Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee is urging all North Queensland practitioners affected by the current flooding to prioritise safety.
The current weather event has already impacted the Townsville Courthouse, which is closed today.
“While disaster events occur in Queensland more often than we would like, each occasion is still highly confronting and our thoughts are with all the affected practitioners, their families and their firms,” Genevieve said.
“I encourage everyone to stay informed and work with local emergency services.
“QLS has also published resources to assist in managing the disruption to law practices and the QLS Ethics and Practice Centre is available to assist on 3842 5843 to provide guidance and support.
“For those affected by the event needing help, please don’t forget Lawcare on 1800 177 743.”
The QLS Ethics and Practice Centre has the following resources available:
- Guidance for law practices where documents have been affected by flooding or extreme weather conditions.
- A Business Continuity and Succession Planning Guide and other practice management resources.
- The natural disaster response checklist and contingency planning checklist could also assist firms planning their response in any disaster situation.
Practitioners are also urged to consider the following:
- Ensure that your back-ups (re: files) are up to date and a copy is in a safe, accessible location.
- Check that your safe custody documents (if any) are in a place that will not be affected by floods etc.
- Secure remote access for you and your staff (WFH).
- Consider an off-line version of your key dates calendar if power / internet is down.
In the event of an emergency, the latest information on court operations and closures can be found on Proctor.
As a QLS member, you also have access to Converge International Telehealth/critical incident support or crisis counselling. To access this service, call 1300 687 327 or Rapid Response / Critical Incident – Converge International.
For Lexon insured firms, Lexon also has an Extreme Events – Law Practice Disruption Guide for your consideration.
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