice to claimants. In the matter of Smith Legal Solutions, principal solicitor Tracey Anne Smith, formerly practising as Smith Legal Solutions, Broadbeach Waters in the State of Queensland.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) native title reforms, (2) the Human Rights Bill 2018 and (3) the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
QLS is calling for submissions to present at our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Conference on Friday 22 February 2019.
On 2 July 2018, an expert assistance pilot program launched in the Cairns and Beenleigh Childrens Courts. The pilot allows the appointment of people who have special knowledge to assist in complex child protection matters. QLS is seeking feedback from members who have experiences with the pilot program.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) native title reforms and (2) the Human Rights Bill 2018.
This Sunday is Remembrance Day. It also marks the 100-year anniversary of the World War I Armistice. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918, Germany and the Allies signed an armistice agreement to finish the war.
The legal profession was not exempt from war. In fact, as leaders in the community, solicitors, barristers, judges and their families led the way for others in the war effort.
Practitioners are invited to provide feedback as QLS policy committees prepare submissions for reviews of: (1) credit and financial services that target Australians who are at risk of financial hardship and (2) IP Australia Indigenous Knowledge Consultation.
Appreciation. This has been what the last month has focused on for us at the Society – amongst many other important areas. I have been pleased to present membership pins to those celebrating 25 or 50-years with the Society in 2018.
Law has many areas of specialty and usually there is little intersection between many of its practitioners. The reputation of us as a profession relies upon the good conduct of each one of us in all that we do, regardless of where we practice or who our clients are.
Following consultation with the profession earlier this year, the Queensland Law Society Council has considered a number of submissions on the use of the word ‘principal’ to describe the position or status of practitioners in law practices.
QLS is establishing an Innovation Committee to assist the Queensland legal profession to respond to the unrelenting and transformative change in the practice of law.
On 2 August 2018, the Council of the Queensland Law Society Incorporated (the Society) passed resolutions to appoint officers of the Society, jointly & severally, as the Receiver for the law practice, Gregor McCarthy and Company.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submission in response to the Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
QLS acknowledges the Prime Minister’s historic national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and the work of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform.
View the most recent policy submission in response to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Bill 2018 and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Consequential Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2018.
Queensland solicitors are urged to get ready for storm season by ensuring that they have a plan in place should disaster strike.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform.
View the most recent policy submissions on sustainable fisheries and proposed amendments to the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Bill 2017.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare submissions on the ACCC Consumer Data Right Rules Framework and Treasury Law Amendment Bills.
It could be said that lawyers are the guardians of the justice system, judges are at the coalface and our government is making the rules and decisions to enable us to administer justice. It’s reasonable to say that we should play a key part in assisting the government of the day in their work.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare submissions on the ACCC Consumer Data Right Rules Framework and the Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
Applications are now open for a Law Council of Australia nominee position on the next Open Government Forum.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare submissions on the Consumer Data Right Rules Framework and the approvals processes for mineral and energy resources projects.
Practitioners and home owners can now complete Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) insurance searches online.
The Registrar has published changes to the Land Title Practice Manual effective from 24 September 2018.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions and public hearing updates on criminal law, general advocacy and the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
Practitioners are often asked to prepare mirror wills for couples who may later go their separate ways. Some issues to consider on whether they can act for one of the parties after they have separated.
The Society has appointed six new members to our free legal advice panel. The new appointees extend the panel’s reach from Brisbane CBD to Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Cairns.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions on property and development and general advocacy.
Queensland Law Society has backed calls by the Law Council of Australia to introduce a federal judicial commission, following a piece published in The Australian newspaper today.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare submissions on the My Health Records Amendment (Strengthening Privacy) Bill 2018, deductible gift recipient reforms and human rights and technology.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions on telecommunications legislation and the National Disability Agreement Review.
