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LIV Young Lawyers Annual Report 2016

President Linda Rayment Vice President Claire Walczak Manager Cassandra Piacentini, Law Institute of Victoria

Date 11 November 2016

LIV Young Lawyers’ Annual Report 2016 2

YL President’s Report It has been an absolute privilege serving as the LIV Young Lawyers President in 2016. 2016 has been a great year for the LIV Young Lawyers (YL). I had Claire Walczak’s wonderful support as Vice President and we began the year by setting clear and actionable plans and goals for the YL, with our particular focus being on leadership, justice, mentoring, motivation (health & wellbeing) and marketing. Claire and I, with the support of the LIV, engaged a leadership and strategy consultant to assist and equip the YL co-chairs with leadership tools to ensure that the Executive and the YL’s Committees ran as effectively and efficiently as possible. This saw the introduction of a YL committee reporting system, which assisted in strategically streamlining all YL initiatives, ensuring we met our objectives and targets. These documents will be an invaluable guide to the successors of each committee in successfully running their committees in years to come. The achievements of the YL are outlined and discussed later in the Annual Report by each YL committee; however, I wish to highlight a few accomplishments here. We worked with the Community Issues Committee (CIC) to create and launch a social justice column in the LIV journal. This was a wonderful initiative providing an opportunity for CIC members to write in the LIJ each month, as well as providing an avenue for the LIV membership to learn about and engage in discussion on a variety of social justice issues and topics affecting the local community. 2016 saw the launch of a 4

th edition of the Young Lawyers Journal as well as the publication going

completely online. The new online, interactive format provides for greater flexibility regarding the delivery of content as well as better servicing our readership needs. The editorial committee co-chairs, Adam Wakeling and Andrea DeSouza in particular need to be commended for their efforts in producing four top quality publications. This year, we moved the popular Golden Gavel Competition to a breakfast format – and what a success it was! The event was completely sold out and it was a magnificent, fun filled morning. Another successful initiative of the YL Executive was the development of short videos aimed to empower and equip our YL memberships. YL members recorded a series of videos throughout the year including on topics such as insightful interview and CV tips, survival tips for law students and how to use your law degree to service social justice issues. The YL also held the LIV Legal Careers Fair at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The attendance was outstanding and the feedback from law students about the Fair and its value was extremely positive. The YL continued to strive to promote health and wellbeing in the legal profession. This was implemented through various blog posts, YL Journal articles and events. We also held our flagship event; the Young Lawyers Charity Ball for the second year running, which saw our members generosity raise over $2,800 for the Wellbeing And The Law (WATL) Foundation. WATL is a joint initiative of the LIV and Victorian Bar to support the mental health and wellbeing of the legal profession. I would like to thank Cassandra Piacentini and Sylvie Alston for their outstanding and tireless support of the YL. The YL could not have achieved what it has this year without you both. A huge thank you also to every executive member who has worked so hard this year and in particular, Vice President, Claire Walzcak, who greatly assisted while I had a baby in October. Finally, I would also like to thank LIV President Steven Sapountsis, LIV President Elect Belinda Wilson, LIV Vice President Sue Kee, LIV CEO Nerida Wallace and immediate past YL President Joel Silver for their tremendous encouragement and support this year. The LIV Young Lawyers are extremely fortunate to have the amazing support of the LIV in making our initiatives, projects and events as effective and relevant as possible. It has been a privilege and delight to serve as the LIV Young Lawyers President, and I look forward to seeing the Young Lawyers continue to grow, strengthen and take new ground in the future.

Linda Rayment, LIV Young Lawyers President


Index YL President’s Report ............................................................................................................................ 1 1. LIV Young Lawyers Governance..................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Objectives of the Young Lawyers Section .............................................................................. 4 1.2 Eligibility for membership ........................................................................................................ 4

2. Structure and membership of the LIV Young Lawyers.................................................................... 5

2.1 Structure .................................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Current Membership and Demographics ................................................................................ 5

3. Executive Committee ...................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Executive Committee Members .............................................................................................. 6 4. Community Issues Committee ........................................................................................................ 7

4.1 Community Issues Committee Report ...................................................................................... 7 5. Editorial Committee ......................................................................................................................... 8

5.1 Editorial Committee Report ....................................................................................................... 8 6. Later Lawyers Network Committee ................................................................................................. 9

6.1 Later Lawyers’ Network Committee Report ............................................................................ 9 7. Law Reform Committee ................................................................................................................. 10

7.1 Law Reform Committee Report............................................................................................. 10 8. Professional Development Committee .......................................................................................... 11 9. Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Committee ........................................................................ 12

9.1 Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers Committee Report ................................................ 12 10. Social Committee .......................................................................................................................... 13 11. 2016 Activities & Projects .............................................................................................................. 14

11.1 Professional Development and Your Career ........................................................................ 14 11.2 Competitions ......................................................................................................................... 17 11.3 Networking & Social Events .................................................................................................. 18 11.4 Resources, Publications and Social Media ........................................................................... 19 11.5 Charitable events .................................................................................................................. 22

12. Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Activities ........................................................................... 23

12.1 Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Month October 2016 ................................................ 23 13. Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 24


1. LIV Young Lawyers Governance The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Council established the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) in March 1979. In 2015 the Section was renamed as the LIV Young Lawyers (YL).

