Queensland Law Society had a strong connection to Legal Aid Queensland’s (LAQ) Civil Law Conference in Brisbane last week.
The Society’s Principal Ethics Solicitor Stafford Shepherd and former president Elizabeth Shearer were among the speakers at the two-day event over Wednesday and Thursday at LAQ’s CBD headquarters.
Stafford said it was always an honour to be asked to speak at the conference, which attracted more than 100 civil lawyers.
“It gives me the opportunity to speak to my colleagues who are the frontline for the provision of services to those who are least able to afford, who have disabilities, and who need a voice,” he said.
“We spoke briefly about how we shape our journey with the client, the need for us to remind ourselves constantly that we are to shape that journey by reference to not only our retainer, but our duties associated with confidentiality, the management of conflicts and the need for clarity when speaking with a client.”
Elizabeth, who is Legal Practitioner Director of Shearer Doyle Law, spoke about amendments to the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules, focusing on rule 11A which applies to some types of legal assistance services.
LAQ speakers included Civil Justice Services’ Catherine Uhr (also a QLS Banking and Finance Committee member), Katharine Bligh, Michale Angeli and Jacob Montford; who covered topics such as scams, changes to NDIS legislation, consumer law and employment law.
LAQ’s Community Legal Education team also showcased Blurred Borders Queensland resources, designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients understand the law and their legal rights.
LAQ Senior Executive Director of Legal Practice Peter Delibaltas said the annual event was a key learning opportunity for civil lawyers in the legal assistance sector, providing the chance to develop practical skills and network with colleagues.
“The conference provides legal assistance lawyers with the chance to hear from civil law experts about current and emerging developments affecting their vulnerable clients,” Peter said.
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