Law Society of Western Australia News

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Banksia Hill Lockdowns of Teens Ruled Illegal is Unsurprising to the Law Society of Western Australia

12 July 2023

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 The decision published by Justice Tottle yesterday in the Supreme Court of Western Australia finding that …

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Law Society Welcomes “Fresh Set of Eyes” on the Banksia Hill Detention Centre

8 June 2023

Thursday, 8 June 2023 The Law Society of Western Australia (the Law Society) President Ante Golem today welcomed the decision …

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Why is the Young Offenders Amendment Bill 2023 required?

17 May 2023

Wednesday, 17 May 2023 The McGowan Government announcement today that amendments to the Young Offenders Act 1994 (Act) would be …

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Joint Media Release: The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access Ltd | Pro Bono Lawyers Walk for Justice

16 May 2023

Tuesday, 16 May 2023   The annual Law Access Walk for Justice on Tuesday, 16 May celebrates National Pro Bono …

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No Surprises at Banksia Hill on Tuesday/Wednesday Morning

11 May 2023

Thursday, 11 May 2023 The Law Society of Western Australia (the Law Society) has and continues to raise its concerns …

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Opinion Piece by Law Society President Ante Golem: Government’s Disregard for Rule of Law a Dangerous Precedent

11 May 2023

Published in The West Australian on Thursday, 13 April 2023   Our democracy and structures of government are underpinned by …

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The Law Society Congratulates New President of Mental Health Tribunal

5 December 2022

Monday, 5 December 2022 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Dr Andrew Lu AM on his appointment as the …

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The Law Society of Western Australia’s Young Lawyers Committee Presented with the 2022 Australian Young Lawyer Organisation Award 

22 November 2022

22 November 2022   The Law Society of Western Australia’s Young Lawyers Committee was honoured on Friday, 18 November 2022, …

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The Law Society Congratulates New Life Members 

16 November 2022

16 November 2022 Congratulations to The Hon Rene Le Miere KC, Greg McIntyre SC, The Hon John McKechnie KC, Theodore …

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Vale Robert Meadows KC

16 November 2022

16 November 2022 The Law Society of Western Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of Robert Meadows KC, …

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Joint Media Release: Law Council of Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia | Excessive use of force on children unconscionable

15 November 2022

15 November 2022 The Law Council of Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia are deeply concerned by the …

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Law Society President says sending children to the main maximum-security prison in Western Australia is not the right solution and there needs to be a rethink

25 October 2022

25 October 2022  The President of the Children’s Court has made a number of judicial announcements on how inappropriate it …

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Farewell to the Honourable Kevin Hammond AO

25 October 2022

Tuesday 25 October 2022    The Law Society is saddened to hear of the passing of the Honourable Kevin Hammond …

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2023 Council Election – Meet the Nominees!

19 October 2022

Wednesday, 19 October 2022   Congratulations once again to Ante Golem who was declared to be elected as President and Paula Wilkinson and Gary Mack who …

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Law Society Raises Concerns on the Liquor Control Amendment (PEP) Bill 2022

14 October 2022

Friday, 14 October 2022   The Law Society recently received a briefing from the Government regarding the amendments to the …

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2023 Law Society President Elected

13 October 2022

13 October 2022 Ante Golem has been declared elected as the Law Society of Western Australia’s President for 2023. Mr …

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R U OK? Day – President’s Message

8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022 Today is R U OK? Day. It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians …

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Law Society Welcomes Reforms in Promoting Equality for Western Australians

16 August 2022

Tuesday, 16 August 2022 The Law Society welcomes the announcement today by the Attorney General, the Hon John Quigley MLA …

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Notice of General Meeting on 14 July 2022

7 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022   In accordance with Rule 40 of the Law Society of Western Australia Inc Constitution, notice is …

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Law Society Awarded Lotterywest Grant Towards Preservation of Legal Cultural Heritage

30 June 2022

Thursday, 20 June 2022   The Law Society of Western Australia has been awarded a grant of $96,810 from Lotterywest …

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Joint Media Release: The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access Ltd Sign a New Memorandum of Understanding 

16 June 2022

Thursday, 16 June 2022    The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access Ltd signed a new Memorandum of …

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Western Australian Legal Profession to Join the Legal Profession Uniform Law Scheme on 1 July 2022

1 June 2022

  Wednesday, 1 June 2022   The State Attorney General John Quigley has announced that Western Australia will officially join …

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Law Society Welcomes Appointment of Director of Public Prosecutions to Supreme Court

1 June 2022

Wednesday, 1 June 2022   The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates the Director of Public Prosecutions, Amanda Forrester SC, …

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Law Society Welcomes Appointment of State Solicitor of Western Australia to District Court 

