Queensland Law Society · Queensland Law Society – 2 – Annual Report 2008/09 Malcolm Hinton completed his ... and Grad Cert App Mgt General Counsel and Director, Advocacy & Accountability

Queensland Law SocietyServing our members

Annual Report 2009

membercentral

Communication and ServiceClient Care

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

October 2008

ContentsFrom the President ......................................................1

From the Chief Executive Officer.................................2

The Executive Team ....................................................2

From the Immediate Past President ............................4

QLS Council ................................................................4

Audit Committee ..........................................................4

QLS Profile ..................................................................5

Statistics of the Legal Profession in Queensland ........6

Member Services – An Overview of Key Activities and Outcomes .......................................8

QLS Regional Snapshot ............................................10

Symposium: Brisbane. Gold Coast. North Queensland .....................................................11

Strategic Plan and Organisational Alignment ............12

Department Reports ........................................... 13Advocacy & Accountability.........................................14

Office of General Counsel .........................................16

Finance ......................................................................16

Member Central .........................................................18

People & Organisational Performance ......................20

Information Systems ..................................................21

Secretariat .................................................................22

Sections and Committees ................................... 23QLS Business Supporters ........................................31

QLS Member Benefit Providers .................................31

Senior Counsellors ....................................................32

Financial Information ......................................... 34Queensland Law Society IncorporatedIncome Statement .....................................................35

Balance Sheet ...........................................................36

Statement of Changes in Equity ................................37

Cash Flow Statement ................................................38

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements .................................................39

Declaration of Queensland Law Society Incorporated ..............................................................59

Independent Auditors Report .....................................60

Queensland Law Society Incorporated Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Guarantee FundIncome Statement .....................................................62

Balance Sheet ...........................................................63

Statement of Changes In Equity ................................64



Declaration of Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund ............................................68


Queensland Law Society Incorporated Law Claims Levy FundIncome Statement .....................................................71

Balance Sheet ..........................................................72

Statement of Changes to Equity ................................73



Declaration of Law Claims Levy Fund .......................78


Queensland Law Society Law Society House 179 Ann Street Brisbane QLD 4000

telephone: 07 3842 5888 facsimile: 07 3842 5999 email: [email protected] website: www.qls.com.au

Queensland Law Society Notice of Annual General Meeting

Thursday, 19 November 2009

Law Society House 179 Ann Street, Brisbane

Front Cover Images (Left – Right)

1. Greeting2. QLS and Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA) conference, Noosa Sheraton Resort,

May 20093. LawCare - Taking Positive Action, 2008 redesign4. Former Chief Magistrate Marshall Irwin swearing in new magistrates John Hutton, Ross

Mack, James McDougall and Kay Ryan at a ceremony at Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 28, 2008

5. In discussion6. Maroochydore Court House7. QLS President Ian Berry with David Meara, QLS Council 8. Legal professionals – Brisbane9. Proctor – April edition, 200910. QLS President Ian Berry and Stephen Taylor (QLS staff) participating in Shave for a Cure,

13 March 200911. Premier Anna Bligh speaking at the President’s Christmas Cocktails and Awards, City Hall,

December 200812. Law Week trivia night champions: Anne-Marie Loeskow, Louise Wallace, Greg Shaw, Mark

Madsen, Joe Carey, Kate Whalan and Chris Hargreaves (current and former employees of Mullins Lawyers)

13. Attorney-General Kerry Shine and Mark Metzeling at the QLS Careers Fair, Sebel & Citigate Hotel, 28 July 2008

14. Themis statue15. CEO Breakfast, The Brisbane Club, October 200816. Peter Wilson, Succession Committee and Glenn Dickson, Office of the Public Trustee,

Presidents’ Christmas Cocktails and Awards, City Hall, December 200817. Past Presidents Board, Level 6, Law Society House18. Practice Management Series guide: Client Care – Communication and Service by

Giles Watson19. Katherine Lam, Carter Capner/Hall Lawyers; John Tryon, Turner Freeman20. Front of Law Society House, Ann St, Brisbane

© Queensland Law Society 2009

From the PresidentIan Berry

The Hon Cameron Dick MP Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations GPO Box 149 BRISBANE QLD 4001

Dear Attorney

It is my privilege to submit the eighty-first Annual Report of Queensland Law Society covering the 2008/09 financial year.

