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Young Lawyers Section Annual Report 2011 President Jonathan Elliot, Freehills Vice President Amanda Storey, Piper Alderman Manager Anna Alexander, Law Institute of Victoria Date 11 November 2011 President’s Report Engage with the Young Lawyers Section in 2011 It seems that 2011 has flown past! Looking back, it has been an exciting year for the Young Lawyers Section. A key focus for the YLS this year has been engagement with members. We’ve sought to find new and relevant ways to connect and keep members up to date with what’s happening in the Section. Throughout the course of the year our membership has grown to almost 6,500 young lawyers and law students. It has been my privilege as President this year to be able to meet and talk with members across the state. We come from different working backgrounds and interests but have a lot to be proud of in terms of our contribution to the profession and the community. As always, in 2011 the YLS has aimed to address issues of particular importance to young lawyers and law students. Our calendar of events has been packed with seminars, competitions, forums, networking and social events including the 2011 Australian Young Lawyers Conference and National Golden Gavel. Key areas where we have sought to make a difference this year include career development, health and wellbeing, web and social media presence and community engagement. Australian Young Lawyers Conference and National Golden Gavel In September this year the YLS hosted two landmark events for young lawyers in Australia – the 2011 Australian Young Lawyers Conference and the National Golden Gavel Competition. Both events were a huge success. The theme of the conference was “Developing Your Career” and delegates from across the country were provided with outstanding training in a range of practical legal skills. The Golden Gavel was a fun event with Justice Betty King and Mark Holden judging. I’m pleased to report that our Victorian representatives fared particularly well, winning the competition and taking out the people’s choice award. Career Development This year the YLS delivered a host of seminars to assist young lawyers at all levels build their career. In June we published the Trainee Guidelines for trainee lawyers and supervisors and throughout the year a team of young lawyers have been preparing the Young Lawyers Guide which will go to print in 2012. We also launched the monthly alternative careers column with the aim of providing ideas and information for young lawyers looking for a change of workplace. Health & Wellbeing The YLS took a lead role this year in addressing issues of personal health and sustainability in the legal profession. With depression amongst lawyers becoming a significant concern, the YLS initiated the Young Lawyers Health & Wellbeing seminar series to raise awareness and help with prevention. The seminars held throughout the course of the year targeted topics of fitness and nutrition, understanding and preventing depression and managing stress and anxiety. YLS Website and Facebook Page In August the YLS announced the arrival of its new Facebook page. 1 The page provides regular status updates from the Section including the latest news and information as well as photos from YLS events. The page has already garnered a strong following and I’d encourage those haven’t already had the chance to jump on and like our page or post a comment. Earlier in the year we launched our new website landing page. The YLS website is full of up to date information for young lawyers and law students including our various publications, calendar of events, career help and support services. Community Engagement As young practitioners we have much to contribute to the community in which we practice. I’d like to congratulate the hundreds of young lawyers who volunteer and assist with community organisations across the state. I’m pleased to report that this year the YLS raised approximately $50,000 for charity organisations including the Prison Legal Education and Assistance Project, Open Family, Hanover Welfare Services and the Stride Foundation. The YLS executive committee also took part in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Towards 2012 With a new year on the horizon, there’s a lot to look forward to. A huge vote of thanks to everyone who has contributed to the YLS this year. In particular, I would like to thank Anna Alexander and Claire Galofaro for the vital role they play making the YLS what it is and LIV President, Caroline Counsel and LIV CEO, Mike Brett- Young for their continued support of the Section. I’d like wish all members the very best with their career pursuits and encourage members to connect with the YLS in 2012. It’s about making the profession better for current and future members and the community engaging with us. Jonathan Elliot Young Lawyers Section President 2 Index Young Lawyers’ Section Governance 4 Structure and membership of the YLS 5 Executive Committee 6 Community Issues Committee 8 Editorial Committee 10 Later Lawyers Network Committee 11 Law Reform Committee 12 Professional Development Committee 13 Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers Committee 14 Social Committee 16 2011 Activities & Projects 17 Regional & Suburban Young Lawyers (RSYL) Activities 26 Continuing Professional Development & Careers Seminars 27 Publications / Newsletters 27 Acknowledgements 28 3 1 Young Lawyers’ Section Governance The Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS) was established by the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Council in March 1979. 1.1 Objectives of the Young Lawyers’ Section The objectives of the YLS as set out in the By-laws are as follows: . 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 YLS and the LIV; . develop and conduct programs of interest and value to young lawyers and the community; . produce newsletters for members of the YLS; . develop and extend areas of mutual interest between the YLS and the junior bar; . conduct research program and prepare reports for the Council as requested from time to time; . assist the LIV and its other sections; . 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 membership is contained in By-Law 5 1.2.1 Subject to By-Law 5.3 all members of the Institute shall be eligible for membership of the Section. 1.2.2 Subject to By-Law 5.3 membership of the Section shall also be open to: (a) Members of the Victorian Bar; (b) Any person completing Supervised Workplace Training or Practical Legal Training in accordance with the Rules of the Council of Legal Education made pursuant to the Legal Practice Act; (c) Graduates of and student bodies representing under-graduates of any Victorian University which offers a Bachelor of Laws degree which has been approved by the Victorian Council of Legal Education as satisfying the formal degree component of the requirements for admission to practice, and (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. 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. 4 2 Structure and membership of the YLS 2.1 Structure The YLS 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 YLS membership increased this year, with the number of active committee members also increasing from 2011. Members are encouraged to become involved with the YLS to increase their profile, broaden networks, improve professional development and exercise other skills such as management, communication and public speaking. (a) Demographics of the Young Lawyers Section Membership numbers as at 31 October 2011 – 6,183 Membership numbers as at 31 October 2010 – 6,052 Demographics of YLS Male: 38% Female: 62% Average age: 31 years Average age: 30 years (b) Demographics of Later Lawyers Network Membership numbers as at 31 October 2011 - 823 Membership numbers as at 31 October 2010 - 803 Male: 49% Female: 51% Average age: 47 years Average age: 44 years (c) Demographics of student membership Membership numbers as at 31 October 2011 – 1,962 Membership numbers as at 31 October 2010 – 1,880 Male: 39% Female: 61% Average age: 29 years Average age: 28 years 5 3. Executive Committee President Jonathan Elliot, Freehills Immediate Past President Julie Fraser Council Liaison Representative Lucy Terracall, Clayton Utz Vice President Amanda Storey, Piper Alderman Manager Anna Alexander, Law Institute of Victoria Administrative Assistant Claire Galofaro, Law Institute of Victoria Number of meetings in 2011 13 3.1 Executive Committee Members Co-Chairs Community Issues Committee Elva Zhang ANL Container