1.1 Objectives of the Young Lawyers Section

The objectives of the LIV Young Lawyers as set out in its By-laws, and are as follows:

Keep members informed of changes to Section policy and legislation relevant to all practitioners working in this area;

Further the objectives of lawyers generally, and in particular, young lawyers in Victoria and the LIV;

Stimulate the interests and participation of young lawyers in the activities of the section and the LIV

Develop and conduct programs of interest and value to young lawyers and the community;

Produce newsletters for members of the section;

Develop and extend areas of mutual interest between the section and the junior bar;

Conduct research programmes and prepare reports for the Council as requested from time to time;

Assist the LIV and its other sections; and

Conduct such programs or engage in such activities as may be incidental or conducive to any or all of the aforesaid objects.

1.2 Eligibility for membership

Eligibility for LIV Young Lawyers membership is contained in clause 6 of the By-Laws:

1.2.1 Subject to By-Law 6 all members of the Institute shall be eligible for membership of the Section. 1.2.2 Subject to By-Law 6 membership of the Section shall also be open to:

(a) Members of the Victorian Bar; (b) Any person completing Supervised Legal Training or Practical Legal Training in

accordance with the Uniform Admission Rules, or its predecessor, made pursuant to the act;

(c) Graduates of and student bodies representing under-graduates of any Victorian

University which offers a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree which has been approved by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) as satisfying the formal degree component of the requirements for admission to practice;

(d) Law graduates of any institution offering or having offered courses in training at law who

are qualified for admission to practice as a barrister and solicitor in Victoria; and (e) Associate members of the LIV

1.2.3 Membership of the Section shall terminate automatically at the end of each calendar year upon

a member attaining thirty-six years of age or the expiration of the fifth calendar year in which a member has been admitted to practice whichever occurs later.


2. Structure and membership of the LIV Young Lawyers

2.1 Structure

The LIV Young Lawyers is made up of an Executive and the following seven committees:

Community Issues

Editorial

Later Lawyers Network

Law Reform

Professional Development

Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers

Social The Executive Committee is made up by the chairs (or co-chairs) of each of the seven committees and meets monthly. The committees meet every six weeks to discuss the progress and organisation of various projects, events and publications as well as other issues, which fall within their interest areas.

2.2 Current Membership and Demographics

It is with pride that we report that LIV YL membership grew again this year, with the number of active committee members also increasing from 2015. Members are encouraged to become involved with the YL to increase their profile, broaden networks, improve professional development and exercise other skills such as management, communication and public speaking. LIV Young Lawyers

Gender As at 31 Oct 2015

As at 31 Oct 2016

Female 5573 (63%) 5803 (62%)

Male 3245 (37%) 3436 (38%)

Total 8818 9329 LIV Later Lawyers


As at 31 Oct 2016

Female 559 (52%) 560 (55%)

Male 458 (48%) 461 (45%)

Total 1017 1021 LIV Student Members


As at 31 Oct 2016

Female 2836 (63%) 2871 (64%)

Male 1666 (37%) 1648 (36%)

Total 4502 4519


3. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is the LIV Young Lawyers’ decision-making branch, governing the planning and strategic direction of the seven committees. The Executive Committee provides leadership and input on projects with the purpose of benefitting and engaging YL members. President Linda Rayment

Immediate Past President Joel Silver

Council Liaison Representative Sue Kee and Cameron Forbes

Vice President Claire Walczak

Manager Cassandra Piacentini, Law Institute of Victoria

YL Coordinator Sylvie Alston, Law Institute of Victoria (December 2015 –October 2016)

Sam Dipnall, Law Institute of Victoria (October 2016 – Current)

Administrative Assistant Emma Woolman, Law Institute of Victoria

Number of meetings in 2016 14

3.1 Executive Committee Members

Co-Chairs Community Issues Committee Luisa Consiglio, Maddocks Marija Dukadinovska, Gadens Co-Chairs Editorial Committee Adam Wakeling, State Trustees Andrea De Souza, Minter Ellison Co-Chairs Later Lawyers Network Committee Joseph Carbone, Offshore Commercial Lawyers (January – August) Co-Chairs Law Reform Committee Alexandra Yorston, Bazzani Scully Priddle Chris Lees, Ouk Legal (January- May) Philip Marquet, Allens (May – Present) Co-Chairs Professional Development Committee Thomas Hobbs, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment Timothy Gough, Lander and Rogers Co-Chairs Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Committee Tim Jackson, Slater and Gordon Natasha Mastroianni, Dellos West & Co Co-Chairs Social Committee Jin Chu, Geoffrey Mendelson Lawyers Andrea Samardzija, Land Victoria LIV Council Liaison Representatives Sue Kee, Arnold Bloch Leibler Cameron Forbes, King and Wood Mallesons


4. Community Issues Committee

Co-chairs: Luisa Consiglio and Marija Dukadinovska Number of Meetings in 2016: 8 Active Committee Members in 2016: Anna Goodluck Brendan Lacota Carl Buhariwala Claire Toner Claire Van-Raay

Corinah Batt Elisa Turco Erica Tan Izak Rosenfeld Jack Kenchington-Evans

Katalin Lello Louise McNeill Millicent Allan Suzan Gencay Trang Chau

4.1 Community Issues Committee Report

The aim of the Community Issues Committee (CIC) is to facilitate young lawyers' involvement in community building projects, to provide education about social issues, and support for young lawyers wanting to create or contribute to social projects. The CIC had a successful year and was involved in the following projects: Hot Topics Event: High Rates of Youth Imprisonment This event focused on youth imprisonment and the steps that can be taken to prevent higher rates of imprisonment. The session covered legal, social and anecdotal perspectives and discussed the common problems facing youths in prison, current and potential rehabilitation mechanisms and examples of how imprisoned youths have been reintegrated into the community. Panellists included:

