Time to Reconsider the Retirement Age of Judges
Thursday, 24 February 2022 The President of the Law Society of Western Australia, Rebecca Lee, agrees it is time to reconsider the age at which judges are required to retire. In 1937, the arbitrary age of 70 was chosen. In the intervening decades – indeed almost a century – societal norms, medical knowledge and life…
The Law Society Welcomes Two Major Reviews of WA’s Sexual Assault Laws
The Law Society welcomes today’s announcement by the WA Government that it has instigated two major reviews of WA’s sexual assault laws, to be undertaken by the Law Reform Commission of WA and the Department of Justice. The Law Reform Commission, chaired by highly respected former Supreme Court judge, the Hon Lindy Jenkins, will review…
Law Society Welcomes Appointment of Henry Jackson SC to District Court
The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates planning and environment lawyer Henry Jackson SC on his appointment as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia and Deputy President of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT). He will replace His Hon Judge David Parry at the District Court and SAT, commencing his duties on 31…
Do you have a Will? Is it Valid?
3 December 2021 Small changes to WA’s laws when people die without a valid will to have a big impact by Jocelyne Boujos, President of the Law Society of Western Australia Originally published in The West Australian – 22 September 2021 Updated edit on 3 December 2021 I was delighted that legislation in WA that…
Report corrects perception of lawyers
5 November 2021 Australia’s legal profession prides itself on providing a voice for people in need, but it has rarely spoken up on its own behalf. A new report released today articulates the contribution lawyers make to the community and addresses misconceptions regarding the profession. “Every day I speak with lawyers who are making…
2022 Law Society President Elected
Thursday, 14 October 2021 Rebecca Lee has been declared elected as the Law Society of Western Australia’s President for 2022. Ms Lee is the Law Society’s current Senior Vice President. Believing in ‘lift as you climb’, Rebecca has served three years as a Vice-President, including two as Treasurer of the Law Society; two…
RU OK? Day – Message from the President
Thursday, 9 September 2021 is R U OK? Day. This year the message is: “Are they really OK? Ask them today”. We all experience life’s ups and downs, but some may be struggling and not know how to reach out for help. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small….
Joint Media Statement: Funding certainty to help Law Access meet pro bono demand
Friday, 27 August 2021 Law Access and its founder and parent body, the Law Society of Western Australia, welcome the WA Government’s announcement of $250,000 funding for Law Access per annum for four years (indexed). Law Access matches applications for legal help from vulnerable and financially disadvantaged members of the community to lawyers and…
The Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 – Potential ramifications for the independence of the judiciary
Wednesday, 4 August 2021 The Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 (Bill) was introduced on 23 June 2021. Yesterday the Law Society of Western Australia (Law Society) put out a brief statement when it became clear the Government was pressing for the Bill to be passed with what appears to be considerable speed. The Bill will make important changes…
The Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 – Potential ramifications for the independence of the judiciary
3 August 2021 The Law Society understands that the Courts Legislation Amendment (Magistrates) Bill 2021 (Bill) introduced on 23 June 2021 has had its 2nd reading in the Legislative Assembly, and is listed again in the Assembly for 3 August (as the first order of the day). However, the Law Society of Western Australia has, briefly, reviewed…
Cluedunnit Kids 2021: Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 Cluedunnit Kids gets Year 6 and Year 5/6 student teams to investigate a fictional criminal offence with the goal of identifying the prime suspect. The winners of this year’s Cluedunnit Kids awards were as follows: Winner: Our Lady of Grace (North Beach), The Inspectigators Runner-up: John XXIII College (Mount Claremont),…
Australian legal profession records strong growth as more women enter the profession
Wednesday, 14 July 2021 The 2020 National Profile of Solicitors in Australia, released in Sydney today on behalf of the Conference of Law Societies, shows that there are 83,643 solicitors practising in Australia, an increase of 26,066 solicitors or 45% since 2011 across all states and territories. The President of the Law Society of…
