The Curious Lawyer

Amy Dale, Managing Editor of LSJ Media, said this week “we are delighted to present this carefully curated day. The team have been working hard over the past few months to collate a suite of experiences that bring our print Journal to life, from in-depth interviews, thought-provoking keynotes, challenging panels, and some off-beat approaches to the practice of law. There really is something for all attendees to enjoy”.

A lawyer whose story inspired a Hollywood adaptation and another who was pivotal to the rescue of dozens of trapped construction workers in a collapsed Indian tunnel, are among the speakers scheduled to appear on the day.

Robert Bilott had been a corporate defence attorney for eight years, when he became involved in a case that exposed the lengthy history of chemical pollution created by the toxic plastics commonly found in households. His pursuit of truth and justice was the subject of the Netflix film Dark Waters.

Law Society BrettMcGrath said: “The Law Society is fortunate to be hosting Mr Bilott for our annual conference.

“Along with hearing his story firsthand, Mr Bilott will discuss PFAS-related issues confronting Australia and the role lawyers here can and do play [in] seeking justice for those affected and by advocating for better regulation of these substances.”

“The majority of people who choose law as a career do so with a motivation to make a difference and help effect lasting positive change in their communities,” McGrath added.

“Rob Bilott has lived those values through his decades-long legal battle on behalf of tens of thousands of people who have been adversely affected by exposure to PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). He helped secure multiple billions of dollars of benefits for those damaged by PFAS-contaminated drinking water.”

The curious case of a tunnelling lawyer

Also speaking at the conference will be Arnold Dix, whose story might be known by some Australians, but is undoubtedly a national hero in India. Professor Dix is a lawyer, geologist and expert in fire, life safety and underground rescue. In November last year, 41 workers were pulled out of a collapsed mountain tunnel in India, after being trapped for more than two weeks.

They had been working on the construction of a new highway when the collapse happened, and Dix answered the call for help. He travelled to the scene and provided invaluable advice to authorities, for what was ultimately a successful rescue. Dix will share his insights about how lawyers can approach decision making with a balance of compassion, technical expertise, patience and hope.

Other sessions will examine the opportunities provided by Australian lawyers expanding their horizons to reflect the country’s geographic place in the world and the challenges and opportunities presented by the continuing growth of Artificial Intelligence.

Journalists and authors Kate Wild and Dan Box and former Judge Anthony Whealy will be among those involved in a panel style debate, probing the impact of media investigations into the criminal justice system.

A tailored experience

The second day of the Annual Conference will allow attendees to tailor their experience, with four targeted and bespoke streams relevant to government lawyers, private and regional practitioners, early career lawyers, and in-house corporate practitioners.

The government stream includes sessions on key cases from the past year and the Kathleen Folbigg pardoning and the royal prerogative of mercy, which will be attended by her barrister Dr Robert Cavanagh. Also already confirmed to speak at this stream is Brett Thomson, the Acting Director and Prothonotary of the NSW Supreme Court, on the topic ‘A flourishing career: what the future holds for government solicitors.’

Rural and private practice lawyers will enjoy sessions on practical insights for the use of AI, navigating shifts and changes in employment law, unpacking NSW state tax law, and a detailed breakdown of the Law Society’s Practitioner Guidance on Climate Change.

In the early career stream, mental health and wellbeing, curiosity and courtroom advocacy headline a full day of sessions. The day will also conclude with a session on creative career pathways and the future of the legal profession.

Lucinda McCann, the General Counsel of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, is one of the speakers already confirmed for the in-house corporate practitioner stream, where she will join a panel, ‘Hear from the Regulators’. McCann currently leads the APRA legal function which comprises more than 55 lawyers and investigators.

Also in this stream are: sessions on risks and reporting obligations when it comes to navigating climate change, the top five global issues impacting corporate lawyers today, the ethics of AI and cyber security, Privacy Act reform, and the in-house lawyers who must walk the ethical tightrope of being the gatekeeper, guardian of the moral conscience and lion tamer within their organisations.

The 2024 Annual Conference

The team behind the award-winning Law Society Journal are delighted to present a specially curated day of thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and insightful masterclasses. Showcasing some of the brightest and boldest voices in the legal profession we ask, explore, and debate the biggest questions facing curious lawyers today.

Tailor your learning experience on day two, with streams dedicated to Government, In-House, Early Career and Regional/Rural Practitioners, practical insight sessions and networking opportunities.

Tickets are selling fast – secure your place today.