By Keely McDonough -
Hundreds of legal professionals have turned out for day one of the Law Society of NSW’s Annual Conference, with sessions focused on “futureproofing” legal careers including on the impact of ChatGPT, riding the TikTok boom and judging solicitor advocates.
Over 300 delegates, 40 speakers and 13 sponsors and exhibitors, gathered on Thursday 5 October at the Sheraton Grand Hyde Park for the first of the two-day sold-out event.
President of the Law Society of NSW Cassandra Banks opened the conference, highlighting the sessions attendees can expect across the Conference.
“Our profession has changed greatly in the past few decades. What you can do wirh legal training and your legal career is far more diverse, and also specialised than even a decade ago,” Banks said.
“Both days of the conference are threaded together with the idea of futureproofing your legal career.”
Highlights from day one include a session on the TikTok boom with James D’Apice (founder of Coffee and a Case Note and Litigator at Chamberlains), Jahan Kalantar (“TikTok Lawyer” and Partner at Executive Law Group), and Adriana Care (Managing Partner at Coutts Lawyers and Conveyancers).
The trio spoke about the role of social media in educating the public, building a brand online and the ethical considerations solicitors should be aware of when posting on different platforms.
Day One opened with a debate about the impact of AI on the legal profession, followed by a session with Global Futurist Anders Sorman-Nilsson on five trends that are shaping our future world.
Judge Julie Ward, President of the NSW Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Kara Shead also led a discussion about what makes a great solicitor advocate.
Day two allowed attendees to tailor their experience with four targeted streams relevant to government lawyers, private and regional practitioners, early career lawyers, and in-house corporate practitioners. Lawcover was the major sponsor for the Annual Conference.