Liana Buchanan, Commissioner for Children and Young People

Ruth Barson, Senior Lawyer, Human Rights Law Centre

Ian Lanyon, Director – Secure Services, Department of Health and Human Services

Jen Hyatt, Manager – Statutory and Forensic Oversight, Department of Health and Human Services

Moderator: Melinda Walker, LIV Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law Law Institute Journal – Social Justice Column The CIC commenced a new Social Justice Column in the Law Institute Journal this year, whereby CIC members were given the opportunity to write in the Law Institute Journal on a variety of social justice issues and topics affecting the local community. Topics have included:

Comment on a PNG Supreme Court decision regarding the Manus Island processing centre;

Review of the Royal Commission into Family Violence; and

Benefits that students bring to working and contributing to not-for-profit organisations. Lawyers for Life Project CIC members have been involved in actively promoting volunteering opportunities through the Lawyers for Life Project. This involves a legal and non-legal volunteering opportunity being advertised on the LIV Young Lawyers Facebook page each month. Guest Speaker series The CIC have introduced extending invitations to members or employees of non-for profit organisations to the CIC meetings. The aim is to raise awareness on particular issues the committee are not currently aware of, promote discussion on such issues and discuss opportunities on how young lawyers can contribute to their communities. Guest speakers have included Jarryd Williams from STREAT and Warren Tu from 300 Blankets. Luisa and Marija Co-Chairs Community Issues Committee


5. Editorial Committee

Co-chairs: Adam Wakeling and Andrea DeSouza Number of Meetings in 2016: 8 Active Committee Members in 2016: Alida Vandewiele Benjamin Hoffman Benjamin Hine Izak Rosenfeld Jennifer Raeburn

Katherine Lishman Keely O’Dowd Kirsti Weisz Niko Kordos Michael McCagh

Pia White Shayna Bart Stephanie Pasharis

5.1 Editorial Committee Report

The Editorial Committee has played a key role over 2016 in delivering the LIV Young Lawyers’ agenda of Mentoring, Motivation, Marketing, Leadership and Justice. Four editions of the Young Lawyers Journal (YLJ) were published, with the topics of Ethics, Etiquette and Professional Responsibility (April), Careers (July), Wellbeing (September), and the Future of the Legal Profession (November). This is the first year where the Committee was required to produce four editions of the YLJ rather than three, and it was able to capably meet this challenge. Over 2016 the YLJ addressed a number of topical issues drawing attention in the general media, including the exploitation of law students and graduates, mental illness in the legal profession, AI and law, and youth imprisonment. The journal has included a number of high-quality substantiative law articles relevant to young lawyers, including on admission under the uniform law, disciplinary proceedings, and the disclosure of mental illness. In July, in collaboration with the Professional Development Committee, the journal was able to feature an annotated example CV and cover letter for readers to refer to when applying for jobs. YLJ authors interviewed sixteen people, including partners at law firms, representatives of the board of admissions and political candidates. Additional content for the journal was provided by external contributors including the Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee and Queensland Barrister, Simon Grant. The regular ‘Out and About’ column highlighted recreational opportunities from a weekend in the Grampians to yoga in the CBD. We were able to carry the broad themes of volunteering, mental health, and diversity in the profession across multiple editions. The Young Lawyers Blog has continued to run weekly from mid-January. The regular ‘Careers in Law’ feature has continued monthly for the entire year as planned. In addition to many useful posts on professional skills, the blog has also featured substantiative law topics including animal welfare law, the effects of AirBnB on property law, and family violence. Contributors to the blog have included LIV President Katie Miller and management consultant Dan Steege. The Committee looks forward to continuing its important work in 2017. Adam Wakeling and Andrea DeSouza Co-chairs, Editorial Committee


6. Later Lawyers Network Committee

Co-chairs: Joseph Carbone (January – August) Number of Meetings in 2016: 8 Active Committee Members in 2016: Audette Smith Euan Flett Delilah Nichols

Geraldine Prentice Melville Miranda Kerry Baker

Sarah Timmers Suzanne Carey-Thomas Wendy Runlai-Cao

6.1 Later Lawyers’ Network Committee Report

The Later Lawyers Network (LLN) was established with the purpose of supporting, engaging and promoting the growing number of mature-age law students, graduates and lawyers who have come to the legal profession as a second or later career. The LLN is a key part of the LIV Young Lawyers as the numbers of members continue to increase. The LIV Young Lawyers seek to provide these members with opportunities to engage in professional development activities and networking with their peers as well as industry professionals. This year has proved to be another busy and successful 12 months for the Later Lawyers Network Committee. One particular key highlight was the networking lunch the committee hosted with special guest Kathy Wilson. Kathy shared with attendees her experiences, successes and challenges from law school to her current role as a partner at Aitken partners and a member of the board of Federation Square. Members found this lunch particularly relevant and informative and took away great advice and tips to implement in their own careers. The Committee also greatly benefited from the guest chairs that facilitated a number of meetings throughout 2016. Guest chairs included 2016 YL President Linda Rayment who engaged and discussed with the LLN the benefits of being active and involved within the community as well as the importance of leadership. Thomas Hobbs, 2016 co-chair of the Professional Development Committee and consultant at Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment also shared with the LLN valuable advice on networking, self-branding, promotion (particularly the benefits of marketing oneself as a later lawyer) as well as handy tips on the application and interview process. 2016 also saw the LLN undertake greater engagement with later lawyer representatives of Law Student Societies and the YL plans to continue this in 2017. Overall 2016 was another great year for the LLN and the committee would like to thank all of its members and guests for their invaluable advice, support and encouragement throughout the year. The YL looks forward to representing and furthering the interests of later lawyer members in 2017 through its Later Lawyers Network Representative. LIV Young Lawyers