18 May 2022

Wednesday, 18 May 2022   The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates State Solicitor Nicholas Egan PSM on his appointment …

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The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access Joint Press Release: Pro Bono Lawyers Once Again Walk for Justice

17 May 2022

Tuesday, 17 May 2022 The annual Law Access Walk for Justice on Tuesday, 17 May celebrates National Pro Bono Day …

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Legal Profession Uniform Law Passes Parliament

5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022   The Law Society of Western Australia has welcomed the announcement by the State Attorney General, …

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The Law Society Congratulates Judge Hylton Quail on Reappointment as Children’s Court President

11 March 2022

Friday, 11 March 2022 The Law Society warmly congratulates District Court Judge Hylton Quail on his appointment as President of …

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Time to Reconsider the Retirement Age of Judges

24 February 2022

Thursday, 24 February 2022 The President of the Law Society of Western Australia, Rebecca Lee, agrees it is time to …

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The Law Society Welcomes Two Major Reviews of WA’s Sexual Assault Laws

8 February 2022

The Law Society welcomes today’s announcement by the WA Government that it has instigated two major reviews of WA’s sexual …

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Law Society Welcomes Appointment of  Henry Jackson SC to District Court

25 January 2022

The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates planning and environment lawyer Henry Jackson SC on his appointment as a Judge …

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Joint Press Release: The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access | Planned Law Access Leadership Transition Creates New Opportunities for Growth

14 December 2021

Tuesday, 14 December 2021   Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC is retiring as Chairman of the Law Access Board on …

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Do you have a Will? Is it Valid?

3 December 2021

3 December 2021 Small changes to WA’s laws when people die without a valid will to have a big impact …

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Report corrects perception of lawyers

5 November 2021

5 November 2021   Australia’s legal profession prides itself on providing a voice for people in need, but it has …

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2022 Law Society President Elected

14 October 2021

  Thursday, 14 October 2021   Rebecca Lee has been declared elected as the Law Society of Western Australia’s President …

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RU OK? Day – Message from the President

9 September 2021

  Thursday, 9 September 2021 is R U OK? Day. This year the message is: “Are they really OK? Ask them today”. …

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Joint Media Statement: Funding certainty to help Law Access meet pro bono demand

27 August 2021

Friday, 27 August 2021   Law Access and its founder and parent body, the Law Society of Western Australia, welcome …

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The Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 – Potential ramifications for the independence of the judiciary

4 August 2021

Wednesday, 4 August 2021 The Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 (Bill) was introduced on 23 June 2021. Yesterday the Law Society of …

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The Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 – Potential ramifications for the independence of the judiciary

3 August 2021

3 August 2021 The Law Society understands that the Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 (Bill) introduced on 23 June 2021 has …

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Cluedunnit Kids 2021: Awards Ceremony

20 July 2021

Tuesday, 20 July 2021   Cluedunnit Kids gets Year 6 and Year 5/6 student teams to investigate a fictional criminal …

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Australian legal profession records strong growth as more women enter the profession

14 July 2021

Wednesday, 14 July 2021   The 2020 National Profile of Solicitors in Australia, released in Sydney today on behalf of …

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The Law Society welcomes the State Solicitor’s Office as an independent sub-department

8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021   The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes today’s announcement by the State Attorney General, the …

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NAIDOC Week – Heal Country!

1 July 2021

  Thursday, 1 July 2021   NAIDOC Week runs from 4 to 14 July 2021. Despite all the challenges of …

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Justice Delayed is Justice Denied – WA Courts in Crisis

17 June 2021

  Thursday, 17 June 2021   In April 2021, the Law Society of Western Australia issued a media statement raising …

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New Judicial Appointments to the District Court

1 June 2021

  Tuesday, 1 June 2021   The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates barrister Lisa Campbell-Tovey and Supreme Court Registrar …

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Federal Budget 2021-22 – Investment in Addressing Sexual Harassment

12 May 2021

  Wednesday, 12 May 2021   The Law Society of Western Australia is pleased that the Federal Government has made …

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The Urgent Need for Criminal Courts in Western Australia

20 April 2021

Tuesday, 20 April 2021 The Law Society of Western Australia has raised concerns with the State Attorney General about the …

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The Law Society Strongly Opposes Mandatory Sentencing

18 January 2021

Monday, 18 January 2021   The Law Society of Western Australia is firmly opposed to mandatory sentencing in any form …

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Senior Counsel Appointments 2020

25 November 2020

Wednesday, 25 November 2020   The Law Society congratulates the six practitioners appointed as Senior Counsel, as announced today by …

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2021 Law Society Council – Meet the Nominees

21 October 2020

Wednesday, 21 October 2020 Nominations for election to the 2021 Law Society Council closed on Wednesday, 14 October. Congratulations once …

