Townsville District Law Association | Interest
Townsville District Law Association
Phone: +61 7 4722 0267
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25.01.2022 Dear Members, please see the Queensland Law Society link below for a complimentary webinar hosted by the Bar Association of Queensland with respect to the Court’s response to Covid-19.
25.01.2022 Today myself and Michael Murray spent the day engaged in significant and important discussions regarding matters important to our members and the industry in general. Many thanks to the Queensland Law Society for giving DLA Presidents from across the State the opportunity to interact, share ideas and look to ways to better serve our members into the future
25.01.2022 Dear Members, we have had a number of practitioners express concerns about the request from the Townsville watch house about providing mobile telephones to enable communication with defendants in the watch house. We have expressed those concerns to the Queensland Police Service, who have advised they are looking into it and will advise as soon as they work out a resolution. We obviously have to be a little patient about matters like this. No one could have anticipated the ramifications of this pandemic, and we are all working together towards workable arrangements that are sustainable for the duration of this problem. We will advise you as soon as we get a response.
24.01.2022 Tickets to the 2020 TDLA Member’s Christmas Party are almost sold out! Don’t miss out and secure your membership and ticket today!
24.01.2022 This evening’s lecture was one for the Family Lawyers and Michael Fellows spoke to the topic of the aging population and the consequences for Family Law. It was an informative and entertaining presentation, which was particularly impressive given that it was undertaken by the use of Microsoft Teams. This is the Association’s first foray into the field of internet based lectures, however based on this evening’s success, will not be the last. Thanks again to Michael for presenting and for the continued support of the NQBA for the Association’s CPD series. Also a big thank you to all the practitioner’s that attended this evening.
24.01.2022 The Association is excited to advise its members that Life Member and Director of Purcell Taylor Lawyers, Mr Ken Taylor has been appointed to the position of Magistrate in Townsville. Mr Taylor has been a well respected and prominent member of the Townsville legal fraternity for many years, was the QLS President in 2018 and was made a Life Member of the Association in December 2019. Mr Taylor has been a long supporter of the Association and the Association sends its warmest congratulations to Mr Taylor and wishes him the best for his new career. The Association also congratulates Ms Grace Kahlert and Ms Kathleen Payne on their appointments as Magistrates to the court at Southport.
23.01.2022 The Federal Circuit Court has also issued a media release today with some direction about Covid-19
21.01.2022 A big congratulations to the Townsville practitioners who were recently recognised for their outstanding contribution to the legal profession. Paul Martinez, Julie Bligh and Tony Bligh were recipients of Queensland Law Society membership pins, and were recognised for their significant contribution to the profession and the community. Congratulations Paul, Julie & Tony!
20.01.2022 Dear Members, If you are having issues as a result of redundancy, or simply suffering anxiety at this point in time with respect to your employment, the Queensland Law Society has commenced its LawCare Career Assistance program. These are difficult and complicated times for the profession, but you need not suffer them alone.
19.01.2022 QLS is proud to provide LawCare Money Assist. This is an exclusive member benefit that can help you learn new financial habits and build the skills you need to ...help you overcome financial anxiety and insecurity during these uncertain times. If you are experiencing financial unease due to COVID-19, a LawCare consultant can work with you to develop a realistic action plan. Now more than ever your membership is here to support you. Members call today or visit qls.com.au/lawcare. See more
18.01.2022 Dear Members, please see below the most recent video from the QLS regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Importantly, the Society is looking into ways it can support you in terms of your membership and is looking at all options to make everyone’s lives easier at this point in time. There will be more information to come. They are also liaising with Legal Aid Queensland and the Queensland Police Service about issues surrounding the duty lawyer service and access to your clients who ...might be in the watch house. There is also information in the video about access to the titles office. Whilst the local office closed yesterday, material that can be sent electronically is still being accepted, as are paper documents by post or by a Dropbox mechanism and there are instructions on the QLS website for the use of this service. Please take the 5 minutes to watch the video. I have hit some highlights but there is more in there than that, including their lobbying with respect to family law issues and other matters of import to the industry.
