The Queensland Law Society founding vision remains strong 150 years later thanks to continuing efforts of volunteers says QLS President Chloé Kopilović.
The QLS Volunteer Appreciation Evening was held in Brisbane last night to acknowledge and celebrate the members and supporters who live the Society’s vision of good law, good lawyers and the public good.
Chloé said the year had been one of dynamic change for our state and the profession.
“Through their work on our committees and working groups, our volunteers have played a crucial role in keeping the QLS at the forefront of legislative change, helped deliver leading education programs, and brought our profession together,” she said.
“As QLS celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023, we have taken pause to reflect on its founding vision – to be a force for good, advising the legislature on the amendments to law, to disseminate legal knowledge, and to set a standard of honour and integrity within the profession.
“Reflecting on our accomplishments over the last year, it’s clear that founding vision from 1873 has been realised.”
Some of the accomplishments include:
Last financial year, the Society received 271 requests for comment from government, research bodies and commissions, at both state and federal level;
The 400+ policy committee members on 29 legal policy committees attended 144 committee meetings and contributed to 214 legal policy submissions;
Committee members attended 176 stakeholder forums.
“QLS legal policy committees have once again proven tenacious and dedicated in developing sound and balanced submissions to government, and seeking legislative and policy reform, including the Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023; PIPOLA and claims farming; Review of the CTP scheme; The Gas Supply and Other Legislation Amendment Bill and the Property Law Bill.”
In the past three months, the legal policy team and committee members have shared their expert knowledge to contribute to submissions and speak at public hearings on bills including:
- Land Valuation Amendment, and
- Local Government – Councillor Conduct
- As well as on issues including domestic and family violence and child safety in residential care.
Senior Counsellors have also continued to provide confidential, free advice to practitioners, taking over 143 calls from colleagues in the last financial year.
Thanks to volunteer presenters, they have:
- Delivered 51 live events as conferences, webinars, lectures, and courses
- Delivered 17 bespoke in-house presentations to legal organisations attracting close to 350 attendees
- Delivered 5 self-paced introductory courses through the Learning Management System, plus
- Seven (7) Practice Management Courses and 4 course areas in the Specialist Accreditation Scheme.
- Also 462 presenters took part in education event, delivering content to a total of 5585 delegates in person and online.
“During my tenure, and particularly over the last few months, I have seen first-hand the excellent work being done by practitioners right across the state, during visits to our District Law Associations, and as we acknowledged those solicitors who have achieved the significant milestones of 25 and 50 years of membership of the QLS in 2023,” the President said.
“It has been a privilege to recognise the example of each of these members as they continue to build a legacy that will no doubt inspire others – and tonight, I am proud to recognise the legacy and generous service of the volunteers in this room.
“Our committee members come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and areas of practice, meaning the level of advice and insight they provide is second-to-none.”
She also thanked the Future Leaders Committee for its “important role in delivering the Society’s educational programming and social initiatives, namely the revival of our fantastic Young Lawyers Ball”.
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