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Media Statement: 2021 Law Society President Elected

15 October 2020

Thursday, 15 October 2020     Jocelyne Boujos has been declared elected as the Law Society of Western Australia’s President …

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Media Statement: WA Supreme Court Judgment Delivered Today Following Trial of Bradley Robert Edwards

24 September 2020

Thursday, 24 September 2020 “This is a trial like no other. This is a trial like every other. Those apparently …

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Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates (Episode 7)

22 September 2020

Tuesday, 22 September 2020   In our final episode of Controversy & Celebrity, Basil Zempilas discusses how his upbringing and …

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Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates (Episode 6)

21 September 2020

Monday, 21 September 2020   Having narrowly missed out on a council seat in 2017, Activate Perth chair Di Bain …

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Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates (Episode 5)

18 September 2020

Friday, 18 September 2020   Local businessman Bruce Reynolds launched his campaign for the City of Perth’s lord mayoralty just one day before …

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Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates (Episode 4)

17 September 2020

Thursday, 17 September 2020   In Episode 4 from our Controversy & Celebrity podcast, hosted by Law Society President Nicholas …

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Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates (Episode 3)

16 September 2020

Wednesday, 16 September 2020   In the latest from our Controversy & Celebrity podcast, hosted by Law Society President Nicholas …

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Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates (Episode 2)

15 September 2020

Tuesday, 15 September 2020   In our second episode of Controversy & Celebrity, hosted by Law Society President Nicholas Van …

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Launch of New Podcast Series – Controversy & Celebrity: Perth’s Mayoral Candidates

14 September 2020

Monday, 14 September August 2020   The Law Society is excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, “Controversy …

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R U OK? Day – President’s Message

10 September 2020

Thursday, 10 September 2020 is R U OK? Day, a national day of action to inspire and empower people to …

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Media Statement on the Iron Ore Processing (Mineralogy Pty. Ltd.) Agreement Act

19 August 2020

Wednesday, 19 August 2020     Last week, Parliament passed a law which challenges fundamental legal principles. The law unilaterally …

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New Judicial Appointments to the Magistrates Court

31 July 2020

Friday, 31 July 2020   The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes the announcement by the Attorney General the Hon …

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New Judicial Appointments to the District Court

30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020   The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Magistrate Martin Flynn, Gary Massey and Karen Shepherd …

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Vale The Honourable Michael Murray AM QC

28 July 2020

Tuesday, 28 July 2020   The Law Society is saddened to hear of the passing of the Honourable Justice Michael …

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Cluedunnit Kids 2020: Awards Ceremony

27 July 2020

Monday, 27 July 2020   The awards ceremony for the Law Society of Western Australia’s Cluedunnit Kids, an annual Law …

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The Law Society of Western Australia Welcomes Announcement that $6.2m Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy is Moving to Next Phase

15 July 2020

Wednesday, 15 July 2020   The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes the announcement from the State Government today that …

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Statement to the WA Legal Profession from the Executive of the Law Society of Western Australia on Sexual Harassment in any Profession, any Workplace

25 June 2020

Thursday, 25 June 2020 There is no place for sexual harassment in any profession, any workplace. Sexual harassment is both unlawful …

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Public Notice: The Heads of Jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunals in Western Australia are Committed to Ensuring a Safe Working Environment for All Staff

24 June 2020

Wednesday, 24 June 2020 A Public Notice has been issued that the heads of jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals …

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Joint Media Statement: The Law Society and Law Access Welcome Legal Funding Boost to Help WA’s Most Vulnerable and Disadvantaged

24 June 2020

Wednesday, 24 June 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access welcome the announcement today by the Attorney …

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Update on Uniform Law

22 June 2020

Friday, 13 March 2020 The Attorney General the Hon John Quigley MLA has advised that the Legal Profession Uniform Law …

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The Law Society Welcomes Comprehensive Reform Package to WA’s Fine Enforcement Regime

17 June 2020

Wednesday, 17 June 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes the announcement by the Attorney General, the Hon John …

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Law Society Congratulates Mara Barone SC on Appointment as District Court Judge

6 May 2020

Wednesday, 6 May 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Mara Barone SC, who has been appointed as a …

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Vale Terry O’Connor QC

29 April 2020

Wednesday, 29 April 2020   The Law Society is saddened to hear of the passing of Terry O’Connor QC, a …

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The Law Society acknowledges the Hon John McKechnie QC’s contribution as Commissioner of the Corruption and Crime Commission

24 April 2020

Friday, 24 April 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia notes, following a media release from the Joint Standing Committee …

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Lawyers Continuing to Provide Important Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

14 April 2020

Tuesday, 14 April 2020 Today the Attorney General the Hon John Quigley MLA acknowledged the important work of the profession …