We are in the middle of conference season and I have greatly enjoyed meeting with many of our members at our various professional development and networking events. Regional events in Mackay, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast have provided more opportunities to connect with members.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions on competition and consumer laws, bail support and corrective services.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare submissions on the Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018, Treasury Laws Amendment (Consumer Data Right) Bill 2018 and Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
A reminder that information in the public domain can still be confidential to the client. Read more.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions on competition and consumer laws and litigation rules.
Magenta Jane Cameron, a former employee of a Brisbane law practice, has authorised QLS to publish that she will not attend or be present on the premises of any law practice in Queensland, other than for the purpose of taking legal advice for herself.
On 24 August 2018 the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 and the Criminal Practice Rules 1999 were amended by the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules and Other Legislation Amendment and Repeal Regulation (No. 1) 2018.
Queensland Law Society has called for change in the legislative and legal assistance spheres after Australia welcomed its 30th Prime Minister, Scott Morrison last week.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions on not for profit law, competition and consumer law and criminal law.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare these submissions.
In two separate incidents, clients have lost substantial amounts after a conveyancer’s email was compromised and funds diverted by altering payment information on the PEXA platform. PEXA has now introduced new security measures to prevent attacks of a similar nature and all subscribers are strongly advised to implement them.
Queensland Law Society has embraced the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement of $17 million across Queensland for young people on remand as a step towards a broader solution.
Practitioners are invited to provide their opinions and feedback as Queensland Law Society policy committees prepare these submissions.
QLS, assisted by its Mining and Resources Law Committee, provided submissions on the Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 and appeared before the State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee at a public hearing on 9 March 2018.
Are you a female family lawyer in regional Queensland? Perhaps you are on maternity leave, transitioning to retirement, returning to the workforce or moving into sole practice? Women’s Legal Service offers a range of new volunteering opportunities connecting more solicitors with women in crisis than ever before.
Legal practitioners in Brisbane, Ipswich, and Toowoomba are sought for telephone or face-to-face interviews for research on why litigants self-represent in Queensland child protection courts.
New South Wales’ legal profession are calling for a trial to provide barristers with security clearance and an identity card allowing them to enter a courthouse without going through standard security inspections.
PEXA has released details of the PEXA residential seller guarantee which is available to sellers in the event of certain kinds of fraud.
We are now halfway through the year, so I would like to share some of the work your Society has been doing for you this year so far. Our focus has been on the relationships we build and maintain with our members, stakeholders, government and community, along with supporting good lawyers, advocating for good law and looking out for the public good.
The renewals period has now ended and all Queensland legal practitioners should have received a 2018/19 practising certificate. If you have not received your certificate yet, please contact Records and Member Services urgently by telephone on 1300 367 757 or email records@qls.com.au .
On 19 July 2018, QLS representatives including Deputy President Bill Potts appeared before the parliamentary Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee on the public hearing of the Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
QLS has welcomed news that the State Government would introduce legislation in 2019 to stamp out claim farming in the state, after agitating for a change over several years.
The Queensland Police Financial and Cyber Crime Group is warning all Queensland legal practitioners to be on the lookout for ‘fake invoice’ cyberfraud.
Following the release of the updated REIQ contracts on 28 June 2018, Queensland Law Society has prepared frequently asked questions in relation to the contract changes on the GST at settlement measures. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has also published additional information to assist practitioners.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions.
The state government’s decision to refer the draft Bill to dismiss Ipswich City Council to committee was a necessary one to ensure the public had faith in the proper process on introduction of new laws, according to Queensland Law Society.
Queensland’s peak legal body has thrown its support behind a report recommending an overhaul of the way Queensland deals with young offenders.
On 21 June 2018, the Governor in Council made the Civil Liability and Other Legislation (Prescribed Amounts) Amendment Regulation 2018 (the regulation), which provides for the indexation of various costs, offer limits and monetary caps and thresholds in relation to common law damages for personal injury.
Application fees are payable in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in respect of certain types of applications in accordance with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Regulation 2015. These fees increased on 1 July 2018.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the most recent policy submissions.
Recently, the Federal Government’s Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Measures No.1) Act 2018 came into effect, with Queensland Law Society president Ken Taylor remarking that solicitors would effectively become tax collectors.
