The LIV Council meets 8 times a year to consider matters of importance to members, the legal profession and the community.

LIV September Board report

The Board held its regular meeting on Thursday 5 September 2019.

Reports were received from the CEO Adam Awty and President Stuart Webb.

A program of meetings with managing partners of larger law firms was outlined and this will continue over the coming months. Information about Adam and Stuart’s attendance at Regional and Suburban Law Association meetings, and Section Committee meetings was also provided.

The Board also received a presentation on the results of the Staff Engagement Review survey, conducted mid-year. Results showed significant improvements in staff engagement and satisfaction across all categories.

LIV Finances

The July financial report was received and showed that the LIV is on track against budget.

Investment advisers Koda Capital presented to the meeting about the performance of our investment portfolio and reported we are anticipating delivery of the return on investment in line with the investment policy statement.

Governance review

Consultants Cameron Ralph Khoury provided an update on the governance review of the LIV governance in light of contemporary practice and stakeholder interviews conducted. The Board is due to receive a preliminary report at its December meeting.

Member support

The Board was provided with an update on initiatives to support small to medium practitioners including our new Trust Account Consulting and Practice Management Consulting Services. These services will provide personalised and relevant support, advice, tools and education establishing a proactive approach to early intervention, therefore reducing the complaints made to the VLSB+C.

LIV Council election and Annual General Meeting

Notice was approved for the LIV Annual General Meeting which is set for Wednesday 20 November at 6 pm at the LIV.

Returning officers for the Council election were appointed - Past Presidents Steven Sapountsis; Frank Paton and Ian Dunn.

The LIV will call for nominations for election to Council on Wednesday 18 September, nominations will close on Wednesday 2 October.

New Position Descriptions were adopted for the roles of President, President-elect and directors, and these will be available on our website when nominations open. This will assist potential candidates to understand the role and obligations of being an LIV Director.

Key stakeholder meetings

President Stuart Webb and CEO Adam Awty met with Attorney-General Jill Hennessy this month to discuss legislative and regulatory priorities and issues. Minister for Crime Prevention, Corrections, Youth Justice and Victim Support, Ben Carroll, also attended a recent meeting of our Children and Youth Issues Committee at the LIV.