Inbrief

Federal Court revises Admiralty practice note

The chief justice of the Federal Court has revised Practice Note ADM 1 – Admiralty and Maritime Work in the Federal Court of Australia. The practice note has been revised in light of the recent...

Legislation to note: amendments to the UCPR

On 3 June 2013 the Uniform Rules Committee approved amendments to the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules. These amendments have been published on the NSW Legislation website and take effect from today, 7...

Bar Council business for 16 May

Bar Council met on 16 May in the boardroom of the New South Wales Bar Association. Matters reported elsewhere in In Brief are omitted from this summary of Bar Council business. Bar Council regularly...

Common Law Practice Update 30

The Bar Association's Common Law Committee has released Practice Update 30, with case notes sections 3B, 11A and 16 of the Civil Liability Act 2002; _and sections 3 and 33 of the _Motor Accidents...

Putting the queen's counsel back in Queensland

The title of QC has been reinstated by the Queensland Government and it seems 70 of the state's 73 senior counsel (SCs) have opted to switch to the former title. Learn more here.

7 June 2013

Vale Paul Cattini (1954-2013)

Paul Cattini, a crown prosecutor based in Wollongong, died yesterday afternoon. Members will be advised of funeral arrangements as soon as they are known.

7 June 2013

Replacement of Federal Court practice notes

On 4 June 2013 the chief justice of the Federal Court revoked Practice Notes CM 7, 18 and 21 and replaced them with revised versions: Practice Note CM 7 – Expert witnesses in proceedings in the...

Video link arrangements in the Federal Court

The chief justice of the Federal Court has issued Practice Note CM 22 – Video link hearing arrangements, _which _can be viewed here.

6 June 2013

Next meeting of the Bar Book Club

The next meeting of the Bar Book Club will be held on Tuesday, 16 July at 6.00pm in the Bar Library. The book is All That Is by James Salter.

12 July 2013

Discussion paper on copyright and the digital economy

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has released its discussion paper for the copyright inquiry—Copyright and the Digital Economy (ALRC DP 79, 2013) containing 42 proposals regarding...

ICLR content distribution after 30 June

From July 2013 the ICLR law reports from England and Wales will no longer be available from Justis. Instead, they will be available from Timebase, the Australian agents for the Incorporated Council...

NSW Recorded Crime Statistics for March 2013

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has released its March Quarterly report for 2013. The report shows, among other things, that the total number of non-fatal shooting offences peaked at...

Law Council welcomes new president

The Law Council of Australia today welcomed Melbourne based barrister Mr Michael Colbran QC as the organisation’s new president. Mr Colbran assumed the position following the resignation of Mr...

Practising Certificate Renewals Update No.5

All practising certificate renewal documentation and payment must be received by the Bar Association by this Friday, 7 June 2013 otherwise a late fee applies. Learn more here. 5 June 2013

Swearing-in ceremony for Whitford SC

Peter Whitford SC will be sworn in as a District Court judge on Monday, 24 June 2013 at 9.30 am in Court 21A of John Maddison Tower. Michael McHugh SC will speak on behalf of the New South Wales Bar....

Legal Aid News for June 2013

Legal Aid News for June 2013 is out now, featuring articles on funding for legal representation of Aboriginal people in NSW; Commonwealth funding for Legal Aid NSW; an appointment to the board of...

Use of voice to connect and inspire your audience

The Women Lawyers' Association of NSW invites members to a workshop on developing their vocal presence for strong, effective communication. The event will take place on 27 June 2013 at 5.30pm at the...

Common Law Practice Update 29

The Bar Association's Common Law Committee has released Practice Update 29, with case notes on among other things: choice of law; contributory negligence; medical negligence; sections 5D, 5L, 5G, 5H...

Shoot for the Bar: Award winners announced!

The Bar Association’s efforts to promote National Reconciliation Week were celebrated last Friday evening at the awards for the "Shoot for the Bar" competition, which encouraged participants to...

Curtin SC in Vinnies CEO Sleepout - donate now!

Philanthropy

Greg Curtin SC will take part in his third Vinnies CEO Sleepout on 20 June 2013. He can be seen here during last year's Sleepout. After a cold, wet weekend, it's worth remembering the...

Common Law Practice Update 28

The Bar Association's Common Law Committee has released Practice Update 28, with case notes on compromises, compensation for relatives and ss 94 and 126 of the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999...

Tuesday lunchtime yoga resumes tomorrow

The Bar Practice Course is finished, which means that Tuesday lunchtime yoga practices will resume tomorrow, 4 June, at 1.00pm.

3 June 2013

Bar FC retains second spot on the league ladder

Under clear sunny skies and sporting their new, ever so flattering, strip NSW Bar FC faced off against the formidable, pink-jersey clad, Announcer FC in The Domain at lunchtime today. Manager, David...

Practising Certifcate Renewals Update Number 4

There is only one more week to renew your practising certificate by the due date - Friday, 7 June 2013. DO NOT WAIT until you have confirmation of insurance to return your completed renewal form and...

Redfern Legal Centre fundraiser with special guest the Hon Justice Virginia Bell AC

Philanthropy

Members of the NSW Bar Association are invited to drinks to hear the Hon Virginia Bell AC speak and to reconnect with Redfern Legal Centre. Come along for an evening of drinks and...