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Vale the Honourable Stephen Thackray

3 April 2020

Thursday, 2 April 2020   The Law Society is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of the Honourable Stephen Thackray, …

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Law Society Welcomes Introduction of WA Pro Bono Model to Enhance Access to Justice

23 March 2020

Friday, 20 March 2020 The State Government has announced the introduction of a Pro Bono Model, which will further enhance access to justice …

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Message from the CEO – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert

3 March 2020

As the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop, it is important that we put in place measures to ensure …

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Law Society Congratulates New Chief Judge of District Court and New President of Children’s Court on Appointments

28 February 2020

Friday, 28 February 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Her Honour Judge Julie Wager, who has been appointed as the new …

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Vacation Clerk & Graduate Recruitment Dates 2020

11 February 2020

The Law Schools of Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, Notre Dame and UWA have put together recommended recruitment dates for 2020. In …

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Survey on Engagement and Retention of Legal Professionals

10 February 2020

Monday, 3 February 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia has commissioned an engagement and retention survey to research and …

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Law Society Congratulates New Senior Counsel

27 November 2019

Wednesday, 27 November 2019 The Law Society congratulates the six practitioners appointed as Senior Counsel, as announced today by the …

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Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2019

27 November 2019

Wednesday, 27 November 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia has released its submission in response to the Voluntary Assisted …

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2020 Law Society Council

15 November 2019

Friday, 15 November 2019 Voting in the election of the Law Society Council for 2020 closed on 13 November. Click …

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New Federal Agreement Must Increase Legal Assistance Funding and Protect Indigenous Legal Assistance

1 November 2019

Friday, 1 November 2019 The Commonwealth and State Governments must use upcoming negotiations to urgently address the crisis in legal …

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Law Society Welcomes Increase to Payroll Tax Threshold

31 October 2019

Thursday, 31 October 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes today’s announcement by the State Government that it will …

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2020 Law Society Council – Meet the Nominees

28 October 2019

Friday, 25 October 2019 Nominations for election to the 2020 Law Society Council closed on Wednesday, 16 October. Congratulations once …

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2020 Law Society President Elected

17 October 2019

Thursday, 17 October 2019 Nicholas van Hattem has been declared elected as the Law Society of Western Australia’s President for …

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Law Council of Australia: Gains being made though gender gap in barrister briefings remains, report finds

11 October 2019

11 October 2019 Female barristers are starting to receive more briefs and are more often recommended for work by their …

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Joint Statement: Law Society and Law Council Welcome Reforms to Fines Enforcement Regime

26 September 2019

Thursday, 26 September 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia and the Law Council of Australia have welcomed the announcement …

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Aboriginal Youth Voice Gets the Go Ahead!

19 September 2019

  Thursday, 19 September 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia is pleased to announce that through its Lore/Law project, …

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R U OK? Day – President’s Message

12 September 2019

                Thursday, 12 September 2019 is R U OK? Day, a national day …

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2019 Sir Ronald Wilson Lecture: Climate Change – Political and Legal Accountability

2 August 2019

Friday, 2 August 2019 The 2019 Sir Ronald Wilson Lecture will explore significant issues related to climate change, including the Commonwealth Government’s current …

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Law Society Welcomes New Network of Legal Aid Virtual Offices

4 July 2019

Thursday, 4 July 2019 The Law Society welcomes an announcement by the Hon John Quigley MLA, Attorney General of Western …

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Law Society Supports CCIWA Campaign to Cut Payroll Tax

26 June 2019

Wednesday, 26 June 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia has joined other peak WA industry groups in supporting the campaign of the …

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Report Finds Women Make Up Majority of Australian Legal Profession

19 June 2019

Wednesday, 19 June 2019 A new report has found that women outnumber men in the Australian legal profession. The 2018 …

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The Law Society of Western Australia Supports Justice Reinvestment

5 June 2019

Wednesday, 5 June 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes recent statements by the Attorney General the Hon John …

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New Judicial Appointments

11 April 2019

Thursday, 11 April 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Jennifer Hill and the Hon Justice John Vaughan, who …

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The Law Society Congratulates Ben Gauntlett on Appointment as Disability Discrimination Commissioner

5 April 2019

Friday, 5 April 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Ben Gauntlett, following his appointment as Disability Discrimination Commissioner. The Law Society …

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Law Society Congratulates Justice Janine Pritchard on State Administrative Tribunal Appointment

3 April 2019

Wednesday, 3 April 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Supreme Court Justice Janine Pritchard, who has been appointed President of the …

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Western Australia to Adopt Legal Profession Uniform Law

28 February 2019

Thursday, 28 February 2019 The Law Society of Western Australia has welcomed the announcement today by the Attorney General, the Hon John …

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