COVID-19 Information & Resources for the Legal Profession

The LIV is closely following the COVID-19 pandemic government directives and we remain “open for business” to support members through these challenging times.

Message to members from the LIV Chief Executive & President (23 March 2021)

Update from LIV on COVID-19 restrictions affecting legal practices

In welcome news for the profession and our community, the Victorian Government has today announced a further relaxation of restrictions affecting businesses including legal practices.

From 6 pm on Friday 26 March, new COVIDSafe Settings (PDF) will come into effect. And the 75 per cent cap on private and public office workers will also be removed.

While all workplaces are still required to ensure people can work from the office in a COVIDSafe way – with a density limit of 1 person per 2 sqm – they will no longer be required to permit workers to work from home.

All workplaces with on-site workers require a COVIDSafe plan.

See the Statement from the Premier from 23 March 2021.

Electronic record keeping

The LIV sought clarity from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to confirm whether an office is required to utilise electronic record keeping in order to maintain the density quotient of one person per two square metres.

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions confirmed with the LIV on 19 March 2021 that as per the Industry Restart Guidelines (PDF), whilst offices are ‘strongly recommended’ to utilise electronic record keeping, they are not mandated to do so in order to maintain the density quotient of one person per two square metres.

The Chief Health Officer’s Workplace Directions (No 22) (PDF) at clause 6 provides further information regarding an employer’s obligations to keep records of all employees and visitors attending the work premises for longer than 15 minutes.

Further information

We will keep you up-to-date as information becomes available, via this COVID-19 Hub, our daily LawNews email and our social media channels. 

We have also provided a series of FAQs for our members

And further information is also available from the Government at coronavirus.com.au

LIV resources

We are continuing to offer our conferences and events on line, and have had good feedback from members on the digital formats.

Access to member facilities:

• We are now also accepting external room hire bookings for meetings and mediations - more information
• Our Library is now open for restricted hours. Bookings are encouraged - more information
• Bookshop orders can be placed for pickup or delivery - more information.

As always, stay well and stay safe,

Tania Wolff
President

Adam Awty
Chief Executive