18.01.2022 Important updates from Queensland Law Society, Queensland Courts & Queensland Corrective Services in relation to COVID19 https://www.qlsproctor.com.au//update-from-queensland-cou/... https://www.qlsproctor.com.au//queensland-corrective-serv/
18.01.2022 Dear Members, please check your emails. The Chief Magistrate has issued a practice direction which has been emailed by the Townsville Magistrates Court and by the Association. It rescinds the previous practice direction and guidelines and instructs what and how appearances are to be conducted in the courts in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
18.01.2022 TDLA Members, have you booked your ticket for the 2020 TDLA Member’s Christmas Party Our tickets are being snapped up in record time, secure your ticket today. If you’re not a member, there’s still time to join
18.01.2022 Exciting news from our friends at the North Queensland Law Association Inc. this week - the 2021 Offermans NQLA Conference will take place on 27 - 29 May 2021!
18.01.2022 It's the most wonderful time of the year TDLA Members are cordially invited to the 2020 (COVID safe!) Townsville District Law Association Christmas Party. As always, this event is strictly members only. If you haven't made an application for membership yet, visit our website today: https://www.tdla.com.au/membership.
17.01.2022 Dear Members, please see the attached post from the Queensland Law Society regarding small business grants with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic
17.01.2022 For our Family and Federal Circuit Court practitioner’s, please see the below update from the Queensland Law Society
17.01.2022 The Townsville District Law Association would like to thank outgoing President, Mark Fenlon, on behalf of members for his dedication and hard work in leading the association for the past two years. We would also like to warmly welcome our 2020/2021 Commitee and incoming President, Michael Murray. We look forward to working with our members closely over the next 12 months to continue delivering fantastic member based services to the Townsville Legal Profession. ... Stay tuned to our Facebook page for regular updates and upcoming events https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au//9d33e1e72a54290a8a6
16.01.2022 NQLA CONFERENCE POSTPONED We would like to thank all of our delegates, speakers and sponsors so much for supporting the 2020 Offermans North Queensland... Law Association Conference. In the interest of the health and safety of delegates, speakers and sponsors, the NQLA is postponing its 2020 Offermans NQLA Conference in Mackay that was to be held 21 to 23 May 2020. This difficult decision comes after recent announcements by the Australian Federal Government advising against all non-essential mass gatherings. Further, Judges have been directed that their public speaking engagements be cancelled. In the interest of reducing the inconvenience to our delegates, we are making the call to postpone now. The 2020 Offermans NQLA Conference program was full of great speakers, so we will be asking speakers if they are willing to postpone and join us at the postponed conference. We will keep you updated on the program as we work with the speakers on their availability. New dates are being confirmed and will be announced shortly. The NQLA will accommodate any refunds should you be unable to join us at the postponed conference. We apologise that this decision may cause inconvenience for delegates and really appreciate the understanding of our supporters as we navigate the best way to keep the profession healthy and productive.
16.01.2022 Dear Members, please see below information from the Queensland Law Society with respect to the electronic signing of documents.
15.01.2022 Another wonderful TDLA/NQBA CPD session with the always amazing Merissa Martinez presenting on the Australian Consumer Law and the ways it can be used to benefit our clients. It was an insightful and comprehensive presentation on an area of law that should draw more focus. Many thanks to the NQBA for putting on the networking drinks afterwards.
15.01.2022 Dear Members, please see the attached release from the Queensland Law Society with respect to the electronic signing and witnessing of documents.
13.01.2022 REMINDER WLAQ International Women's Day Breakfast Networking - The Balcony 7.30 - 9.30 Tuesday 10 March 2020 The WLAQ invites local women lawyers to a cuppa and catch up at the Balcony from 7.30am tomorrow morning. This is a great opportunity to start the day with a little caffeine, and some inspiration from your local network. ... The WLAQ has offered to subsidise some of the drinks as well, so come along if your diary permits it. The early start ensures those in Court can be away by 9am. Aromatics for Wellbeing will be present from 8.30am with some beautiful essential oils and diffusers - to help focus or relax - or just smell amazing.