At the outset of my term as President I saw member involvement as my prime focus and committed to visiting as many members as I could. I have travelled the State on numerous occasions to fulfil

my commitment and have visited practitioners in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Airlie Beach, Emerald, and Kingaroy.

On my travels I found a keen and responsive profession operating businesses in challenging times and being subject to ever increasing regulatory burdens.

The tide of regulation and reform appears to be unrelenting. Now that we have digested what were to be permanent arrangements under the Legal Profession Act 2007, on 30 April 2009, the Prime Minister and the Federal Attorney-General announced that COAG had agreed on a plan to achieve national regulation of the legal profession.

A specialist National Regulation Task Force has been appointed to make recommendations and draft legislation for consideration by the end of April 2010, and a Consultative Group, chaired by the Hon Michael Lavarch, has been appointed. The QLS CEO has been appointed to the Consultative Group, which has the role of identifying issues, providing advice and developing recommendations.

QLS staff are also actively involved in the national committee which is developing the draft national professional standards. This is an initiative which I feel is greatly important, not only for the desired outcome of a truly national profession but also ensuring that it is the legal profession and the courts which set the standard for professional conduct.

During the year we have also seen great success in our advocacy which demonstrated by practical victories that the voice of the Queensland legal profession is being heard. Most notably we were successful through our local lobbying and by

instigating matters at the Law Council of Australia in receiving an exemption from the Wholesale Deposit Guarantee Charge for solicitors trust accounts with balances over

$1 million. I understand that this provides deposit guarantee coverage for firms which would have otherwise cost $1.5 million a year to the Queensland profession alone.

QLS has seen successes lobbying in the formation of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal which will impact on the practices of so many of us. I must also celebrate the Bligh Government’s announcement to bring welcome reform the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 – a matter on which the QLS has consistently lobbied for many years and is a matter of concern to a majority of firms. It is pleasing to see the Society’s call for reform being met.

I must note my gratitude to those friends of the profession without whose support we would be unable to be a vibrant Society: the judiciary led admirably by the Chief Justice; our learned friends of the Bar, our colleagues at the Law Council of Australia; Ministers and officers of the Government and most importantly the contribution of members themselves. A Society of members is, after all, what the members make it.

For me, this report highlights the very great contribution of members to their Society and the irreplaceable assistance of the Society’s hard-working staff, led by CEO Noela L’Estrange

following on from Mr Peter Carne. If maintaining QLS as a leading legal professional association were a race, it would be a relay and while the distance may be long I would be

proud to be leading a stage for the team.

I commend the Annual Report for 2008/09 to you.

Yours sincerely

Ian Berry President 2009

Queensland Law Society – 2 – Annual Report 2008/09

Malcolm Hinton completed his Bachelor of Laws and Masters of Laws at QUT and has been admitted to Supreme Court of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.Malcolm has worked as a solicitor in private practice, as a government legal officer and as a corporate lawyer and has served as a police officer in Queensland and East Timor.Prior to his current appointments, Malcolm was the Manager of Legal Investigations and Prosecutions and Director of Professional Standards for the Society

The Executive Team

Peter Michael Lyons has over 30 years experience within the legal services industry, both within the private and public sector. He began in his current position with the Society in 2008 and has previously been Deputy General Counsel and Manager, Investigations. He has held positions with the Crime and Misconduct Commission and was a practitioner for ten years in private practice.In his current position as Director, Member Central, he has developed a keen interest in the activities and values of professional associations particularly in the areas of governance, strategic planning and membership motivation and engagement. These interests have led to him undertaking a MBA in Philanthropic and not for profit studies at QUT. Peter and his membership team are committed to providing relevant and cost-effective services and products to members.

Patricia Linn has over 20 years experience in human resources both in consulting practice and in management roles in both New Zealand and Australia. Patricia has special expertise in strategic human resource management, change management and organisational development having worked across a broad spectrum of organisations both in the public and private sector. Patricia has introduced a blend of strategic and best practice to the Society and has an interest in providing members with support in growing strong businesses based on sound human resource principles.

CEO’s Review 2008 – 2009This has been a year of substantial change for QLS. QLS now bases its strategic planning on a balanced scorecard approach, with the four areas of focus for planning and actions being: Financial, Membership, Processes and Systems and People and Resources. These areas underpin all key decisions about investment, and are also used as part of the reporting process on projects undertaken.

