Bar Council business for February – March 2009

07/04/2009

Matters reported elsewhere in In Brief are omitted from this summary of Bar Council business. Bar Council regularly considers requests by the attorney general, the courts and other agencies for advice on proposed legislation. Because that advice is sought on a confidential basis, it is not noted in this summary. Any member interested in a particular matter should contact the executive director for further information.

Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Search Powers) Bill 2009

The president outlined the action taken by the Bar Association to have its criticisms of this legislation brought to the attention of the premier, attorney general, shadow attorney general, Legislative Council cross-benchers and the media.

Submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission regarding Consultation Paper 4 – Jury Directions prepared by members of the Criminal Law Committee

Bar Council resolved that the draft submission be forwarded to the Law Reform Commission.

The Bar Council asked that its thanks be conveyed to the Criminal Law Committee for the preparation of the submission.

Law Council of Australia directors’ ‘retreat’

On 6 December 2008 the president attended a retreat for Law Council directors, and noted that the day had been a very useful and constructive event.

De-briefs of unsuccessful silk applicants

On 8 December the president and the senior vice-president completed their de-briefs for unsuccessful silk applicants. ** Chief justice’s end of Law Term function**

On 9 December 2008 the president attended the chief justice’s drinks to mark the end of Law Term. ** Human Rights Commission - Human Rights Awards**

On 10 December 2008 the president attended the Human Rights Commission’s presentation of its Human Rights Awards at the Sheraton on the Park.

**NSW Bar Dispute Resolution Centre **

On 10 December the president attended and spoke at the launch of the NSW Bar Dispute Resolution Centre. The centre was formally opened by Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland. ** Women Lawyers Association**

On 10 December 2008 the president attended the Women Lawyers Association Christmas function.

Lord Bingham

On 11 December 2008 the president attended an address at the Banco Court by Lord Bingham, former senior law lord, entitled “The Role of a Charter of Rights in Promoting Dignity, Fairness and Good Government”, and proposed the vote of thanks.

Human rights law seminar

On 31 January 2009 the president attended a human rights law seminar held by the Human Rights Commission.

High Court ceremonies

On 2 February the president, senior vice-president and executive director attended the bows ceremony for new silks at the High Court and the farewell event for the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG. The president and senior vice-president (in his capacity as president of the Australian Bar Association) spoke at the event for Kirby J. ** Swearing –in ceremony for Justice Bell**

On 3 February the president, senior vice-president and executive director attended the swearing-in ceremony for Justice Bell at the High Court. The president and senior vice president (in his capacity as president of the Australian Bar Association) both spoke at the swearing in ceremony.

Chambers visits

The president noted that her series of chambers visits commenced on 5 February, when she, the director, law reform and public affairs and the director, care and assistance visited 7 Wentworth Chambers. The president and the director, care and assistance also visited 13 St James Hall on 10 February. On both occasions, members responded very positively to the visit and raised a number of issues concerning the Bar Association which will be considered in the coming months.

Opening of law term

The president attended the Jewish ceremony to mark the opening of Law Term at the Great Synagogue on 6 February.

Personal injury conference

On 7 February the president opened the Personal Injury CPD Conference held at the Westin Hotel. The conference was a great success and was very well attended. The president thanked in particular the Bar Association’s professional development staff and Andrew Stone for the work done in organising the conference.

**7 April 2009 **

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