13.01.2022 Last night, Townsville District Law Association representatives joined with members of the judiciary, the bar and Queensland Law Society to welcome the newly admitted lawyers and future leaders of the profession to the legal fraternity. A big thank you to all of the TDLA members who attended to provide such a warm welcome, as well as our key sponsor, Queensland Law Society, for supporting the event.
13.01.2022 Dear Members, Further to the previous post, please see below a link to the video of the Queensland Law Society’s nine million dollar subsidy announcement.
12.01.2022 Exciting news from our friends at the North Queensland Law Association! Registrations for the 2020 Offermans NQLA Conference are now open, with full details below
10.01.2022 Dear Members, I know there’s been several posts today, but please see below the video released by the Queensland Law Society on their YouTube channel for the many issues we are forced to deal with as a result of Covid-19. You will note in the video that President Murphy mentions meetings with the DLAs across the State to look specifically at issues affecting us, and that has absolutely occurred. The QLS has been very proactive in ensuring issues we have locally are getting lo...oked at by those with the power to do something about them. The Society gave the TDLA the ability to put forward questions at the recent criminal law webinar, and we had further meetings on 25 March where issues specifically raised by TDLA members were considered. Of specific note from the video, the issues arising out of the witnessing of section 651 documents and proposed amendments to the legislation came out of Townsville. Additionally, the Society and the Association are both very concerned about the mental health aspects that have arisen out of our current circumstances. The pressures of practice at the moment are significant whether they be cash flow, being compelled to work in a manner you are not accustomed to like working from home, working around the changing court dynamic, or in worst case scenarios even job loss or the stress associated with putting staff off. If you are having any issues, please remember that you have the ability to consult with the Society’s Lawcare program, or you can consult with the experienced Senior Counsellors who are available. I should note that the Society is trying to put more programs in place as well to assist during this time. If you have been effected by redundancy and you would like some assistance, you can if you wish, provide your contact details to the Association either via Callum or at [email protected] and we will provide those details to the Society. If they can they will provide you with some support. If you are having issues either practically, legally or with respect to your health, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Society or the Association. The lines of communication between the Society and the Association are well and truly open at the moment and we are happy to assist. Have a great weekend. Mark Fenlon President
08.01.2022 Dear Members, please see below a 15 minute video from the Queensland Law Society regarding resources, grants and relief that you might be eligible to assist your business in the wake of Covid-19. Additionally, for our members who do commercial litigation, at the 9 minute mark Shane briefly discusses some changes in the law with respect to statutory demands. The changes appear quite significant in terms of both quantum and the time a debtor has to reply to the demand, so it might be worth having a look at.
06.01.2022 Dear Members, the Magistrates Court has issued some detailed instructions over the running of the Court during this current crisis. You will have received an email from Callum that outlines all the requirements and procedures for the immediate future.
06.01.2022 Well, many thanks for Garreth Turner from Shine Lawyers for sending his membership form in today and becoming the 300th member of the TDLA! This is the first time we have surpassed this number of members and the fact that so many of you saw value in being members is something the committee is very proud of. So thank you very much to all our members, because without you there is no Association. Also many thanks to our partners and sponsors, in particular the Queensland Law Soc...iety, PEXA, the NQBA, the Judiciary, JCU: James Cook University, Australia and JCU Law Students' Society for assisting us with CPD events and social functions because without them we cannot put on the events that justify your membership. What a wonderful way to kick off the New Year and keep an eye on your emails and the Facebook page because there is more to come before this financial year is done!