Our agreed core values continue:Integrity• Innovation• Service• Courage and fearlessness•

independence with sound judgement -leadership -

Passion•

Malcolm Hinton LLB (Hons) LLM and Grad Cert App Mgt

General Counsel and Director, Advocacy & Accountability

Peter Lyons LLB LLM MA (Justice Studies)Director, Member Central

Patricia Linn DipBusSHRM DipBusPMER

Director, People and Organisational Performance

From the Chief Executive OfficerNoela L’Estrange

Scott Rowan commenced as Director, Information Systems on 17 December 2008.Scott completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Queensland with a focus on Information Systems. Scott is also a Chartered Accountant. Prior to joining QLS, Scott had over 11 years experience working in private practice providing information systems consulting services to clients. Scott brings a strong project management skill set to QLS and is a certified Practitioner in the Prince2 project management methodology.Scott joined QLS to drive an alignment between the Society’s business needs and information systems in order to achieve the Society’s strategic goals.

Scott Rowan BCom, CADirector, Information Systems


Bernie O’Donnell is a graduate of Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand. He was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1973 and the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1984. He was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1985. He practised as an employed solicitor, a sole practitioner, a partner in private practice and as the Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Aid Office at Maroochydore prior to joining the Society in 1989 as a solicitor in the Law Claims department. He became Assistant Secretary/Insurance Manager in 1996, Deputy Secretary of the Society in 1998 and Secretary in 2002.

QLS’s longer term aspirational goal is to be:A strong, viable, independent, representative professional • membership organisationAcknowledged publicly as a major contributor to discussions • on legal mattersA vital organisation that engenders membership participation.•

Importantly, the planning process led by Peter Carne also identified that QLS needed to undertake an organisational realignment, to support the linking of our structure, strategy and delivery. There is now an Executive Team of five, including the new position of Director of Information Systems working together to implement the agreed alignment and strategies.

Peter Carne resigned as CEO on 6 February 2009 to take up the position of the Public Trustee of Queensland. Peter Lyons,

Bernie O’Donnell LLB

Secretary to the Society

Noela L’Estrange BA (Hons) LLB MAdmin FAICD FAIM Chief Executive Officer

Noela commenced as the Chief Executive Officer on 11 May 2009.Noela has extensive experience in the legal profession, and has been a practitioner in both private and public practice, an academic, HR lawyer, strategic Consultant and immediately prior to this appointment, the Director of Legal Practice Support for the Australian Government Solicitor in Canberra.She has been a director of public and private companies, and has been a national Director of the Australian Corporate Lawyers’ Association and a Councillor for the ACT for the Australian Institute of Company Directors.She is a Director of Lexon Insurance Pte Ltd and The College of Law Queensland Pty Ltd. She is a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Management.

Director Member Central took up the role of Acting CEO from 7 February 2009 whilst Council undertook the recruitment process.

I was appointed by Council as the CEO of the QLS, and commenced in the position on 11 May 2009. I have begun to re-energise the organisational realignment to ensure that we complete the process, and that we have in place performance plans which align to our Strategic Plan and strategies. This will give us a firm basis for moving forward, and planning for the coming year.

We also undertook additional member surveys, which have confirmed that many of our activities are highly valued by our members. After analysing the results, we have built into our strategies for the coming year changes based on strengthening our delivery of knowledge and skills development, the standing of members and providing leadership for the profession.

The executive reports provide details of our successful work over the past year. It is pleasing, in a year of world-wide economic downturn, for QLS to report on a small profitable result.

Lexon Insurance Pte Ltd continues to provide professional indemnity insurance to solicitors in practice in Queensland. Lexon is wholly owned by QLS and I am one of two QLS-appointed directors on the Board. QLS provides accounting and information technology services to Lexon.

QLS financially supports QPILCH, the Queensland Public Interest Clearing House, which enables solicitors to register for pro-bono work. We also include QPILCH information in the QLS Update, and in Proctor.

QLS continues to support LawAsia, through provision of accommodation and through a grant to support its operations.

