Here's what's happening in June
It’s cliché to say this, but can you believe it’s June already? This year feels like it’s going by so quickly, and June won’t be any different – we have 10 events on this month!
Watch
Modern Advocate Lecture Series: Lecture Two
Each lecture in our Modern Advocate Lecture Series focuses on practical advocacy skills with an ethical perspective. The lectures are particularly relevant for early career lawyers! The Honourable Chief Judge Devereaux SC will be delivering this lecture on the principles of contemporary advocacy. It’s online at 5.30pm on 29 June, and it’s free!
Australian Story: How Russell Manser went from robbing banks to helping other prisoners (Content warning: child sexual abuse)
Russell Manser was in jail when he reported his story to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, after keeping it a secret for 30 years. He received a visit from a Commission representative three weeks later, which led to him deciding to help other inmates seek justice for their abuse. Once Russell was released, he started a business, which grew into a support and advocacy service that refers survivors of abuse, particularly prisoners and ex-prisoners, for rehabilitation, treatment, and legal advice.
If you prefer reading to watching a video, you can read the article here.
Read
Why young lawyers should have a Plan B
Lauren Croft of Lawyers Weekly spoke to Olivia Irvine, a two-time winner of the NSW Golden Gavel, about why it’s so important for young lawyers to have a Plan B. Olivia didn’t end up in the role she originally wanted at a community legal centre, but now she describes herself as a “financial services nerd.” She says “One of the hardest things to face as an early career lawyer is things not lining up the way that you think that they will.”
UQ’s Justice and the Law Society interviewed UQ alumnus and Brisbane City’s first-ever Greens councillor, Jonathan Sri. In this interview, JATL spoke to Jonathan about his experience at UQ law school, the role of council politics in social movements, the ongoing need for community organising, and his advice for the next generation of justice-focused law students.
Everyone knows about the Murugappan family’s fight to return home to Biloela in Central Queensland. The newly elected government has confirmed the family will be allowed to go back to Biloela within the next few weeks, but the question of their final immigration status remains – as does that of thousands more refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
Listen
Carolyn runs the first-ever privately owned not-for-profit family law firm in Australia. In this podcast episode, host Clarissa Rayward chats to Carolyn about how she hated studying law and temporarily “closed the door” on it for a few years, before realising law could be a pathway to helping people. Carolyn also explains ‘Social Franchising’ and how her non-profit firm works.
This Working Life podcast – Smashing the class ceiling: The invisible barrier to inclusion at work
Research by Diversity Council Australia shows that social class determines Australian workers’ experience of inclusion or exclusion at work more than any other diversity demographic. Listen to Amanda Rose, founder of Western Sydney Women, Rick Morton, author and journalist, and Lisa Annese, CEO of Diversity Council Australia, discuss class at work.
Do
Annual Gold Coast Legal Conference
On 10 June, hundreds of lawyers will gather at luxurious Broadbeach hotel The Star for a day packed full of CPD points. Plus, the new Chief Justice, the Honourable Helen Bowskill, will be delivering an address! It’s only $299 for QLS members, and there’s a special discount on accommodation at The Star if you fancy having a Gold Coast getaway.
Nominations for the 2022 QLS Excellence in Law Awards are now open. There are 11 awards this year, with four brand new ones!
Do you know a First Nations student with exceptional results in study who has contributed to improved justice outcomes for First Nations communities? They would be perfect for the First Nations Student Award! Or maybe you know a female lawyer who has facilitated a pathway in the profession that allows those around her to excel? Nominate her for the Agnes McWhinney Award! What about a high-performing practitioner with outstanding leadership attributes and a thirst for knowledge and improvement? The Emerging Leader Award could be theirs!
The gala itself isn’t until August, so don’t panic – just make sure you get your nominations in before 26 June!
There is a high prevalence of sexual harassment in the Australian legal profession, facilitated by a subculture of non-reporting, passive bystanding and mistrust around the management of complaints. Addressing the issue requires profession-wide commitment to systemic changes and shifts in workplace culture.
Join us on 14 June to learn how to be an active bystander, and why and how culture and behaviour need to change, so you can play your part to reduce the harm caused as a result of sexual harassment.
In-house lawyers breakfast series
Your $30 ticket gets you breakfast (we recommend the smashed avo), a beverage of choice, and some career advice from fellow in-house counsel. Bargain!
That's all for now. See you in the new financial year!