7. Law Reform Committee

Co-chairs: Alexandra Yorston and Philip Marquet Number of Meetings in 2016: 7 Active Committee Members in 2016: Alex Garfinkel Carl Buhariwala Dallas Henderson Euan Flett Freya Dinshaw

Jack Kenchington-Evans Melville Miranda Naomi Kinsella Nick Parry-Jones Sarah Timmers

Suzan Gencay Taylor Petrucci

7.1 Law Reform Committee Report

The Law Reform Committee aims to facilitate young lawyers’ involvement with the law reform process. The committee also aims to educate and affect change within areas of law under review, upon new legislation and in response to key social issues. With the Federal election occurring this year in July, there was a period of reduced opportunity for our members to make formal submissions to parliamentary and law reform agencies. Nevertheless, our members were able to:

prepare updates on new state and federal legislation and inquiries into key social issues, and educate other young lawyers on those changes;

work collaboratively with the broader LIV and legal policy in order to prepare submissions and streamline the process for doing so; and

prepare blog articles on areas of interest, notably 'National Recognition of Family Violence Orders', by Suzan Gencay.

A key project was the Committee’s submission to the Victorian Parliament’s Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee’s Inquiry into lowering the probationary driving age to seventeen. This was a contentious issue that received mainstream media attention. A Committee representative attended one of the public hearings held in relation to the inquiry to present the LIV’s recommendations. We thank those members who contributed to this submission. The Committee also continued its work on the LIV Animal Law Guide. This project commenced in late 2015 in collaboration with the Animal Law Reference Group. The Guide will be a substantive reference tool on keys areas of animal law in Victoria. Preparation of the guide is now in its final stages and publication is anticipated in early 2017. Before the years end, we hope to complete a guide for young lawyers on the process of preparing and lodging law reform submissions. We would like to thank all those members who contributed their time and energy to assisting with Committee projects in 2016. Alexandra Yorston and Philip Marquet Co-Chairs, Law Reform Committee


8. Professional Development Committee

Co-chairs: Thomas Hobbs and Timothy Gough Number of Meetings in 2016: 8 Active Committee Members in 2016: Amira Alic Andrea DeSouza Andrew Keeghan Elisa Turco Euan Flett Hailey Trudgen

Jessica Hall John Mapleston Kathleen Jess Nicholas Papadimos Phoebe Blank Rachael Ellerton

Sam Hall Simon Fixler Sophie Lefebvre Steve Clayton Tara Stark Uppma Virdi

8.1 Professional Development Committee Report 2016 has been a very productive year for the Professional Development Committee (PDC) with excellent engagement from its members. This has been assisted by the diverse backgrounds of PDC members including from private practice (from small to large national firms), in-house, government and legal recruitment, as well as law students and graduates. Some of our highlights this year included:

Your Career: Pathways, Options and Opportunities – predominately for law students /

graduates, this event examined the multitude of career paths open to those with a law degree.

Orientation for Graduates – this event provided law graduates with essential information

regarding Supervised Legal Training and Practical Legal Training, as well as a summary of

the many services of the LIV and benefits of LIV membership.

Orientation for Newly Admitted Solicitors – this event gave those recently admitted lawyers an

important introduction to the realities of practice and information regarding ethical dilemmas,

CPD regulations, and the different types of practicing certificates.

Defining Your Legal Career – a centrepiece of the PDC’s program, this year’s event focused

on how junior lawyers and law students / graduates could improve their personal branding

and marketability. Our three speakers included a leading communications company CEO, a

specialist legal recruiter and an experienced in-house lawyer with a background in private

practice.

Ideas for Careers – this particularly popular series covered the criminal law, family law and

construction law practice areas. Each event in the series included a well-chosen mix of

speakers who complemented each other’s experience.

Careers Fair - the PDC were represented by Co-Chair, Thomas Hobbs, along with HR staff

from firms and government institutions, who ran a number of individual mock interviews.

Survival Handbook – the PDC and Editorial Committee joined together to pool resources, plan

and drive forward the publication of a Survival Handbook in 2017. This resource will act as an

essential go-to guide for junior lawyers and law students / graduates as they develop their

careers in the legal profession.

Young Lawyers Blog & Young Lawyers Journal – PDC members were active in contributing to

both this year, including with three articles in the careers focused edition of the Young

Lawyers Journal.

Also of note, are two separate workshops focusing on CV writing and interview skills which look

set to become part of an exciting 2017. The LIV team have been a strong source of support

throughout the year and, in particular, the assistance from Sylvie Alston, Young Lawyers Co-

Ordinator for the majority of the year, was outstanding.

