Newsletter - 3 September 2024

Reminder: Banter with the Bench
Friday 27 September 2024

Please join us at Rydges Newcastle for this year's Banter with the Bench.

We appreciate the contribution made by the NSW Law Society for the running of this event which continues to be an excellent opportunity to build and maintain connections between local members of the bench and practitioners.

Save the Date - Annual Members' Dinner
Friday 1 November 2024

Please save the date for this year's Annual Members' Dinner to be held at Newcastle City Hall on Friday 1 November.

NCAT Recruitment Advertisements

The following job advertisement has been posted by NCAT:

Part-time (sessional) Senior Member - Consumer and Commercial Division – NCAT

Reminder: 2024 Elder Law & Capacity Symposium
Friday 6 September

Proudly presented by the Hunter Ageing Alliance, the Elder Law & Capacity Symposium 2024 is set to be an essential event for professionals working with Australia's ageing population - across law, aged care, healthcare and more. Hosted at NUspace at the University of Newcastle, and available for live streaming virtually, it offers a deep dive into critical topics affecting elder law and capacity assessment.

With its focus on elder law, this symposium is particularly timely following the Law Society of NSW’s recent announcement of a new elder law specialist accreditation scheme.

Attendees will gain insights on crucial issues such as capacity assessment, substituted decision-making, elder abuse, and the latest developments in Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). The event will also cover the complexities of restrictive practices and informed consent, with a particular focus on real-world applications and legal implications.

Hosted by former ABC News Senior Reporter Phillipa McDonald, you’ll hear from:

Madeleine Archer - Member of the Voluntary Assisted Dying team, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology
Adjunct Prof. Sue Field - Centre for Law & Justice, Charles Sturt University, author of Elder Law - A Guide to Working with Older Australians
Dr. Sharon Reutens - Psychiatrist/Old Age Psychiatrist, Medicolegal Psychiatry Practice
Dr. Charles Douglas - Clinical Director Voluntary Assisted Dying Unit, Hunter New England Local Health District
Rodney Lewis AM - Senior Solicitor, Elderlaw Legal Services, author of Elder Law in Australia
Viv Allanson OAM - Chief Executive Officer, Maroba Aged Care
Dr. Penny Webster - Staff Specialist in Geriatric Medicine, CAPAC & Newcastle East, HNELHD.

This symposium is not only an opportunity to earn 3 CPD units but also to engage with thought leaders and peers in the field, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in elder law or care for older Australians.

Event details:

1.30pm - 5.30pm

Friday 6 September

Tickets via: https://events.humanitix.com/elder-law-and-capacity-symposium

Supported by Catherine Henry Lawyers and the Newcastle Law Society.

HVFLPA Young Lawyers Skills Workshop - Crafting Orders and Affidavits from Client Instructions
Friday 13 September 2024

HVFLPA is hosting an afternoon Workshop for Lawyers with 5 years or less post admission experience who are HVFLPA members to be held at Newcastle Club on Friday 13 September from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

The workshop will be an interactive session presented and moderated by Senior Judicial Registrar Amy Clarke with mentors from the Newcastle Bar and local solicitors.

The following topics will be addressed:

Drafting enforceable orders
Evidence gathering
Preparing for interim hearings
Managing matters in compliance with the Case Management Pathway

Tickets are $50.00 (includes afternoon tea).

Not yet a HVFLPA member? – Apply for HVFLPA Membership here:

2024 HVFLPA Membership

Reminder: UNLSA 30th Anniversary
Thursday 19 September

Founded in 1994, the University of Newcastle Law Students' Association is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year.

Alumni are warmly invited to attend the celebration of this milestone, to be held at the University's Q Building from 6PM on Thursday 19 September. The event will consist of casual networking with representatives of the UNLSA's partners and sponsors, staff of the law school and the University, members of the local profession, current and former UNLSA executives, as well as current members and law students. Alumni of the law school and the UNLSA will speak about their experience, as well as sharing congratulatory messages from past Executives.

The event will be catered with light refreshments and is ticketed. Tickets are available now via the UNLSA's QPay portal at https://clubs.getqpay.com/?eid=27242.