In December 2008, QLS Council agreed to undertake a refurbishment of Law Society House, which is the Society’s major asset, and which has not had a refurbishment since it was built 20 years ago. This will be a major project, but will result in improved member services, including a new member lounge, meeting, mediation and board rooms and auditoria. It will also provide QLS staff with improved working conditions and amenity, including open area working. We will also take the opportunity, within the approved budget, to install “greener” lighting options.

I would like to thank President Ian Berry, Immediate Past President Megan Mahon and Council members for their support and guidance.

I also thank all QLS staff for their ongoing enthusiasm and willing participation in a changing environment.

Noela L’Estrange Chief Executive Officer

Anthony Walduck completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Queensland and has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants since 1994. Prior to joining the Society, he spent seven years working for a chartered accounting firm and six years in commerce, holding senior finance roles for various insurers. Anthony has been at the Society since November 2005.

Anthony Walduck CAGroup Chief Financial Officer

Secretary to the Society


The Society is governed, under the Legal Profession Act 2007, by an elected Council of not less than seven and not more than twelve members namely

the President, Deputy-President and Vice-President•

members of the Society, elected or appointed under a society • rule, and

an Australian legal practitioner appointed by the Minister.•

Council is responsible for the development and continual review of the Society’s strategic plan. This incorporates setting the organisational goals, developing the strategies to achieve those goals and setting performance indicators to measure the Society’s performance against those goals. It is also responsible for setting the annual budget and the financial management of the Society’s affairs.

In addition to the members listed above, the Immediate Past President is a council member for the year following that person’s presidency.

Elections for Council are held in October every second year, with full Society members eligible to vote. The President is elected for a term of one year commencing on 1 January, with the Deputy-President succeeding to the office of the President at the beginning of the second term.

Council meets regularly throughout the year and provides the policy directions for the Society. A network of Sections/Committees in a wide range of areas assists Council in the performance of its duties.

QLS Council 2008/09 – Meetings attendedIan Berry (President) 7

Peter Eardley (Vice-President) 7

Megan Mahon (President) 7

Don Armit 5

Annette Bradfield 6

Jeremy Chenoweth (Attorney-General’s appointed Member) 4

Bruce Doyle 7

Raoul Giudes 6

David Meara 4

Tony Pattinson 6

Ted Skuse 3

Brett Smith 3

Executive CommitteeThe Executive Committee has traditionally included the President, Deputy-President, Vice-President and the Immediate Past President. However, the Council resolved on 5 February 2009 to elect two (2) additional Council Members to the Executive Committee.

The Committee usually meets every second month or when necessary. The role of the Executive Committee is to assist Council with administration of the Society and implementation of Council’s directions.

The Executive Committee members for 2007/08 as at 1 July 2008 were: Megan Mahon (President) Ian Berry (Deputy-President) Peter Eardley (Vice-President)

The Executive Committee members for 2009 as at 5 February 2009 were: Ian Berry (President) Peter Eardley (Vice-President) Megan Mahon (Ex-Officio Member) Bruce Doyle Raoul Giudes

From the Immediate Past PresidentMegan Mahon

QLS Council

2009 Council MembersFront row: (L–R): Annette Bradfield, Don Armit, Ian Berry (President), Peter Eardley (Vice President), Megan Mahon (Immediate Past President)

Back row: (L–R): Bruce Doyle, Jeremy Chenoweth, Tony Pattinson, David Meara, Raoul Giudes, Ted Skuse

Absent: Brett Smith

I am proud to say that the Society’s advocacy role has increased significantly and as the voice of the profession, not only on behalf of our members,

but the greater community of Queensland as well. Our advocacy included a plethora of policy submissions made to the State and Federal Governments, as well as the frequent and considered comment on issues of interest and concern on almost every conceivable subject from national electronic conveyancing to the national profession project, from transit officers to terrorism laws.

The extensive advocacy work undertaken on behalf of our profession and the Queensland community could not have been achieved without our own members who volunteer their time and expertise and make themselves available, often at short notice, for providing comment, drafting reports and contributing to the

submissions that we make. Much, of course, is unheralded and unreported, but every member should feel proud that acknowledged experts in every area of practice have stepped forward to do this work.

