CQLA & QLS Conference

8.30am

Welcome

Presenter:

Bill Potts, President, Queensland Law Society; Director, Potts Lawyers; Member, Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Committee and Queensland Law Society Senior Counsellor

9am

Wellness in the Law: Creating and sustaining health within the legal profession

The culture of the legal profession is often criticised for not appropriately dealing with harassment and bullying within its own ranks, and one which records high levels of mental health concerns. This session will help individuals understand what aspects of the profession are causing concern, what behaviors are inappropriate and what can be done at an individual and systemic level to address these issues. Presented by Rolf Moses, CEO of Queensland Law Society, this important session is being provided across the state to raise awareness, educate and support a shift in culture towards a safer, healthier and more prosperous profession.

Presenter:

Rolf Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland law Society

Chair:

Samantha Legrady, Solicitor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) and President, Central Queensland Law Association

10am

Cybersecurity: Beyond the basics

Regional firms have been on the front line of technology and innovation. This session will delve deeper into the steps regional practitioners ought to be taking to ensure they are mitigating the risks of a cyberattack as well as provide practitioners with a checklist of what to do if you are attacked. This session will include:

• a brief overview of the developments in this space including the four main types of attacks small to mid-sized firms should be aware of
• prevention strategies, including best practice password creation, best practice internet usage – eg what should I not click on and open, how to select workable policies and how to put together a small-scale cyber improvement project using external consultants without breaking the bank
• mitigation strategies including how to prepare a mandatory breach response and data breach response plan, and QLS resources available to members
• disclosure requirements eg who do I need to contact when a breach occurs?

Presenter:

David Bowles, Ethics Solicitor, QLS Ethics and Practice Centre, Queensland Law Society

Chair:

Samantha Legrady, Solicitor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) and President, Central Queensland Law Association

12.15pm

Family Reports: What you need to know

Family Reports are an important part of the Court’s investigations in children’s matters. Attending interviews can be anxiety-provoking for clients who are often aware of the weight that can be placed on the recommendations. Dr Phillippa Stunzner will discuss the process used, considerations given to each matter and how she approaches the difficult task of writing family reports. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from an extremely experienced and respected report writer, so don’t miss out! Questions will be taken on notice.

Presenters:

Karen Oakley, Barrister, Queensland Bar

Dr Phillippa Stunzner, Psychologist

Chair:

Her Honour Judge Anne Demack, Federal Circuit of Australia

Trust accounting refresher

This session is aimed at those wanting to improve their fundamental knowledge of trust accounting regulation. Join Queensland Law Society’s in-house trust accounting experts for an essential guide to trust accounting compliance.

Presenter:

Michael Drinkall, Team Leader, Trust Account Investigations, Queensland Law Society

Chair:

Matthew Dunlop, Solicitor, Maurice Blackburn and Secretary, Central Queensland Law Association

3pm

Communicating with a diverse client base

Sharing insights and personal experiences, our presenters will offer you guidance on how to effectively communicate with a diverse range of clients. The session will cover:

• what is quality communication? Communication styles and building rapport
• understanding cultural nuances when interacting with First Nations clients
• communication methods appropriate for children
• effective communication when dealing with clients experiencing mental health issues.

Panellists:

Nikki Wawryk, Convenor, Youth Justice and Member, Mental Health Review Tribunal

David Wenitong, Solicitor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS)

Anita Goon, First Nations Legal Executive, Queensland Law Society

Chair:

Samantha Legrady, Solicitor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) and President, Central Queensland Law Association

What’s new in succession law: Case law and legislation update

Hear a refreshing overview of relevant case and legislation changes in the succession jurisdiction and their implications on your succession law practice.

Chair:

Matthew Dunlop, Solicitor, Maurice Blackburn and Secretary, Central Queensland Law Association

5.15pm

Closing Remarks

Presenter:

Bill Potts, President, Queensland Law Society; Director, Potts Lawyers; Member, Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Committee and Queensland Law Society Senior Counsellor

Chair:

Samantha Legrady, Solicitor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) and President, Central Queensland Law Association

5.20pm

Pre-dinner drinks

Venue: Empire apartments