Friday, 26 March 2021
Hearsay 06-2021
Hearsay is the Law Society's fortnightly e-newsletter, sent out to all members. Reproduced here is the news section of Hearsay — other sections have been omitted.
Advocacy Update
Recent ACT Law Society advocacy activities include:
- Written feedback to the Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Commissioner in regard to the MAI Scheme and proposed MAI (Lawyer Information Collection) Regulation.
- Representation (Michael Kukulies-Smith, Criminal Law Committee Chair) at a roundtable chaired by the Attorney-General on judge alone trials and jury issues.
- Written feedback to JACS regarding potential amendments to the Bail Act and Bail Regulation.
- Attendance (President and CEO) at a meeting with JACS and ACT Bar representatives regarding raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
- Attendance (CEO) at ACT Legal Assistance Forum Service Planning Working Group regarding progressing the ACT’s legal assistance strategy as part of the National Legal Assistance Partnership.
The Society’s policy advisory committees make a significant contribution to our advocacy work, particularly where short timeframes are provided for responding to requests. To get involved in a committee, log in to your member dashboard and complete a Committee EOI form.
Trust Account Year Ending 31 March 2021
Information relating to the upcoming external examinations of trust accounts was sent out recently to all Managing Partners and Sole Practitioners. If you did not receive your circular, or would like an electronic copy, please contact Finance & Business Services Manager Lea McLean on 62740300, or email lea.mclean@actlawsociety.asn.au. Read More +
The end of dual regulation for migration lawyers
From Monday 22 March 2021, migration lawyers will be able to offer services independently of the regulatory framework for migration agents, and all lawyers with unrestricted practising certificates will be freely able to provide immigration assistance in the course of legal practice. Read More +
Members Areas of Practice
Members areas of practice are now listed against individual practitioners as well as firms. If you would like to update your own areas of practice so that you'll be searchable on our "Find a Lawyer" page, simply log in to your member dashboard, and click on "My details" in the left hand menu. You can then review and update your details as required.
Members should only select those areas of law they have specific expertise in. Read More +
Practising Certificate renewals starting soon!
Please make sure your contact details are up to date on your member dashboard before the practising certificate renewal period commences in May. It's vital that we have your current contact details so we can email you your renewal instructions.
In line with the Law Society's ongoing commitment to sustainability, practising certificates will now be issued electronically as the default (however paper copies will still be available on request, and you can always download a PDF for your own records).
Simply log in and follow the instructions on your Member Dashboard.
ATO Tax Time Lawyer Resource Kit
The ATO has prepared a range of resources to help lawyers this tax time. It’s important that everyone understands what they can and can’t claim at tax time and how to best prepare and lodge their returns, especially after a challenging year. Read More +