06.01.2022 Dear Members, please see below a short explainer from Matt Dunn of the Queensland Law Society regarding commercial and retail shop leases
05.01.2022 The new (and old) committee had a very pleasant, post AGM dinner last evening with Queensland Law Society President Luke Murphy, and CEO Rolf Moses. Congratulations to all those elected to serve the Townsville District Law Association for 2020-2021. The new executive committee is: President Michael Murray Vice President Callum Argaet... Treasurer Monique Alyce Sheppard Secretary Sarah Singh I would like to thank and acknowledge all the committee members who worked with me over the last two years to put on events, work through issues, lobby for our members and promote collegiality throughout the local profession. I would also like to acknowledge our sponsors and partners, the Queensland Law Society, the North Queensland Bar Association, the North Queensland Law Association, PEXA and the local judiciary. And thank you to the members. It’s been a privilege being the President for the last 2 years. The buy in from the profession is what makes the Association work. This is the largest DLA in the State and we appreciate all 311 of you, so thank you for your support during my presidency. Good luck to Michael and the new committee and I wish you all the best. Mark Fenlon Immediate Past President
04.01.2022 Dear Members, please see a link to the below update from the Queensland Law Society. This includes important information for you on number of areas that may effect your practice. In particular there is a brief discussion on the Covid-19 emergency response measures; and there is advices regarding a new Supreme Court Practice Direction with respect to succession law. There is also important information regarding initiatives undertaken by the Society with respect to employment, Proctor and membership. The Society is actively taking steps to assist the profession in these difficult and different times and this clip may contain information which could be of assistance to you.
04.01.2022 Massive congratulations to our life member Bill Mitchell who has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to the law in Queensland. He has devoted his career to assisting those who are less able to help themselves and the awarding of this honour is well deserved. The Association sends its best wishes to Bill and his family and we hope today is a very special one.
04.01.2022 Dear Members, if you have matters before the Townsville Supreme Court, please check your emails as The Honourable Justice North has issued local directions with instructions for appearing by telephone, video link or other means as a method of isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
04.01.2022 Dear Members, please see updated advice from the Federal Circuit Court
03.01.2022 Dear Members, please check your emails. This afternoon the Queensland Law Society has rolled out a nine million dollar assistance plan, which includes significant discounts on membership, practicing certificate and insurance costs. Additionally, they are offering 10 free CPD points as well as free membership for any member who is made redundant as a result of Covid-19.... As noted above, please check your emails for the specifics. To gain the benefit of the subsidies, you do not have to do anything, these changes will be incorporated into the renewals process, however the Society has requested that you check that your details with the Society are up to date. I hope everyone is coping well in these difficult and different times, and don’t forget to support each other. Collegiality is a hallmark of our profession, and whilst events aren’t possible at the moment, phone calls certainly are and you never know who might be struggling. Please remember that the Association and the Society are here for you, the members, so if there are any issues you need raised or escalated, please do not hesitate to contact us. Mark Fenlon President
03.01.2022 Please see below in update from the Queensland Law Society regarding legislation updates to cater for Covid-19 related issues
03.01.2022 Dear Members, despite the obvious difficulties we are currently facing with hosting events, we are still attempting to provide some CPD. On Thursday evening at 5:30pm, Mr Michael Fellows will be presenting a lecture entitled The aging populations and it’s consequences for Family Law. The lecture will be conducted virtually, via Microsoft Teams. Please RSVP and before the event you will be emailed the link. We hope to see you all there... on the computer screen.... https://www.trybooking.com/BJSIU
01.01.2022 If anyone has suffered redundancy during this pandemic, our thoughts are with you and please note that the Queensland Law Society will provide you with free membership.
01.01.2022 A great opportunity from the Queensland Law Society for Townsville practitioners. This Thursday, join CEO Rolf Moses, as he leads a practical guidance session on Sexual Harassment and Workplace Culture in Townsville. Worth 1 CPD point, this session addresses current cultural issues and tools for developing strategies to build a positive workplace environment. Free for members - head to the link below to register your attendance today. https://services.qls.com.au//eventscal/event_display.aspx
01.01.2022 Dear Members, please check your emails. The Supreme and District Courts have issued instructions for how higher court matters are to be dealt with at this time. I realise there have been a lot of Facebook announcements and emails in the last couple of days, but as this situation evolves, so do the instructions so it is important that you are across them as they effect your jurisdiction - most of them are to our advantage in terms of social distancing and the courts have been very accommodating in that regard. We will keep you advised as this continues to develop.
01.01.2022 Dear Members, please see information below from the Queensland Law Society regarding the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court.
