Statement to the WA Legal Profession from the Executive of the Law Society of Western Australia on Sexual Harassment in any Profession, any Workplace
Thursday, 25 June 2020 There is no place for sexual harassment in any profession, any workplace. Sexual harassment is both unlawful and entirely unacceptable. The Law Society of Western Australia (Law Society) strongly endorses the statements made by the President of the Law Council of Australia (LCA) in her media release on 22 June 2020 and…
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
Wednesday, 24 June 2020 A Public Notice has been issued that the heads of jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals in Western Australia are committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all staff. In light of the outcome of the recent investigation commissioned by the High Court of Australia, courts and tribunals in Western Australia…
Joint Media Statement: The Law Society and Law Access Welcome Legal Funding Boost to Help WA’s Most Vulnerable and Disadvantaged
Wednesday, 24 June 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia and Law Access welcome the announcement today by the Attorney General, the Hon John Quigley MLA, that the State Government has allocated $150,000 (plus GST) a year over three years to Law Access Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Law Society of Western…
Update on Uniform Law
Friday, 13 March 2020 The Attorney General the Hon John Quigley MLA has advised that the Legal Profession Uniform Law will not commence in Western Australia before 1 January 2021. At a recent meeting, the Law Society had requested that the Attorney General provide an update to the Profession on the commencement of the Legal…
The Law Society Welcomes Comprehensive Reform Package to WA’s Fine Enforcement Regime
Wednesday, 17 June 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes the announcement by the Attorney General, the Hon John Quigley MLA that the Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Amendment Bill 2019 (WA) has passed through both houses of Parliament last night. One of the key changes of this comprehensive law reform package will…
Law Society Congratulates Mara Barone SC on Appointment as District Court Judge
Wednesday, 6 May 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Mara Barone SC, who has been appointed as a Judge of the District Court. The appointment was announced today by the Attorney General, the Hon John Quigley MLA. Law Society President Nicholas van Hattem said, “On behalf of the WA legal profession and members…
Vale Terry O’Connor QC
Wednesday, 29 April 2020 The Law Society is saddened to hear of the passing of Terry O’Connor QC, a loyal and longstanding supporter of the Law Society who also served on the Society’s Council from 1971-72. Law Society President Nicholas van Hattem said, “I would like to recognise Terry’s dedicated service to the legal…
The Law Society acknowledges the Hon John McKechnie QC’s contribution as Commissioner of the Corruption and Crime Commission
Friday, 24 April 2020 The Law Society of Western Australia notes, following a media release from the Joint Standing Committee on the Corruption and Crime Commission dated 23 April 2020, that the Committee has been unable to reach either a bipartisan or a majority decision in support of the recommendation to reappoint the current incumbent…
Lawyers Continuing to Provide Important Services During COVID-19 Pandemic
Tuesday, 14 April 2020 Today the Attorney General the Hon John Quigley MLA acknowledged the important work of the profession and our members, saying in correspondence “I have no doubt that [Law Society] members are providing essential services to the community during this difficult time.” The WA Government’s Prohibition on Regional Travel Directions provides that…
Vale the Honourable Stephen Thackray
Thursday, 2 April 2020 The Law Society is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of the Honourable Stephen Thackray, former Chief Judge of the Family Court of Western Australia. His Honour was admitted to practice in 1978, just two years after the newly established Family Court of Western Australia had opened its doors. After…
Law Society Welcomes Introduction of WA Pro Bono Model to Enhance Access to Justice
Friday, 20 March 2020 The State Government has announced the introduction of a Pro Bono Model, which will further enhance access to justice for all Western Australians. New pro bono requirements will apply to all law firms who undertake legal services for government departments and agencies and take effect from 1 July 2020. Under the WA Pro Bono…
Message from the CEO – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert
As the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop, it is important that we put in place measures to ensure that the risks to our members, staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors of contracting or transmitting the virus are carefully managed. The Australian Government’s Department of Health (AGDH) has established a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert on…