During my term, there were both scheduled and occasional meetings with the then Attorney-General, Kerry Shine MP, on a whole raft of issues, and at all times he was unfailingly courteous and gave our submissions careful consideration. Of course, not every submission that we made to government was accepted, but at least we know that our informed voice was heard and the Attorney and other Ministers with whom we met, including the Treasurer and the Police and Corrective Services Minister, listened to us and respected our expertise and our candour.

Audit CommitteeThe Audit and Investment Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process to ensure the balance, transparency and integrity of published financial information and investment of surplus funds in accordance with the approved Investment Policy Statement. This committee met three (4) times during the year.

Profile

At the culmination of my term, I was satisfied that QLS was regarded by many to be a professional organisation that is prepared to reach out to the community and to make considered and informed comment.

The end of 2008 saw the delivery of the highly anticipated Clarke Report, which dealt with the handling of the appalling treatment handed out to former Gold Coast medico Dr Mohamed Haneef. We will all eagerly await the outcome of that Report and whether the recommendations are implemented fairly and without any undue delay.

While notably public, our support of Mr Peter Russo, during his unwavering defence of his client Dr Haneef, wasn’t anything that should have been seen as unusual – I have always taken the view that the QLS is here for its members and that every single member is entitled to our protection and defence unless, of course, they fall foul of the law and betray their oath and duties as officers of the Court.

Our membership has continued to climb and now totals more than 7,500, and women practitioners, by the end of 2008 were

41.1 percent of our membership. Full membership increased by 14 percent, associate membership by 41 percent and student membership by an astounding 52 percent – as we signed up our 1,000th student member.

The number and percentage of women members will no doubt continue to climb, with female graduates outnumbering male graduates pretty much the norm and I can only hope that the gender balance will soon be reflected at all levels of our profession.

Our role, functions and responsibilities could not begin to be discharged adequately without the unstinting co-operation and accessibility of the judiciary led by the splendid example of the Chief Justice, the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, our friends and colleagues at the Bar Association of Queensland, our professional colleagues interstate, the Law Council of Australia and LAWASIA and various government agencies.

It is vital that QLS continues to be courageous in its responsibilities and duties as a member organisation and continue to stand up for what is fair and right.

QLS ProfileQueensland Law Society is the professional association for more than 7000 solicitors in Queensland. It is incorporated under an Act of Parliament – the Legal Profession Act 2007 – and is governed by a Council, which is elected by the membership.


While the Society is defined as a statutory authority in the Financial Administration and Audit Act, it remains an independent professional body, subject to the governance of its elected Council. The Attorney-General is represented by a nominee who is a Queensland solicitor in private practice.

The Society is funded from a number of sources, including annual fees paid by its members. Any Australian legal practitioner or Australian-registered foreign lawyer is eligible for full membership of the Society. Associate membership is also available.

The Society has specific statutory responsibilities in relation to the regulation and discipline of solicitors in Queensland.

The functions and responsibilities of the Society include:issuing of practising certificates and maintaining records • relating to solicitors

providing continuing legal education for solicitors•

providing services and support to members•

researching and making submissions to government on • matters of legal importance

investigating complaints of unsatisfactory professional • conduct against solicitors referred to it by the Legal Services Commission

administering the Fidelity Guarantee Fund•

trust account controls and receivership of trust property•

providing a public referral service for solicitors and mediators.•

Our visionTo provide leadership of the Queensland legal profession through:

promoting, supporting and protecting members’ interests;•

advocating for members’ rights;•

assisting members to conduct their practice profitably • and efficiently;

upholding the rule of law for the protection of the community•

facilitating standards of professional and ethical conduct.•

QLS also supports the public through advocating the rule of law, promoting and supporting the provision of pro bono services, making submissions to government recommending improvements to the law, and improving public access to the law.

The Society conducts ongoing programs to inform the community about the law and the legal profession including the Schools and Community Education Service and promotion of pro bono (free) work undertaken by the many solicitors who provide legal advice to charities, other organisations and individuals.

