Monday, 29 January 2024
Commencement of the 2024 Legal Year
The President of the ACT Law Society, Lisa Quilty, addressed the legal profession at a ceremonial sitting to open the 2024 legal year.
The Law Society’s commencement ceremony is a tradition attended by the Attorney General, judges, magistrates, and members of the legal community. Lawyers reaffirm the ethical and social responsibilities of their profession and look forward to the coming year.
In her address, Lisa Quilty spoke of the importance of maintaining balance between personal and professional obligations, and highlighted how crucial this balance is for both individual lawyers and the legal profession as a whole.
“In the midst of professional challenges, finding the balance between our work and personal lives becomes an art—one that requires continuous attention and adjustment.
“Let us be intentional in cultivating a professional environment that reflects the highest standards of ethics and integrity. In doing so, we not only serve the cause of justice but also set an example for future generations of legal professionals.
“Let us commit to fostering mentorship and supporting one another. Together we can shape a legal landscape that is not only distinguished by its excellence but also marked by compassion, fairness and a resolute dedication to the values and ideals we hold dear."
This theme resonates strongly with the Law Society's focus for the year, following insights from the 2023 Member Survey. Findings revealed that two-thirds of respondents encountered work-life balance challenges in the previous year. Managing workloads and fostering staff flexibility emerged as top concerns, with specific challenges including staff acquisition, workplace mental health, and employee retention.
The upcoming Intensive Conference on March 13th-14th at the Novotel Canberra will address these issues under the theme "Bringing the Balance." Beyond fulfilling CPD requirements, the conference's keynote speakers and Balance Room stream will provide invaluable insights into wellness and mental health within the legal profession.
For more information on the 2024 Intensive Conference, and to purchase tickets, see here.
