Towards a national law week

Law Week activities in New South Wales will have a national flavour in 2009 following agreement from all states and territories to adopt a coordinated approach to the annual event. Law Week celebrations across Australia will run from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May 2009 with the exception of Western Australia which will come on board in 2010.  

Working together across the jurisdictions will ensure a higher profile for this important Australia-wide event, better promote the services that the legal profession can offer, ensure greater synergy in terms of the overall themes, messages and activities, and streamline administrative processes.

The theme for Law Week in New South Wales is ‘Law and Your Community’ focussing on promoting public understanding of the law and its role as well as raising awareness in the community about how to access legal services and advice.

For the first time a special ‘Pro Bono’ Day will be held as part of the national Law Week celebrations. This provides a great opportunity for NSW lawyers to build community relationships and to showcase the amount of pro bono work being done.  The Law Society of NSW Pro Bono Scheme has more than 350 firms registered who are willing to provide legal advice and representation on a pro bono basis but the unmet need for pro bono legal assistance remains high.

Your active support and involvement in Law Week 2009 and ‘Pro Bono’ Day will make a positive contribution to achieving a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.  If you can help by participating in free legal advice sessions, providing presentations to community groups or offering your services in any capacity during Law Week 2009, contact the event coordinator, Lorraine Clark on telephone 9926 0287, email LGC@lawsocnsw.asn.au

Law Week in this state is coordinated by the Law Society of NSW in partnership with key stakeholders including the Attorney General’s Department NSW, Legal Aid, NSW Police, NSW Bar Association, Legal Information Access Centres and the Department of Education and Training.  The annual event is sponsored by the Motor Accidents Authority of New South Wales.