Coast to Country Conference
Friday, 27 February 2026
Ideas shaping regional and suburban practice.
From coastal communities to the heart of the regions, WA’s suburban, rural and remote practitioners face unique challenges and remarkable opportunities. The Coast to Country Conference brings together small-firm and sole practitioners from across the state for a day of connection, inspiration and thought-leading discussion shaped specifically for regional and suburban practice. Dive into practical sessions on business fundamentals, resilience, innovation, and community-centred lawyering, while forging genuine professional networks with people who understand your landscape. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, support or strategic insight, this conference delivers content that speaks directly to the way you work, where you work.
Conference schedule
8.00am – 8.30am: Registrations
8.30am – 8.40am: Welcome from Law Society President and Chair of the Country Practitioners Committee
8.40am – 9.40am: Session 1
Testamentary trusts – Effective will drafting for farming families and family businesses
Explore the essentials of testamentary trust will drafting tailored for farming families and business-owner clients. The session covers key considerations such as tax effective strategies, control mechanisms, flexibility for beneficiaries, and protection against external risks like family law, family provision claims and creditors.
☑️ 1.0 CPD point, Substantive Law
9.45am – 10.45am: Session 2
Superannuation update
Why holding assets in self-managed super funds presents challenges for businesses and succession planning.
Speaker:
- Adrian Hanrahan, Associate at Smailes Krawitz and member of Law Society and Law Council Taxation Committees
☑️ 1.0 CPD point, Substantive Law
10.45am – 11.15am: Short address from our sponsor Send followed by Morning tea
11.15am – 12.15pm: Session 3
Anti-money laundering reform update
In just a few short months, Australia’s AML CTF regime will be expanded to legal practices that deliver designated services. This session will provide a refresher of the fundamentals and delve into what action legal practices must take to prepare for the regime, where you can access support and resources (including how to use AUSTRAC’s starter programs), key timeframes, and current discourse around the ethical implications of the regime for the legal profession.
Speaker:
- Fiona Halsey, Director of Halseys, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS), Member of the Law Society AML CTF Working Group
☑️ 1.0 CPD points Practice Management
12.20pm – 1.20pm: Workshop
Ethics workshop
This practical and engaging session will explore real life ethical dilemmas, enhancing your knowledge of key ethical obligations under the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2015, and your ability to manage ethical issues that arise in your practice.
Speaker:
- Darren Pratt, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
☑️ 1.0 CPD point, Ethics and Professional Responsibility
1.20pm – 2.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm – 3.00pm: Session 4
AI essentials for small practices and sole practitioners
This session provides an introduction to Generative AI (GenAI) and its applications for small businesses, sole practitioners, and legal professionals. Learn about the essential AI tools available to support your practice, including in back-office tasks and business strategy, and hear from practitioners about how they are using AI to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. This session will empower you with the confidence to explore how AI can support your legal practice, and an understanding of how the profession is approaching the implementation of this ground-breaking technology.
☑️ 1.0 CPD point, Practice Management
3.05pm – 4.05pm: Q&A with judicial officers
Ask me anything
Enjoy the opportunity to ask questions of a panel of judicial officers with experience of regional practice and court circuits across the state. Our panel will share insights on the unique pressures involved in practising law and delivering justice in the regions, courtroom practice, professional etiquette, and advocacy. It’s sure to be an engaging and honest session.
☑️ 1.0 CPD point, Professional Skills
4.05pm – 4.15pm: Closing from the Chair of the Country Practitioners Committee
4.15pm – 6.00pm: Networking
Venue details
Dexus Place Perth
Equipped with world-class tech and an outdoor terrace with city views, this space is the perfect setting for conference attendees to connect, collaborate and grow.
Getting to Dexus Place
Located at 240 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
CPP and Wilson parking, as well as multiple public transport options close by.
Planning a weekend in the city?
Law Society members can take advantage of discounts at a range of hotel and dining options. View our member extras page for more information.
Pricing and registration
Pricing:
Law Society country member | $200 incl. GST
Law Society member | $300 incl. GST
Country non-member | $300 incl. GST
Non-member | $450 incl. GST
With thanks to our sponsors:
Principal Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
