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12 Jul 2012

The LIV was proud to support the Mental Health Awareness Evening, held at the LIV this week as part of the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) national conference in Melbourne.

The "Defending Your Sanity" publication is great work by ALSA Vice President (Education) Aimee Riley and her team. The publication is aimed at maintaining mental health while a law student and throughout your career. I found the practical time management tips included particularly helpful, and I’d like to share them with you.
 

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12 Jul 2012

With the 2011/12 EFY now just behind us, it's a good time to take stock of how we are faring in meeting the targets set by our employers.  One of those targets – perhaps the most important of all – is the billable hour target. 

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06 Jul 2012

The LIV will give evidence to a House of Representatives committee looking into workplace bullying next Wednesday, 11 July. The LIV is concerned that current State based legislation is inadequate in addressing this issue. We will call for a nationally recognised legislative definition of bullying as well as access to a quick, cost effective civil remedy through an appropriate tribunal for bullying in the workplace.

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28 Jun 2012

Attorney-General Robert Clark has advised The Age that he will review the law of defensive homicide. The LIV supports the defensive homicide law and has asked to be consulted in any review before legislation is introduced. The government’s move follows a study by two Melbourne criminologists which said lawyers were entering into secret deals and people were “getting away with murder”

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28 Jun 2012

If you believe Captain Planet, then ‘The Power Is Yours!’ The trouble is, there are times when not even animated wisdom reaches the darkened depths of a worried mind.

Make no mistake, the mental health of young lawyers and law students is, statistically, in a concerning state. Depression, anxiety and related mental illnesses are on the rise. Many careers are harmed and lives lost in the course of mismanaged or ignored mental health issues.

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21 Jun 2012

The LIV is concerned that proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Act go too far and will unfairly affect the ability of parties to litigation to call their own independent experts.

Attorney General Robert Clark introduced the Civil Procedure Amendment Bill 2012 this week which will require parties to litigation in Victoria to seek directions from the court whenever expert evidence may be used. The court may limit the use of expert witnesses to specific issues; limit the number of experts that may be called; order two or more experts to produce a joint report.

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21 Jun 2012

With the title of ‘young lawyer’, ‘new lawyer’ or ‘later lawyer’ comes expectation.  Founded or otherwise, one such expectation is that we are, or should be, proficient researchers. Fresh from university, we have recently honed our skills in essay writing and exam study by knowing which of the many online and other legal resources are best for the task at hand. Our employers and more senior colleagues will look to us to lead the way in online legal research.

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15 Jun 2012

A new guide for lawyers to assist older clients at risk of financial abuse has been launched to co-incide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today. Chief Justice Marilyn Warren and Attorney General Robert Clark launched “Assets for Care: A guide for lawyers to assist older clients at risk of financial abuse” last night. The free guide provides a useful checklist for lawyers.

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13 Jun 2012

It’s that time of year again… For those of you lucky enough to work for an employer that uses a performance review process, for goodness’ sake take advantage of it!  It will speed up your professional development.

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07 Jun 2012

Volunteering is becoming more of a rite of passage for young and aspiring lawyers in today’s competitive job market. More and more employers are looking beyond grades before bringing fresh-faced lawyers into the firm. So why volunteer?

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07 Jun 2012

Lawyers face greater responsibilities under amendments to the Family Law Act that came into effect yesterday. These affect all cases filed with the courts on and after 7 June 2012. The LIV is generally supportive of the provisions, which Attorney-General Nicola Roxon says will “help reduce the exposure of children to family violence”. The LIV did, however, raise some concerns about the Act  when initially proposed.

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31 May 2012

This week has been National Reconciliation Week.

Did you know that the Mabo decision was handed down by the High Court 3 June 1992 – 20 years ago on Sunday? Do you know from where Eddie Mabo originated, or who was Victoria’s first Aboriginal barrister?

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31 May 2012

Recently the LIV Young Lawyers Section presented “Hot Topics: Money, Money, Money – Your guide to property investment”. There were some great tips and advice – well worth sharing. So here are some of best tips provided for aspiring home owners and potential property moguls:
 

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24 May 2012

Last night I was privileged to welcome approximately 300 newly admitted lawyers to our profession at a reception held in the magnificent Supreme Court library. Some were certainly wondering what sort of future awaits them.

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17 May 2012

The upcoming LIV & Hanover Welfare Services Mooting Competition and Golden Gavel competition will present many young lawyers with the opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills to the legal fraternity.

However, for those of us who are not blessed with the natural ability to speak in front of large audiences, we will need to confront our fears of public speaking throughout our career (whether it be presenting to our colleagues in an internal meeting or delivering a seminar to a large external audience).

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