We have moved one step closer to long-anticipated national profession reform with this week’s announcement by the Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland that the new National Legal Services Board and the National Legal Services Commissioner will be hosted by New South Wales. Victoria has agreed to accept the role of host of the new national legislation, meaning that the Legal Profession National Law will be passed as a substantive law of Victoria.

NSW to host reform, Victoria to provide legislation
While it is disappointing that we cannot yet claim support from all Governments for national profession reform, I am sure that the profession is keen to see reforms implemented nationally.

We believed that Victoria was in the box seat to host the national profession reform, as our model is similar to what will be introduced nationally. We have had a Legal Services Commissioner and Legal Services Board model working effectively in Victoria since 2005, with appropriate delegation of some key functions to the Law Institute of Victoria.

Benefits to Victoria
There are some benefits to Victoria introducing the substantive law – our Attorney-General will become the “host Minister” under the scheme.

So far, four jurisdictions – New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Northern Territory – have agreed to take part in the reforms as proposed. These jurisdictions cover around 85 per cent of Australia’s practising lawyers.

National reform vital
We believe that the cause of truly national reform is vital for our profession. The current ad hoc regulatory system of different legislation, rules and standards covering the profession according to State borders is anachronistic and inefficient.

We join with the Law Council in hoping that other jurisdictions will see the benefits of a national profession and reconsider their position.

We will continue to work with the State and Federal Governments on the detail of the reforms and will keep our members informed as information becomes available, such as the Federal Attorney General Media Release.

Comment here

At the LIV we are aware of the responsibilities and opportunities that come with being leaders in the community. I have just returned from the United Kingdom, Singapore and Korea where I was interested to see what other thought-leaders are doing – in the UK it was Justice Impact Statements, in Singapore it was first class ADR facilities and in Korea I attended the LAWASIA conference hosted by the Korean Bar and focussing on the future of the legal landscape in the Asian Pacific region.

Inspiring leaders
It is important for us all to encourage and reward leadership. Yesterday I had the privilege of introducing three inspiring women who discussed the age-old issue of how to keep women in the law. Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) Director, Helen Conway, Group General Manager of Global Shared Services ANZ, Kathleen Bailey-Lord and CoSolve Director, Anna Booth, have all achieved great things in their chosen careers and shared their experiences with those attending our Partners in Business lunch.

Next month, it will be my privilege to present the LIV 2011 Legal Awards and I am looking forward to congratulating all the winners and nominees.

Diversity of talent
Those nominated come from a wide range of legal practices and well illustrate the talent evident in those who practise law.

We have finalists from the Victorian Bar, the large law firms, plaintiff law firms, Victoria Legal Aid, community legal centres, small and medium firms and the Victorian Government Solicitors Office.

This diversity reinforces my belief that if you are not enjoying your practice of law, there are plenty of alternatives available that will re-engage you and as you make law your life-long career.

As well as all those shortlisted, there will be a special LIV President’s Award announced at the presentation ceremony and lunch on Friday 18 November 2011.

I encourage you to take a break from your busy practices and join us to celebrate all these success stories.

Finalists for the LIV Presidents Awards

Access to Justice Award
Emrys Nekvapil, Victorian Bar
Rob Melasecca, Melasecca Kelly & Zayler
Sean Selleck, Mallesons Stephen Jaques

Accredited Specialists Achievement Award
Craig Lynch, Slater & Gordon
Helen Spowart, Victoria Legal Aid

Best Mentor of the Year Award
Anna Radonic, Young People’s Legal Rights Centre (youthlaw)
Lynnette Barratt, Moreland Community Legal Centre
Payal Saraf, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Peter Berry, Berry Family Law

Community Lawyer of the Year Award
James Farrell, PILCH Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic
John Sinisgalli, Hunt & Hunt
Kairstien Wilson, AED Legal Centre

Government Lawyer of the Year Award
Alison O’Brien, Victoria Government Solicitor’s Office
Filip Gelev, Victoria Legal Aid
Siobhan Mansfield, Victoria Legal Aid (Joint nomination)
and Elicia Savvas, Victoria Legal Aid (Joint nomination)

Legal Organisation of the Year Award
Blake Dawson,
Peninsula Community Legal Centre
Slater & Gordon

Regional Lawyer of the Year Award
Belinda Wilson, Tyler Tipping & Woods

Rising Star of the Year Award
Kim McFarlane, Wakefield & Vogrig Lawyers
Kimi Nishimura, Maurice Blackburn
Nathan MacDonald, Public Interest Law Clearing House

Suburban Lawyer of the Year Award
James Dowsley, James Dowsley & Associates
Melvyn Barnett, Barnett & Barnett

Congratulations to all those lawyers shortlisted.