Thomas Hobbs and Tim Gough Co-Chairs, Professional Development Committee


9. Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Committee

Co-chairs: Tim Jackson and Natasha Mastroianni Number of meetings in 2016: 6 Suburban & Regional Representatives 2016:

Eastern Suburbs Law Association

Jason Koutes

Northern Suburbs Law Association

Natasha Mastroianni

Goulburn Valley Law Association

Sejal Amin

Tessa Mitchell

Southern Solicitors Group

Angela Guest

Rebecca Pugh

Bendigo Law Association

Ryan Millard

Melissa Buchanan

Ballarat & District Law Association

Stephanie Carter

Peta Maskell

Gippsland Law Association

Penelope Scheffer

Meaghan Crouch

Geelong Law Association

Jesse Rankine

Sarah Cohen

Mornington Peninsula Solicitors Association

Katie Minogue

Western Suburbs Law Association

Dimi Karangelis

Jessica Roberts

North West Law Association

Kate Hancock

North East Law Association

Tim Jackson

Lauren Howlett

Western District Law Association

Maryke Hill

Michelle Muir

North West Solicitors Association

N/A

9.1 Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers Committee Report

Through its members, the Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers Committee (RSYLC) has continued to provide leadership, support and social activities to young lawyers in practicing in regional and suburban Victoria. The RSYLC has held one face-to-face meeting and multiple videoconferences to discuss issues and events relevant to young lawyers practicing in regional and suburban areas. During the month of October various activities were held to celebrate Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers Month. These included barefoot bowling, escape rooms, dinners and drinks. In addition, members have also organised other social and networking events for young lawyers. Next year there will be a Regional Young Lawyers’ Representative and a Suburban Young Lawyers’ Representative who will sit on the YL Executive Committee. They will provide a voice for regional and suburban YL members, be a regular point of contact between the YL Association representatives and the YL Executive Committee and will work on projects and initiatives for the benefit of regional and suburban YL members. Natasha Mastroianni and Tim Jackson Co-Chairs, Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers Committee


10. Social Committee Co- Chairs: Andrea Samardzija and Jin Chu Number of Meetings in 2016: 8 Active Committee Members in 2016: Emma Heggie Nick Parry-Jones Jessica Bourke Sarah Breen Lauren Greer Thomas Hobbs Michelle Pawluck Timothy Gough

10.1 Social Committee Report 2016 was a busy and challenging year for the Social Committee (SC) with familiar faces and many new members joining. We have had some fantastic contributions and fresh ideas for SC activities and events. Throughout 2016, the SC organised numerous networking and social opportunities for its members and Young Lawyer members in general. These included our regular bi-monthly drinks that were conducted at various new and up and coming venues in Melbourne’s CBD as well as running two successful networking drinks events with the New Barristers’ Committee. Following on from the success of 2015, the Young Lawyers Charity Ball was held in September at Zinc in Federation Square. It was a wonderful evening and a fantastic opportunity for young lawyers to get dressed up, mingle with fellow colleagues and place bids in the silent charity auction, which was in support of the WATL Foundation. Over $2,800 was raised for this worthy cause. . SC members have been active contributors to the Young Lawyers Journal and by sourcing auction items for the Young Lawyers Charity Ball and prizes for the Trivia Night. In accordance with the theme of wellbeing, our column in the Young Lawyers Journal moved away from reviewing bars to focus on cafes, eateries and activities that are more in tune with a health and community focus. A big thank you to all our members that have contributed to the running of the SC this year; your ideas, enthusiasm and dedication have been much appreciated. We strongly encourage all Young Lawyer members to get involved in the SC as it is a great way to interact with like-minded peers. Andrea Samardzija and Jin Chu 2016 Social Committee Co-Chairs


11. 2016 Activities & Projects

11.1 Professional Development and Your Career

Hot Topics Seminar Series

Session 1: High Rates of Youth Imprisonment – Thursday, 2 June

The event organised by the CIC was aimed at providing information to increase awareness on the increasing rates of youths in detention and the conditions faced by youths while in detention. Discussion during the event focused significantly on the current systems and structures, diversion programs and prevention. The event was structured as a panel discussion with all panellists providing their views and insights within a Q&A format. Moderator:

Melinda Walker, LIV accredited specialist Criminal Law, Panellists:

Liana Buchanan, Commissioner for Children and Young People

Ruth Barson, Senior Lawyer, Human Rights Law Centre

Ian Lanyon, Director – Secure Services, Department of Health and Human Services

Jennifer Hyatt, Manager – Statutory and Forensic Oversight, Department of Health and Human Services

Session 2: Develop a Competitive Edge in Your Career – Wednesday, 29 June

Organised by the PDC, the purpose of this event was to empower young lawyers starting their careers in law. The event focused on tips for identifying and showcasing skills to employers but also on how to adapt to changing environments, transferable skills and providing advice on transferring practice areas or firms. Moderator:

Timothy Gough, Lander and Rogers

The speakers and specific topics for this event were:

Melanie Wilkinson, CEO, Fenton Importance of personal branding and how young lawyers can develop and incorporate these skills to their advantage

Thomas Hobbs, Consultant, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment In-demand practice areas, forecasted growth markets, snapshot of Australia and the international legal market, resume building and ‘do’s and don’ts’ of changing practice areas

Serge Mendis, Corporate Legal Counsel, Quest Apartments Making the decision to move from private to in-house counsel, the key differences between them, and career growth and opportunities available to in-house counsel


Ideas for Careers Following its successful launch in 2015 the Ideas for Careers seminar series continued in 2016. These seminars included a panel of legal professionals who shared their experiences in starting out as well as providing their personal insights into future developments in an increasingly competitive legal market. Due to popular demand, Criminal and Family law were back in 2016 along with the introduction of Commercial law: Mergers and Acquisitions. Each session was tailored to give young lawyers and students an idea of what practicing in different areas of law is really like through an outline of the types of matters, clientele and legislation commonly dealt with by practitioners in these areas as well as tips and traps for putting theory into practice.

