Ethics Series

Join us for a compelling four-part series exploring critical topics on ethics in the legal profession. Held on the first Wednesday of each month from August to November, each session will delve into different aspects of ethical practice, providing valuable insights and practical guidance for legal professionals.

Schedule:

• Wednesday 7 August: The Ethical Dimension of Supervision in Legal Practice 
• Wednesday 4 September: Navigating Ethical Obligations in Disclosure 
• Wednesday 2 October: Ethics in Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest for Legal Practitioners 
• Wednesday 6 November: Fundamentals of Ethical Practice for Solicitors 

Each session will feature expert speakers, interactive discussions, and case studies to help you navigate the complexities of ethical decision-making in your practice. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of legal ethics and improve your professional conduct.

DETAILS

Dates: First Wednesday of each month, August to November

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: Hybrid - In person at the ACT Law Society or Online Live Streaming Webinars - a zoom link will be sent the day of the event

CPD: Members will receive 1 point in Core Area 1 per session

Cost: 

Individual Sessions: $100 members, $25 New Lawyers and Students, $140 non-members

All four sessions: $300 members, $75 New Lawyers and Students, $420 non-members

RSVP: Closes COB day prior to each session

We look forward to your participation in this essential series.

 

Wednesday 7 August  I  1:00pm - 2pm

The Ethical Dimension of Supervision in Legal Practice 

Presented by Athol Opas, Blackburn Chamber and Debra Parker, Parker Coles Curtis

Join us for a crucial seminar that delves into the area of ethical supervision within legal practice. This session is designed to explore what constitutes effective and appropriate supervision, with a focus on enhancing the ethical development of junior practitioners. Key topics will include: 

• The critical importance of adequate supervision in legal practice. 

• Obligations of junior practitioners to report mistakes, whether their own or those of others. 

• Identifying and addressing wrongdoing within the practice. 

• Strategies for maintaining ethical standards under supervision. 

• The supervisor's role in guiding and supporting the ethical development of junior practitioners. 

• Exploring the dynamics of the supervisor-supervisee relationship to foster ethical growth. 

• Obligations with respect to compliance with professional standards 

• Familiarity with obligations under the Solicitors Conduct Rules and the Legal Profession Act 2006 

Our experienced speakers will provide insights and practical advice on how supervisors can create a supportive and ethically robust environment and foster a culture of integrity and excellence in your legal practice.

 

Wednesday 4 September  I  1:00pm - 2pm

Navigating Ethical Obligations in Disclosure 

Presented by Hannah von Forell, Proximity and Kim Chapman, Legal Cost Consultants

Giving full and frank disclosure is a cornerstone of maintaining ethical standards in legal practice. In this seminar, we look at the ethical implications and best practices related to two very different, but equally important, kinds of disclosure: legal cost disclosures and the duty to report the improper conduct of another solicitor. 

This seminar will cover: 

• Essential disclosures to clients about legal costs. 

• Crafting transparent cost agreements 

• Ethical billing practices. 

• Consequences of failing to disclose costs 

• The statutory obligation (or lack thereof) requiring a solicitor to report concerns about the professional conduct of another solicitor  

• Considerations for lawyers whistleblowing 

Our experienced speakers will offer in-depth insights and practical guidance to help you enhance your practice's integrity and trustworthiness.  

 

Wednesday 2 October  I  1:00pm - 2pm

Ethics in Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest for Legal Practitioners 

Presented by Gerald Santucci, Snedden Hall & Gallop

Join us for an enlightening seminar on the crucial ethical obligations surrounding confidentiality and conflict of interest in legal practice. This seminar will explore: 

• The expansive duty of maintaining client confidentiality beyond legal professional privilege. 

• The inherent fiduciary responsibilities that underpin a practitioner's obligation to protect client information. 

• Strategies for avoiding conflicts of interest between duties owed to current and former clients. 

• Navigating conflicts involving a solicitor's own interests. 

Gain valuable insights from experienced speakers who will provide practical advice on upholding these ethical standards. Learn how to manage and mitigate conflicts effectively while ensuring the confidentiality of your clients' affairs is uncompromised. 

 

Wednesday 6 November  I  1:00pm - 2pm

Fundamentals of Ethical Practice for Solicitors 

Presented by John Buxton, Thomson Geer and Lauren Smith, Moray & Agnew

As a solicitor, your duty to the court and the administration of justice is paramount, even above your obligations to clients. Join us for an insightful seminar that delves into the core ethical principles that guide legal practitioners. This seminar will explore: 

• The precedence of a solicitor's duty to the court and the administration of justice over other duties. 

• The importance of acting in the best interests of your clients in all matters. 

• Maintaining honesty and courtesy in all professional dealings. 

• Providing legal services with competence, diligence, and promptness. 

• Upholding integrity and professional independence without compromise. 

• Adherence to professional rules and the law. 

• Fair and good faith treatment of clients, recognizing their dependency on your expertise and the trust they place in you. 

Our experienced speakers will provide practical advice and real-world examples to help you navigate these essential ethical duties. Enhance your understanding and ensure your practice upholds the highest standards of professionalism. Don't miss this opportunity to reinforce the foundation of your legal career with this essential ethical knowledge. 

 

Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.