Our stakeholders include:our members•

the legal profession•

the Queensland Government•

the judiciary•

the people of Queensland•

government agencies•

advocates for law reform•

legal educators•

law students.•

The members of the Audit Committee at year end were:

Bill East (Chairman)

Ian Berry (President)

Peter Eardley (Vice President)

Megan Mahon (Immediate Past President)

Annette Bradfield (Counsellor)

Noela L’Estrange (CEO)

Statistics of the Legal Profession in Queensland

Admissions to practise in Queensland

Age of solicitors in Queensland

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

784

896874

903

2009200820072006

0

250

500

750

1000

1250

1500

1750

2000

70+65-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-29<24

Gender of solicitors practising in Queensland

Male 4,655

Female 3,545

Membership Total: 10,000

Honorary Members 23

Complimentary Members 56

Student Members 1602

Associate Members 538Members

7,781

Practising certificates issued Total: 8,252

Statistics collated by the Membership and Records Departments illustrate the composition of QLS members based on age, gender, geographical distribution, field of practice and membership status. The number of Practicing Certificates issued and number of Admissions to Practice in 2008 – 2009 are also illustrated (right and below).

Conditional 2,090

Employee 3,598

Unrestricted Principal

2,496Restricted Principal 4

Volunteer 14

Restricted Volunteer 28

Limited Principal 22


Geographical distribution of solicitors in Queensland

Status/Field of solicitors in Queensland Breakdown of ‘other’ by status/field

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

OtherBrisbane City

39493828

Towns

ville

South

Brisba

ne S

uburb

s

Sunsh

ine C

oast

South

Burnett

Redcli

ffe/P

etrie

North W

est Q

ld

North Q

ueen

sland

North B

risba

ne S

uburb

s

Macka

y

Loga

n/Bee

nleigh

Ipswich

Dist

rict

Gympie

Gold C

oast

Gladsto

ne

Far Nort

h

Fraser

Coast

Downs

/Sou

th Wes

t

Caboo

lture

Centra

l Qld

Bunda

berg

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

51

108

211

60

321

30

846

32

112134 120

345

32

96

31

323

618

264

3955

Breakdown of ‘other’ by geographical distribution

OtherEmployedSolicitor

0

600

1200

1800

2400

3000

3600

4200

4800

5400

6000

3615

5563

Volunte

er Soli

citor

Acade

mic

Barrist

er

Cost A

sses

sor

Commun

ity Le

gal

Consu

ltant

Corpora

te

ILP S

olicit

or + D

irecto

r

Govern

ment

Govern

ment A

genc

y/Com

mission

ILP Le

g. Prac

tition

er Dire

ctor

ILP Le

g.Prac

t.Dire

ctor (

Main)

ILP N

on D

irecto

r Part

ner

Inters

tate S

olicit

or

Judic

ial

Law Adm

inistr

ator

Lega

l Aid

Loca

l Gov

ernmen

t

Locu

m Tene

ns

Manag

ing P

artne

r

MDP Part

ner (

Main)

MDP Part

ner

Not Prac

tising

Partne

r

Retired

Sole P

ractiti

oner

Studen

t

Univers

ity Le

cturer0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

3361

9

175

797

12

364

4484

18

164

26

289

238

703

965

69

64356

259

169

35

988

5818

78



In late 2008, QLS commissioned targeted member market research, to obtain some more specific feedback on our members’ understanding of our current offerings, to support us to identify how we might improve our existing services and to provide information about possible new ones.

Member Services – An Overview of Key Activities and Outcomes

We held a planning day on which the Council, management and staff discussed expectations and issues of importance, and set up a teamwork approach. Based on this information, the research focused on:

What stakeholders know and appreciate about QLS and its services•

What feedback can be obtained to aid service design/delivery (including packaging), communications, pricing and • positioning decisions

What are the key demographic, behavioural and attitudinal characteristics that can help QLS better understand • groups and their main needs.

The research was conducted by Di Marzio Research in early 2009, and I was gratified that 630 members participated in the survey, through phone and personal interviews. We received the report in May 2009.

Generally, our results are very strong, particularly in the following areas:

QLS Market Research – Opinion of Vision Dimensions1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

QLS keeps members up to date with needed information

QLS will remain relevant to members

QLS understands the needs of our members

QLS is the leader of the legal profession inQueensland and is an organisation I like to belong to

QLS facilitates standards of professional and ethical conduct

QLS is a member-oriented body

QLS upholds the rule of law for the protection of the community

QLS advocates members’ rights

QLS promotes, supports and protects members’ interests 82%

79%

83%

82%

93%

almost 80%

81%

91%

% agree

83% ratepositively

statement % agree

1. Di Marzio Research Pty Ltd, Part 1: Market Test. Quantitative Market Research, Study No. 08/10/1311(b), May 2009

Additionally, through other research information, QLS rated in the top five associations on responsibility for ethical matters.