Session 1: Criminal Law- Wednesday, 30 March

The event was aimed at providing information and personal insight for those considering a future career pathway into criminal law Chair: Thomas Hobbs, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment Panellists: Trieu Huynh, Victoria Legal Aid Josh Taafe, Doogue, O’Brien & George Justin Hannebery, Victorian Bar

Session 2: Family Law – Wednesday, 27 April

The event was aimed at providing information and personal insight for those considering a future career pathway into Family Law. Chair: Rachael Ellerton, Nicholes Family Lawyers Panellists: Tim Gough, Lander and Rogers Belle Lane, Victorian Bar Fran Jacka, Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, Department of Health and Human Services

Session 3: Commercial Law: Mergers & Acquisitions- Wednesday, 25 May

This event was aimed at providing information and personal insight for those considering a future career pathway into Commercial law with a focus on M&A. Chair: Annie Mould, Herbert Smith Freehills Panellists: Adam Goldner, Russell Kennedy Ashleigh Le, Gadens Niva Sivakumar, Mesoblast


Orientation for Newly Admitted Solicitors – Wednesday, 16 March Starting a professional career as a solicitor can be full of many unknowns. The LIV Orientation for Newly Admitted Solicitors gave an overview of what new solicitors must do to maintain their ability to practise and provided insights from legal experts on forging a successful career including what expect in the first year of practice. This session covered the following topics and allowed attendees to claim 1 CPD point:

- Practising Certificates - Supervised Legal Practice - Ethics - The importance of CPD - Planning and Managing your Career

At the conclusion of the session attendees were invited to attend a cocktail reception with presenters, and members of the YL Executive to welcome them to the legal profession. Orientation for Graduates –Wednesday, 6 April The Orientation for Graduates session provided recent graduates with helpful tips and advice for their transition from law student to legal practitioner. The session covered the admission process, legal research in practice and wellbeing in the law. Presenters included 2016 YL President Linda Rayment, Wellbeing and the Law Ambassador, Patrick Easton and CEO of the Board of Examiners Richard Beasley. Advice was focused on providing attendees with the necessary information to kick-start their careers in law. LIV Legal Careers Fair – Thursday, 14 July In 2016, YL hosted the annual Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Careers Fair. The Careers Fair was held on Thursday, 14 July 2016 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and was sponsored by the College of Law. The Careers Fair is traditionally targeted at penultimate and final year students, particularly those interested in obtaining Seasonal and Graduate employment. The Careers Fair again provided a valuable opportunity for students to meet representatives from law firms and legal organisations to gain a greater understanding of the range of career opportunities available. For exhibitors, the Careers Fair was an opportunity to market their firm and practice areas to meet with and pursue the very best graduates for their businesses. There were 42 booths at the 2016 Careers Fair, which were occupied by a total of 29 exhibitors including a booth dedicated to regional law associations, highlighting the increasing opportunities available to young lawyers in these areas. In total there were 706 registrations and 629 attendees of the Careers Fair. With attendance growing strongly each year we are looking forward to a positive turnout again in 2017.


11.2 Competitions

Victorian Golden Gavel Competition – Thursday, 11 August The 2016 Victorian Golden Gavel Competition again offered the opportunity for young lawyers to combine their wit and public speaking skills to compete for the chance to represent Victoria in the National Golden Gavel Competition. This year the competition took place as a breakfast which encouraged many law firms to register groups of spectators and was a great way to promote wellbeing. Many attendees felt that it was a great way to kick-start the working day. The presentations by all competitors were of a very high standard and provided many laughs for the audience. This year Catherine Dorian proved unbeatable with her unique take on ‘the invention test: tips for your next performance review’ which saw her go on to represent Victoria at the National Golden Gavel and Young Lawyers Awards held in Tasmania.

Competitors Topics

Winner Catherine Dorian, Corrs Chambers Westgarth

The invention test- tips for your next performance review

Runner-up Jack Madigan-Manuel, Clayton Utz

The Matt Preston Guide to winning Court attire

David Burke, Lander & Rogers

Another one bites the crust- The Food Survival Guide for Young Lawyers

Rebecca Dahl, Nicholes Family Lawyers

Your Career Starts Now: 5 ingredients for plating up success

Andrew Robertson, Ashurst

To eat or not to eat: A Young Lawyer’s Guide to Client Lunches

Liam O’Brien Baker & Mackenzie

‘Here’s one I prepared earlier’- A Lawyer’s Guide to making the best use of precedents

Clara Jordan-Baird Arnold Bloch Leibler

My Firm’s Staff Room Rules: Conversation Starters for the workplace

Harrison Wall Mills Oakley

5 Tips for dealing with a Gordon Ramsay Client

Matthew Pierri King & Wood Mallesons

Sandwich Wars: When to take legal Action

Seamus Ryan Rigby Cooke Lawyers

That’s the way the cookie crumbles: when the billable hour fails you

Timekeeper:

- Timothy Gough, Lander and Rogers Moderators:

- Ben Nicholas, Australian Actor and Presenter - Linda Rayment, 2016 YL President

Judges:

- Steven Sapountsis, LIV President - Philip Cummins AM, Chair, Victorian Law Reform Commission - Corrine Grant, Maurice Blackburn


