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Family law & the holiday season: does anybody ever win?
At this time of year, most of us are fortunately spending time with family. Unfortunately, it is also a busy time for the Family Court which experiences a sharp increase in disputes. Justice Kirsty Macmillan touched on this subject during her welcome speech to the Family Court earlier this week.
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New Federal Attorney-General
The LIV congratulates Nicola Roxon on her appointment to the role of federal attorney-general. Ms Roxon, who represents the seat of Gellibrand, in the inner-western suburbs of Melbourne, was federal health and ageing minister before being sworn in as Australia's first female attorney-general earlier this week. The LIV also commends former attorney-general Robert McClelland for his work with the Australian legal profession, including the advancement of the National Legal Profession Reform Project.
New Evidence Guidelines
Director of Public Prosecutions John Champion SC has issued a new guideline (PDF) to Victoria Police with respect to the prosecution by the Office Of Public Prosecutions of criminal matters involving evidence derived from, or verified by, police affidavits.
Opening of the Legal Year
LIV members are encouraged to support and attend one or more events to celebrate the opening of the 2012 legal year (PDF). The Geelong Ecumenical Service and Ceremonial Sitting will be held on Monday 16 January. The Melbourne Church and Synagogue Services and International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Community Observance will be held on Monday 30 January. Victorian governor Alex Chernov AO QC will attend the Red Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral and Melbourne Law School dean Professor Carolyn Evans and Professor Frank Brennan AO SJ will speak at the ICJ event.
Silk Selection Discussion Paper
The Victorian Bar has released the Silk selection process discussion paper (PDF) which outlines a new proposal for the Silks selection process in 2012. The consultation phase is now under way. The discussion paper's proposed selection model reflects the Bar Council's strong preference for a court-based system, with the Chief Justice centrally involved in the process. Deadline for submissions is 1 February.
Commonwealth Legal Services Expenditure
The Commonwealth Legal Services Expenditure Report 2010 – 2011 was released this week.The report includes information on legal services expenditure across all applicable federal departments and agencies. The report noted a total legal services expenditure increase from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011 of 5.6 per cent. The federal government have called for applications for the whole of government Legal Services Multi-Use List. Applications due 24 February 2012.
ACCC Warning to Practitioners
The ACCC have prepared a letter to legal practitioners who conduct debt recovery as part of their practice. The purpose of this letter is to make the debt collection industry aware of the outcome of a recent court action relating to misleading conduct in the industry. The judgement was handed down in the Federal Court of Australia on 17 October 2011.
Accredited Specialisation – Administrative Law Nominations Sought
The LIV Accredited Specialisation Scheme is calling for nominations (PDF) from practitioners interested in becoming a member of the Administrative Law Advisory Committee. The Committee's role is to develop the parameters and subject content of the area of specialisation and the delivery and development of the 2013 assessment components. There will be up to 12 places available. Nominations close 31 January 2012.
Women's Director Scholarships
Applications have opened today for the Victorian Women's Governance Scholarships – a joint initiative of the Victorian Coalition government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Applications close 10 February 2012.
Legal Services Board Major Grants Funding
Applications for the 2012 Major Grants are now open. Applications may be submitted on a range of themes pertaining to the legal system and legal services addressing an area of pressing need. Download the guidelines and application form from the Legal Services Board website or contact the grants department on ph 9679 8000 or email. Applications close 2 March 2012.
Two New Members for Sentencing Advisory Council
Vice-president of victim group Support After Murder Kornelia Zimmer and Victoria Police sergeant Peter Dikschei have been appointed to the board of the Sentencing Advisory Council (SAC). For further information, visit the Premier of Victoria website.
HIV/AIDS Legal Centre
The HIV/AIDS Legal Centre is a very small service run entirely by volunteers. The service, which receives no government funding, urgently requires an immigration law practitioner for consultations once a fortnight. The centre, based on Commercial Road, Prahran, also requires administrative staff, most of whom are traditionally law students. For further information, contact Sue Macgregor on ph 9863 0406 or email.
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Last Chance to Receive the 2012 Legal Directory and Diary Free
Purchase a 2012 Legal Directory and Diary by 31 December 2011 with your LIV American Express Card and 20 LIV members will have the chance to receive a Directory and Diary for free. Terms and conditions apply.
Finish your CPD Year with the 2012 Legal Symposium
The Victorian 2012 Legal Symposium on 29 February and 1 and 2 March 2012 features 10 streams of legal practice in essential skills, commercial law, property law, family law, criminal law, succession law, workplace relations law, environmental law, information technology and practice management for legal support staff. You can select sessions that suit your professional development needs. Purchase before 31 January 2012 and receive a 20 per cent discount and if you use your LIV American Express card you will also have a chance to win one of three free full day and 12 half day stream passes. See American Express offer details.
Friday Facts Communication
This edition of Friday Facts is the last for 2011. We trust that you have enjoyed Friday Facts content during 2011. The next edition of Friday Facts will commence on 13 January 2012. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.
AMP Bank Reduces LIV Member Fixed Rates Again
As an LIV Privileges partner LIV members receive an additional discount of up to 0.15 per cent pa, which means the fixed one, two and three-year rate drops even further. See the most current interest rate. *Terms and conditions apply.
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