A funding boost for Women’s Legal Service (WLS) that will see a high-risk Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) and Health Justice Partnership in Caboolture established was to be welcomed, said Queensland Law Society president Ken Taylor.
Correctly addressing colleagues is an ethical obligation
Last week, we were reminded through the media about some of the shortcomings of our modern society – specifically around our reliance on technology. There are many benefits to transacting electronically, but where large sums of money are concerned, there are also significant risks.
QLS consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform.
The first national Modern Slavery Bill in Australia has been introduced into Federal Parliament, with Queensland Law Society president Ken Taylor saying it was a good first step in a longer process.
Leading on from last week’s update on claim farming, Queensland Law Society has now made its submission to the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC).
As notified to members last week, updated REIQ contracts have been released and are available on the QLS website (membership login required). The ATO has also published updated guidance material about the GST at settlement measures which commenced on 1 July 2018.
Queensland Law Society and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland have prepared new editions of the standard contracts for use by our members.
Queensland Law Society and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) have prepared new editions of the four standard sale contracts. These will be made available to members on the QLS website from Thursday 28 June 2018.
Queensland Law Society is aware that claim farming is an issue not just in Queensland, but across the nation and internationally. Although some of the conduct that amounts to claim farming may not be prohibited by legislation, it may breach ethical obligations as found in the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2012 which could result in disciplinary action being taken against the solicitor.
QLS and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland are preparing new editions of the standard contracts: as a result of the GST withholding at settlement measures taking effect from 1 July 2018; to facilitate electronic signing of contracts; and to update references to legislation and notice clauses.
On 2 July 2018, the expert assistance pilot will commence in the Cairns and Beenleigh Childrens Court for complex child protection matters.
In October 2017, the Child Protection Reform Amendment Act 2017 was passed by the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
The QLS Advocacy team consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform.
QLS president Ken Taylor has reminded Queensland solicitors to stay away from claims farming of any kind.
The Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (LHL Act) and the accompanying regulation commenced on 16 April 2018.
The Supreme, District and Land Courts Service reminds practitioners that the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 reflect the principle that ‘justice must not only be done but be seen to be done’ in that the rules relating to searching and copying filed documents create a very open regime.
Under the Regional Services Outlet project, some of the regional court registries that provide mostly Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) services are transferring to DTMR operational management.
The Queensland Parliament introduced industrial manslaughter provisions into the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Electrical Safety Act 2002, and Safety in Recreational Water Activities Act 2011 in October 2017.
The QLS Advocacy team consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform.
The Western Australian Government has announced its intention to join the Legal Profession Uniform Law scheme, with the support of the Law Society of Western Australia.
The QLS Advocacy team consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform.
Interesting news last week when the Australian Government announced plans to amalgamate the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia. While the Society supports constitutionally valid reform to the family court system that reduces delays and costs for Australian families, details are emerging that do not appear to be in the best interests of those involved.
Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund notice to claimants. In the matter of Buck Rigley & Associates, principal solicitor Lance Geoffrey Rigley, formerly practising as Buck Rigley & Associates.
QLS is extending the reach of its Free Legal Advice Panel and wishes to appoint solicitors in the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.
Interested solicitors are invited to submit applications to the Society by 20 June.
The QLS Advocacy team consults with policy committees, members and other stakeholders on law reform. View the advocacy submissions from 18-23 May.
The Queensland Registrar of Titles and Registrar of Water Allocations has provided a common list of errors in requisitions relating to lodgement and removals of land access agreements on certificates of title.
QLS recognises this week is National Reconciliation Week, participating in the theme ‘don’t keep history a mystery’.
Yesterday, the Queensland Government announced the publishing of regular court statistics and cases concerning domestic and family violence to assist in raising the community’s trust in the justice system.
The external examination lodgment period ended on 31 March 2018. Any outstanding reports must be lodged with the Society by 31 May 2018.
Queensland Law Society has supported a review into child sentencing in Queensland, while also flagging the importance of individual, equal justice for all Queenslanders.