11.3 Networking & Social Events

Later Lawyers Networking Lunch – Wednesday 18 May The Later Lawyers Network hosted its annual networking lunch again in 2016. The purpose of the lunch was to provide an opportunity for later lawyers’ members to network and gain insight and advice from a speaker who has also come into law later in life or as a second career. This particular lunch treated guests to an insightful presentation from Kathy Wilson who shared her career journey from law student to partner at Aitken Partners and member of the Federation Square Board. She provided tips and advice for later lawyers on how to forge a successful career in the law based on her own personal experience. Young Lawyers Charity Ball – Thursday, 8 September Following the 2015 relaunch of the Young Lawyers Ball, the event was back by popular demand in 2016. This year the event was held at Zinc, Federation Square and was a fantastic evening that saw young lawyers come together to celebrate another year. The evening included entertainment and a silent charity auction in support of the WATL Foundation, which raised over $2,800. The WATL Foundation is a joint initiative of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) and Victorian Bar (Vic Bar) established to raise funds to support the mental health and wellbeing of the legal profession; people who work within the profession and law students. Charity auction items were sourced by the YL Executive and Social Committees, the LIV Events department and Young Lawyers. The Ball attracted approximately 150 attendees and was a great activity for networking with fellow young lawyers in support of a great cause. Young Lawyers Trivia Night – Thursday, 13 October The Young Lawyers Trivia Night was held in October this year at CQ functions and proved to be another great success in 2016 with around 170 attendees. Novelty prizes were awarded to the winning and losing teams. A fundraising raffle was also conducted as part of the Trivia Night which raised $605.50 for the Wellbeing & the Law (WATL) Foundation. The WATL Foundation is a joint initiative of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) and Victorian Bar (Vic Bar) established to raise funds to support the mental health and wellbeing of the legal profession; people who work with the profession and law students. Prizes for the fundraising raffle were sourced by the YL Social Committee, the LIV Sponsorship team and Young Lawyers.


11.4 Resources, Publications and Social Media

LIV Young Lawyers Website https://www.liv.asn.au/Membership/Young-Lawyers

Regularly updated

LawNews Student Edition

Last Thursday of each month

Young Lawyers Journal – 4 editions

April, July, September and November

Young Lawyers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LIVYoungLawyers

Updated daily

Young Lawyers Twitter @LIVYoungLawyers https://twitter.com/

Updated weekly

Young Lawyers Blog http://www.liv.asn.au/YoungLawyersBlog/

Blog published weekly

Young Lawyers Facebook Page Launched in August 2011 and boasting 9,813 “likes” as at November 2016, the page regularly shares photos from YL events, entertaining commentary on the law and provides status updates regarding YL events, activities and news updates. The Facebook page has grown to be one of our primary sources of communication with members. Young Lawyers Twitter The YL twitter was launched in 2015: @LIVYoungLawyers. The launch of the twitter account provided YL and LIV social media with another avenue of communication with our members. The average age of our members meant that Twitter was well suited to the membership as a communication channel and has also allowed us to better engage with organisations. As at 31 October 2015 YL had 422 followers, increasing to 732 followers as at 31 October 2016. The intention is to continue to engage with members through this medium and grow our reach throughout 2017. Young Lawyers Journal This year the YLJ was relaunched as an interactive online flipbook. The success of the new format saw the YLJ increase its production to four editions annually. Contributions to the 2016 editions of the YLJ included:

Edition 62 (Autumn) Ethics and Reputation

Article Author(s)

Surviving Your Grad Year Jing Zhu

How We Can Help Donna Cooper, LIV Ethics

Defending Reputation Roland Muller

Admission Under Uniform Law Pia White and Jennifer Raeburn

Social Media Traps Adam Wakeling

Where To Draw Professional Boundaries Suzan Gencay

Are Law Grads at Risk of Being Underpaid? Loretta Houlahan

Lessons from Disciplinary Proceedings Michael McCagh

Putting Your Legal Career On The Line Stephanie Pasharis

Out & About Andrea Samardzija

https://www.liv.asn.au/Membership/Young-Lawyers

https://www.facebook.com/LIVYoungLawyers

https://twitter.com/

http://www.liv.asn.au/YoungLawyersBlog/


Edition 63 (Winter) Your Legal Career Path

Article Author(s)

Going Corporate is not the only option Kirsti Weisz

How to ace your next interview Thomas Hobbs

On the right path Nick Parry-Jones

Help Yourself Edmund Simpson

Bring Everything you’ve got Thomas Hobbs

When Unpaid work becomes exploitation Jessica Awad

How to avoid a claim Sophie Patten

From Court to Canberra Cassandra Seery

Reaching for the bar Andrea DeSouza

Go on- Join in Izak Rosenfeld and Niko Kordos

All about jobs Adam Wakeling and Thomas Hobbs

Standing up for justice Monash University

Friday Foodie Finds Sophie Crowther and Jessica Bourke

Edition 64 (Spring) Health and Wellbeing

Article Author(s)

How to deal with the trauma of work Andrea DeSouza

Disclosing mental illness- who needs to know Adam Wakeling

Do Good, Feel Good Luisa Consiglio

Running a litigation file Simon R Grant

Take time out to unwind Lauren Greer

Consuming Passion Melbourne Law School

Why it’s time for value-based billing Adam Wakeling

5 Ways to keep women in the law Riaza Rigby

Time Management Tips Katherine Lishman

Get away to the Grampians for a short break Michelle Pawluck

Edition 65 (Summer) Future of the legal profession

Article Author(s)

The law of change Daniel Yim

Beyond gender Andrea DeSouza

AI and the Law Adam Wakeling

Look, no paper Bianca Pyers

A leading question Anna Francesca Belgiorno-Nettis

The new law firm Adam Wakeling

What the legal shake up means for you Katie Miller

Yoga with a view Keely O’Dowd

Watch this space… Benjamin Hoffmann

International Approach to Commercial law Melbourne Law School

Young Lawyers Blog Launched in April 2012, the blog aims to provide young lawyers with insights into the practice of law, tips and important updates. All YL members are encouraged to write for the blog, as it is an excellent opportunity to improve writing skills, share knowledge and increase member profiles. These articles were very well received by YL members, with the most viewed including, ‘Disruption in Property Law – The Airbnb effect’ (August) by Tim Graham, and ‘Top 10 tips for aspiring young lawyers’ (September) by Jesse Rankine.

