|
Public Prosecution Reforms
Legislation introduced into state Parliament has refined the role and relationships between the Director of Public Prosecutions, Chief Crown Prosecutor and the Solicitor for Public Prosecutions. The reforms will, for the first time, bring Victoria's various public prosecution offices together into a single unified public prosecutions service. For more information.
Integrity Reforms Introduced
Legislation to begin the creation of an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) for Victoria and an independent Inspectorate to oversee IBAC were introduced into Parliament this week. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Bill 2011 is the first stage of the establishment of IBAC, allowing the appointment of a Commissioner and the commencement of IBAC's education and corruption-prevention functions. The second stage of the legislation, granting IBAC its investigative powers, is scheduled to follow before the end of the year.
Office of Public Prosecutions Annual Report
The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) 2010/11 annual report was tabled in state Parliament this week. The report was the last of former Director of Public Prosecutions Jeremy Rapke, who was critical of proposals for tougher sentencing. View the report.
Nominations for Appointment to the Firearms Appeals Committee
The LIV is seeking nominations from appropriately qualified and interested members for appointment to the Firearms Appeals Committee (FAC). One nomination is to be recommended to the Department of Justice. The FAC reviews most firearms licensing decisions of the Chief Commissioner where a right of review is given by, or under, the Firearms Act 1996 including cancellation, refusal, revocation of a firearm licence or permit, and the imposition of conditions on permits. Nominees must provide short responses to the criteria for appointments to outside boards/bodies (pdf). Nominations must be submitted to Executive Secretary to Council Jody Culey at jculey@liv.asn.au by 5pm Wednesday 2 November 2011.
New Commonwealth Family Law Guidelines Reminder
Family law practitioners are reminded that Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) new family law eligibility guidelines will be effective from Tuesday, 1 November 2011. Under the new guidelines, VLA has prioritised children and adults who face serious issues that affect their children and expanded the use of appropriate dispute resolution through its Roundtable Dispute Management (RDM) service. VLA has already held a briefing for interested lawyers. For those who missed the briefing, presentation notes are available at Legal Aid Victoria.
Survey Responses Urgently Required on New Lawyers
The LIV plans to hold a forum in regards to new lawyers training. The forum will be based on feedback received from members who complete two surveys the LIV has developed to assess the extent to which undergraduate law degrees and practical legal training courses equip first and second-year lawyers for legal practice. The first survey is aimed at law firms and employers and seeks to gain an understanding of the needs of legal practices. The second survey is aimed at first and second-year lawyers. The LIV thanks members who have already completed the surveys and encourages others to do so.
Law Graduates of the Future: Employers Survey
Law Graduates of the Future: Survey of First and Second-Year Lawyers
Judicial College of Victoria
The Judicial College of Victoria (JCV) recently updated the Family Violence Bench Book and the Victorian Criminal Charge Book. View full details regarding these updates.
Victoria Legal Aid Seeks Your Assistance
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is redeveloping its website and is seeking feedback from LIV members. Your answers and comments in the seven-question online survey will help VLA gauge how well its website meets the needs of the legal sector and how to make improvements to better support practitioners. VLA requests your feedback regardless of whether you use the site frequently, occasionally or not at all, and believes the survey should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous. Please complete the survey.
|
/eNews/ff/FFactsYourLIV?width=630&height=80)
CPD Prepaid Offer Closes Monday, 31 October at 5pm
CPD Prepaid offers members 10 CPD units valued at $1100 for just $770. And you have until 30 June 2012 to register for any conference or seminar that adds up to 10 CPD units. There are over 300 conferences and seminars available. CPD Prepaid at $770 offers a 30% discount off your standard discounted member price. Purchase now before 5pm Monday, 31 October. Terms and conditions apply.
Get Fit Doing Something Valuable For A Good Cause!
Don't leave your run too late! Whether you are running or walking and talking, join the expected 1000 legal professionals in their final preparations for the 2011 LIV Legal Fun Run and Walk. Also contribute by fundraising for your favourite charity. The LIV has teamed up with Everyday Hero to enable all contestants and spectators the option of donating to any chosen charity. Get fit and do something valuable for a good cause! Monday, 7 November from 5.30-8.30pm. More information.
Learn How to Resolve Disputes Out of Court
Join the growing number of professionals who see the value of working with each other and their clients to respectfully resolve disagreements out of court. Presented by Tania Sourdin and Catherine Gale, the LIV's three-day Collaborative Practice Workshop will aim to equip professionals with interdisciplinary problem solving, negotiation and empowerment skills. Successful completion will qualify you to join the LIV Collaborative Law Practice Group. This workshop is also suitable for non-legal professionals such as accountants, financial planners and psychologists. Register now.
The Melbourne Business School Executive MBA and LIV Scholarship
We are proud to announce this exclusive offer to LIV members. Three significant scholarships will be offered to eligible members for the 2012 intake for the Melbourne Business School Executive MBA (EMBA) program. The Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School is a world-class degree from a world-class institution. Graduates are awarded the full Master of Business Administration degree of the University of Melbourne.
Young Lawyers Can Make a Difference!
Are you a young lawyer passionate about community issues and want to learn about how your ideas could become a reality and make a difference in the community? This LIV seminar looks at how young lawyers can be leaders of change - from an idea to reality – and enables attendees to hear from those in the law who have made positive social impacts by following their passions. $5 from each registration will go to the Refugee & Immigration Legal Centre. Wednesday, 9 November from 6-7.30pm. More information. |