The first Queensland solicitor appointed a judge of the District Court leaves a lasting legacy after almost 25-years of fearless and inspired leadership on the bench, according to the state’s peak legal body.
LawRight will operate an Enforcement Hearing Duty Lawyer Service from 16 May 2018, to assist enforcement debtors attending enforcement hearings in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
The Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) family law review has the potential to touch the lives of all Australian families. Recently, Queensland Law Society contributed to the Law Council of Australia’s submission to the review, noting key areas of consultation and change.
Queensland’s peak legal body has thrown its support behind a Federal Senate motion calling for a ramp up of legal aid funding.
Using a chatbot to provide legal services can get you in more trouble than the Lost in Space crew
Queensland Law Society today (MAY 9) called for the public to ensure that when seeking legal advice they spoke directly to a qualified solicitor.
Queensland’s peak legal group has welcomed the $22 million Federal Budget commitment to Elder Abuse initiatives – but says more could be done to help the nation’s elderly.
QLS president Ken Taylor has warned Queensland solicitors to be wary of utilising consultancy organisations which farm clients from surveys by offering them gift cards to submit their details.
Next week is Law Week – a time when we pause to reflect on the great work that we do as solicitors and the importance of the justice system to our local communities and the wider state.
In April 2017, the QLS Council ruled the Society would stop issuing non-director principal practising certificates to senior practitioners employed by incorporated legal practices.
The Queensland Law Society Succession and elder law conference planning working group is calling for topic submissions from interested persons to present at the 2018 succession and elder law conference.
The QLS Advocacy team works with our policy committees and stakeholders to engage with government on law reform.
Queensland Law Society president Ken Taylor has welcomed the news that Queensland would acknowledge the suffering of those abused in government run institutions by joining the National Redress Scheme
The Queensland Law Society has welcomed Federal Circuit Judge Steve Middleton to Townsville, as he replaces local long-time Judge John Coker.
The QLS Advocacy team works with our policy committees to engage with stakeholders on law reform.
All law practices are required to give a statement stating whether or not the law practice has during the 12-month period ended 31 March 2018 received or held trust money.
From Monday 9 April 2018 screening has been extended to all visitors to the High Court building in Canberra, including legal practitioners.
The Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 and the accompanying Regulation will commence on 16 April 2018. Existing providers have until 15 June to apply for a licence while new businesses must obtain a licence before commencing operation.
Queensland Law Society is committed to ensuring our solicitors have a voice in the upper echelons of Government and our advocacy team and policy committees have certainly been busy in recent weeks.
The Attorney-General, Yvette D’Ath, has appointed former Queensland Law Society Councillor and Chair of our Access to Justice/Pro Bono Law Committee, Elizabeth Shearer, to Queensland’s Professional Standards Council.
There will be significant disruption on the Gold Coast and in other parts of Queensland during the Commonwealth Games (4-15 April 2018). Practitioners are reminded that this will affect the operation of courts and tribunals.
Last week, the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Pathways to Justice - Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples report was tabled in the Australian Parliament and published online.
The QLS Advocacy team has been invited to appear at a number of parliamentary committee hearings to provide comment on legislative reform.
In July 2017, QLS asked members to identify existing barriers and propose ideas on how to improve access to justice for Queenslanders, by contributing to the annual Access to Justice Scorecard. The report has been finalised and based on the survey results, key items to improve access to justice were identified.
When solicitors deliver great results and unlikely victories for clients, the temptation to share that good news is powerful - and with social media a ubiquitous part of our lives, succumbing to that temptation has never been easier.
A serious lack of government funding combined with harsh means-testing for the state’s most cash-strapped and vulnerable are the main barriers for Queenslanders gaining proper access to justice.
LawCare’s external provider has rebranded from Davidson Trahaire Corpsych to Benestar. For members, this means access to a new, interactive, online space.
Queensland’s peak legal body has applauded the state government on its appointment of the first Indigenous judge – barrister Nathan Jarro.