Date Title Author

18 January Meet 2016 YL President Linda Rayment Linda Rayment

27 January Careers in law: Carmelina Quatela YL interview with Carmelina Quatela

2 February The check list of life Katie Miller


9 February Navigating Challenges Linda Rayment

16 February Tips to impress as a junior lawyer Thomas Hobbs

22 February Careers in Law: Madeline Miller YL interview with Madeline Miller

1 March How to improve your time management skills Melissa Lirosi

7 March What they forgot to tell you in TV shows… four things newly admitted solicitors should know when starting out

Sylvie Alston

15 March Flat soles or High heels? Firms need gender diversity to best serve clients

Michelle Dixon

22 March Careers in law: Gemma Hazmi YL interview with Gemma Hazmi

28 March 7 tips for working with counsel Joel Silver and Linda Rayment

5 April How to become a member of a board Nathanael Kitingan

12 April 6 tips for better health and wellbeing Claire Walczak

18 April Careers in Law: Tamara Cook YL interview with Tamara Cook

26 April Young Lawyers on the rise YL

2 May Banishing your fear of public speaking YL

9 May Animal law in the spotlight: a career in animal cruelty prosecutions

Luisa Consiglio and Nicky Neville-Jones

17 May Careers in Law: Melanie Albarella YL interview with Melanie Albarella

23 May Arresting youth development Katalin Lello

31 May Words of wisdom- Career advice from leaders of the profession

YL

6 June Plaintiff versus Defendant- what it’s like on the other side of the fence

Andrea DeSouza

14 June Litigation Skills for Young Lawyers Sylvie Alston

20 June Standing out in a competitive job market YL and Thomas Hobbs

28 June Careers in Law: Suzan Gencay YL and Suzan Gencay

5 July Cap and Gown? Check… What next? YL

12 July Cross Examination- an art or a science? Daniela Sala, Richard Edney and Josh Taafe

19 July Commonly misused words YL

26 July Careers in Law: Miranda Brookes YL Interview with Miranda Brookes

2 August Disruption in property law- the Airbnb effect YL

9 August National recognition of family violence orders Suzan Gencay

16 August Giving back to the community YL

23 August The benefits of probono work Linda Rayment

30 August Careers in law: Philip G Alston YL interview with Philip G Alston

6 September The mindful Lawyer: tips & tools for managing stress Alida Vandewiele

13 September Top 10 tips for aspiring young lawyers Jesse Rankine

27 September Careers in law: Suzanne Carey-Thomas YL interview with Suzanne Carey-Thomas

4 October Career planning- Steering your ship Linda Rayment and Dan Steege

11 October Raise your pulse and lower your stress YL

25 October Where do clients come from? Birds and Bees, Clients and Fees

Belinda Wilson


11.5 Charitable events

Event In support of Funds raised

Young Lawyers Trivia Night WATL $ 605.50

Young Lawyers Charity Ball WATL $2,835.50

TOTAL $3,441.00


12. Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Activities

12.1 Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Month October 2016

2016 continued the success of previous years for the Regional and Suburban Young Lawyers Committee flagship event ‘RSYL Month’. The Committee chose to host their events over the month of October which allowed for greater flexibility in timing and the chance to visit other regions. A host of activities were arranged across the state, giving young lawyers the opportunity to get together and celebrate what’s great about working in regional and suburban Victoria.

Date Region Event

7 October Northern Suburbs Young Lawyers Barefoot Bowls

7 October Western District Young Lawyers Social Networking Dinner

7 October Southern Solicitors & Western Suburbs

Escapism for Lawyers

9 October Geelong Barefoot Bowls and BBQ

12 October Mornington Peninsula Young Lawyers Social Networking Dinner

15 October Bendigo Law Association Bendigo Jockey Club Beach Party: Lawyers Marquee

21 October Goulburn Valley Young Lawyers Networking Event

27 October Ballarat and District Trivia Night

28 October Eastern Suburbs Young Lawyers Social Networking Dinner


13. Acknowledgements

The LIV Young Lawyers would like to extend a huge thank you to the following people for the help, support, ideas and guidance they have provided the section throughout 2016. The LIV Young Lawyers could never have achieved all the above without them generously donating their time: Steven Sapountsis, LIV President Nerida Wallace, LIV CEO Belinda Wilson, LIV President Elect Susan Woodman, Member Support General Manager Sue Kee, LIV Vice-President and YL Council Liaison Cameron Forbes, LIV Councillor and YL Council Liaison Hannah Millard, Member Liaison Manager Claudia Margarch, Member Engagement Manager Amanda Hart, Manager, Corporate Partner and Sponsorship Manager Phoebe Jefferson, Education and Events Manager Mike Griffin, Marketing & Business Development Manager Tom Opasinis, Social Media Manager Carolyn Ford, LIJ Managing Editor Mary Kerley, LIV Young Lawyers Journal Editor Mia Montagliani, Sponsorship Account Manager Ben Green, Marketing Coordinator Jessica Mills, Media Officer Tom Fraser, Media Officer Katrina Hebblewhite, LIV Events Coordinator Sue White, LIV Registrations Coordinator Elizabeth Maginn, Project Officer, LIV Business Services LIV Membership, Marketing, Publications, Design, Events, Commercial and Professional Development Departments All YL Committee members All speakers, chairpersons, special guests, authors of YLJ articles and LIV blog posts and 2016 LIV Councillors

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