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Plenary sessions, Wednesday 13 March 2024


Keynote: Carrie Leeson - Insights into Mental Wellness: Exploring Challenges in the Legal Field

9am, Wednesday 13 March 2024 | 1 CPD point in core area 2

Following an introduction by President of the Law Society Lisa Quilty, and a welcome from Attorney General Shane Rattenbury MLA, our special guest Carrie Leeson, will deliver the keynote address.

Powerpoint slides 

Carrie Leeson, CEO, Lifeline Canberra

Carrie Leeson has a background in healthcare and business development. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Management, she is pursuing an MBA and has certifications in Telephone Counselling, Public Relations, and Suicide Intervention. At Lifeline Canberra, Carrie oversees crisis support operations and funding. She serves on various boards, including the Canberra Community Clubs and the Workplace Health Association of Australia. Committed to mental health, she leads with passion and dedication, supporting individuals in crisis and advocating for community welfare.

During this illuminating session Carrie Leeson will shed light on mental health challenges within the legal profession. Discover valuable insights into recognising signs of distress, navigating stress, and offering support. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding mental wellness in the legal world.


ACT legal ethics cases: 2023 in review

11am, Wednesday 13 March 2024 | 1 CPD point in core area 1

Powerpoint slides 

Athol Opas, barrister at Blackburn Chambers and member of the Law Society’s Legal Profession Act & Ethics Committee, will review the last year of local court and tribunal decisions that dealt with legal ethics issues. Athol has presented this very popular session regularly for a number of years, and as well as the latest updates, participants should expect a lively discussion.

Athol Opas, Barrister, Blackburn Chambers 

Athol practices mainly in commercial law and also in general civil law and occupational discipline.  Athol was called to the Bar in 2017.  Before being called to the Bar, Athol worked as a solicitor in Canberra for 18 years, working in small and large Canberra firms, in a national law firm, and as a Commonwealth government in-house lawyer.  Athol served for several years on the ACT Law Society Council, and was president of the ACT Law Society and a director of the Law Council of Australia.  Athol has served on various committees of the ACT Law Society and ACT Bar Association, and he is a current member of the Law Society’s Legal Profession Act and Ethics Committee.  Athol has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution and for Commercial Leasing. 

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