Following recent consultation with stakeholders, indicative reprints of legislation are now available on the Queensland Government legislation website. Indicative reprints are designed to assist web users in understanding how the proposed amendments would affect the legislation.
Version 3 of Childrens Court Act 1992 (Qld), Form 25 – Affidavit has been updated to accurately reflect the Childrens Court Rules.
QLS has engaged a consultant to update the Microsoft Word documents that comprise the suite of joint REIQ/QLS contracts offered to our members. We need to hear from you to make sure this reformatting process is as beneficial as possible.
A welcome ceremony will be held for Justice Graeme Crow and Justice Soraya Ryan as judges of the Supreme Court of Queensland in the Banco Court on Monday 19 March at 9.15am.
External Examination Reports are to be lodged soon. A six-point reminder plan has been implemented to alert law practices of their reporting requirements.
Claim farming involves the unsolicited contacting of people about an accident they may have been involved in.
Practitioners’ obligations in respect to trust account deficiencies that are the result of the disbursement of trust funds in accordance with fraudulent instructions (cyber crime) have been clarified with advice from senior counsel.
The most prestigious night on the Queensland legal profession calendar, the QLS Legal Profession Dinner & Awards was held on Friday 9 March and saw the legal community, including esteemed members of the judiciary, come together to celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and firms across multiple award categories.
Supporting good lawyers, advocating for good law, all for the public good. That is our mission at the Society, and we were able to showcase some of the excellent work that our members have contributed to it at various events last week.
The Labour Hire Licensing Scheme and possible implications for lawyers. Last year the Queensland Parliament passed the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (LHL Act) which establishes a licensing scheme for the provision of labour in Queensland. The scheme will commence on 16 April 2018.
The new, free Queensland Judgments website has now been launched by the Incorporated Council of Law Reporting for the State of Queensland and the Supreme Court Library of Queensland.
To help the Supreme Court Library Queensland better understand your research and information needs, the library is inviting members of the legal community to take a brief, anonymous online survey.
Does your practice lack the time or resources to deliver in-house training to junior staff? Our popular Introduction to conveyancing course provides end-to-end, practical training in the essential steps of conveyancing, ideal for graduates, clerks and support staff.
The Family Law Amendment (2018 Measures No. 1) Rules 2018 introduces a number of significant procedural changes that came into effect from 1 March 2018. As a result, there are a number of new forms as well as amendments to existing forms.
Queensland Law Society president Ken Taylor has urged solicitors to keep abreast of disruptions to the court system during the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast in April.
The Land Access Ombudsman Bill 2017 was passed by the Queensland Parliament on 7 September 2017. QLS has updated the information on the Land Access Hub to prepare members for when the legislation comes into force later this year.
Today Queensland Law Society welcomed Rolf Moses as new chief executive officer of the peak representative body for solicitors in Queensland.
Practitioners are advised that there will be significant disruption to court and tribunal access on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games (3-15 April 2018).
We’re packing our bags and heading to Roma to run a professional development workshop in association with the Downs & South West Queensland District Law Association.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released its new Compliance and Enforcement Policy on 21 February 2018.
Practitioners are advised that access to QLS JobConnector has now been restored. We apologise for any inconvenience the outage may have cause.
Practitioners are advised that QLS JobConnector is currently unavailable due to technical issues. We are investigating this issue and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Queensland Law Society (QLS) has applauded news of the appointment of barrister Graeme Crow QC to the Supreme Court, to be based in Rockhampton. He will replace Justice Duncan McMeekin as of Monday when he retires from the bench.
The USQ School of Law and Justice is proud to host the Domestic and Family Violence Symposium: At the Intersection of Knowledge and Practice and is currently seeking abstracts for a number of workshops taking place on Friday 18 May 2018.
The Supreme Court Library Queensland advises that online requests for document delivery and research services are currently unavailable. They are investigating this issue as a priority and apologise for any inconvenience.
The QLS Ethics Centre invites submissions with respect to the review of the ASCR by 31 May 2018.
Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation. Ten years ago, at 9am on 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to the Indigenous community for the treatment of Australians who identify as the Stolen Generation.
An historic and long-awaited change to the youth criminal justice system commenced this week, with 17-year-olds now treated as children in the youth justice system, transitioning out of the adult criminal justice system from 12 February 2018.
Practitioners are reminded that the existing Form 2 Mortgage will be not accepted for lodgement after 2 March 2018 unless one of the parties has executed the Form 2 before that date.
On 22 February 2018 the federal government’s data breach reporting regime will commence, through amendments to the Privacy Legislation. The regime is broad-reaching and will likely effect most law firms-prudent practitioners will operate on the basis that it applies to them.
The Australian Government has released new guidance clarifying that foreign investors can only acquire agricultural land when there has been an open and transparent sale process.
The Nundah Community Legal Service provides free legal advice and information through an appointment-based, daytime service and a Wednesday evening volunteer walk-in service.
The Federal Circuit Court, in an effort to reduce waiting times for trials, will commence referring family law matters, both parenting and property matters, for mediation and dispute resolution. The court is seeking mediators to conduct these mediations/dispute resolutions, some of which will need to be done on a pro bono basis.
Referral to the Drug and Alcohol Court – Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order (Treatment Order). The above Practice Direction was issued by the Chief Magistrate on Thursday 25 January 2018 and applies to all matters heard after the commencement of Part 8A Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 on Monday 29 January 2018.
We’re excited to welcome award-winning presenters Chris Osborn and Michael Kahn back to our shores for what promises to be another enlightening and entertaining learning experience at their half-day Core (all): Illumination of bias event.
The end of the CPD year is fast approaching and QLS is running six Core CPD sessions you won’t want to miss before the end of March. Our sessions offer members stand-out topics and facilitators that not only contribute to your mandatory CPD points but also challenge your thinking and relationships with colleagues and clients.
Queensland’s peak legal group has praised the state government for new youth justice laws that will finally see 17-year-old offenders treated as children rather than adults.
Practitioners are advised that access to the QLS website will be interrupted between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 3 February 2018 due to scheduled maintenance.
Women’s Legal Service (WLS) is reliant on the invaluable contribution volunteers make in order to provide its vital services. Without volunteers the service would be unable to draw on the extensive base of skills and experience with which it provides quality legal assistance to women.
All practitioners working in the child protection jurisdiction are reminded that child safety service centres now have lawyers in most regions of Queensland.
The University of Queensland’s world-class medical, behavioural and social science research continues to provide solutions to some of the greatest problems of our time. You can contribute by joining UQ’s Research Ethics Committees, reviewing proposals to ensure that the values and principles that apply to all human research are fully considered.
Robyn Bradey, author of ‘The Resilient Lawyer’ resource, will present two core professional skills (PS) workshops at Law Society House on Wednesday 7 February to help lawyers at all stages of their careers better manage the stressors of working in the law and enable them to thrive in the legal profession.
The Equity Advocate Award recognises the promotion of equity and diversity in the Queensland legal profession. The award is open to individuals, in-house legal teams, government lawyers, private firms or community legal centres who have promoted equity and diversity in the legal profession through effective and innovative initiative(s) within the workplace to generate positive change.
Recently, the courts in Brisbane have experienced a small number of instances of bags and briefcases being left unattended in public areas within the court buildings. Practitioners are reminded not to leave belongings unattended, as this can result in unintended consequences.
In 2018 we are offering three formats for you to participate in QLS’s industry-leading training – all offering you convenience and greater accessibility.
Under the Regional Services Outlet project, some regional registries that mostly provide Department of Transport and Main Roads services are transferring to operational management.
How will the Commonwealth Games, held on the Gold Coast from 4-15 April 2018 affect the operation of the courts?
Happy New Year and welcome to 2018. It is my pleasure to step into the role of QLS president and to continue the great work of promoting good law and good lawyers for the public good. I hope that all of our members enjoyed a restful Christmas season with family and friends, and are now refreshed as we begin a new year.