However, there are five key areas on our report card that indicate we need to do more work. They are in the following categories:

consistency of our member service; •

improved services required for particular segments • of our membership;

more demonstration of practice management and business • development support;

website redevelopment for content relevance, ease of use, • design and functionality; and

more targeted communications. •

Some of these issues may require new service developments, and certainly some process improvements, but many of them are because members simply don’t know about all of our services, which supports us adopting a strategy of improving and targeting our communications.

Participating members have provided a lot of very valuable information through this research which will serve as our reference in prioritising the solutions to the issues raised, and informing the further defining of our Strategic Plan into the coming years. This will include scoping the business requirement for an IT platform to support and service member needs.

The key to us becoming a stronger member organisation is to ensure that we meet our members’ stated desire for affiliation and information.

Our valued servicesQLS continues to make substantial and important submissions on a range of issues. I acknowledge and thank the members of Sections and Committees for their valuable contributions to these activities. Our CLE, Specialist Accreditation and Professional Development services are some of the most highly regarded in Australia. Again, many members contribute to both the content and delivery of many of these sessions, and rural and regional members can attend many of them via our video-conferencing.

The QLS-Vincents Symposium was a notable success again this year, with increased numbers, despite the global economic situation.

More than 1200 members renewed their membership on line this year, a big increase on last year. We hope to improve further the process, and encourage greater participation next year.

More than 1200 members renewed their membership

on line this year.



Central Queensland Law Association (CQLA)In January 2009, Lance Rundle became President of the Central Queensland Law Association (CQLA), taking over from the previous President Nici Schmitt.

The CQLA held its annual ten CPD-point conference at Capricorn Resort north of Yeppoon in November 2008, with attendees including Chief Justice Paul de Jersey AC and Supreme Court Justice McMeekin plus over 90 solicitors and barristers. The event was a great success. The CQLA conference will be held again in 2009 from 16-18 October at the Capricorn Resort.

A school debating competition was held in August 2008 and July 2009, with schools from within the Central Queensland region invited to participate in debating legal topics in the Supreme Court before adjudicators who included: Justice McMeekin of the Supreme Court, Magistrate Hennessy, Magistrate Baldwin and Richard Pointing, Senior Prosecutor of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The debates provided students with an opportunity to work with a local solicitor, get a feel for speaking in a court room and meet members of the Judiciary. In 2008 Nici Schmitt visited high schools in Central Queensland to discuss study and career options in law. Lance intends to follow her lead in 2009.

GladstoneThe Gladstone Law Association continued to be a productive and relevant force in its region, maintaining a focus on local matters and supporting its members. The association met in alternate months and held a dinner in May 2008.

Some local matters of interest that received consideration during the year included:

Office of State Revenue reduction of staff•

Section 24 of the • Legal Practitioners Act

Fly-in fly-out magistrates•

Titles office presentation•

Pro-active support for a CLE seminar at Gladstone held on • 19 February 2009

Matters to be raised at Convocation for District Law presidents•

Loan irregularities - referred to QLS•

Bossichix v Martinek•

Section 365• PAMDA

Office of State Revenue in-house stamping matters•

Volume of matters in the magistrates court•

QLS school lectures for local high schools•

Committee formed for a Gladstone seminar with respect • to PAMDA

Blue card requirements if existing school groups were hosting • work experience candidates.

In an effort to tailor the CLE Gladstone seminar held in February to meet members’ needs, the program was carefully designed through extensive collaboration between the Association and QLS programmers. It was well supported by members who have indicated a preference for having a local, annual CLE event in February each year.

Townsville District Law Association (TDLA)The TDLA has continued to increase its profile among local practitioners and third parties, and the committee is continuing to establish itself as the liaison point between the Townsville legal profession and Queensland Law Society (QLS), the courts, the James Cook University (JCU) Law School, community organisations and our individual members.

QLS Regional Snapshot

Members throughout Queensland participated actively in their legal communities and District Law Associations (DLAs) during the year. Some highlights of the events, meetings and discussions that informed and shaped 2008 – 2009 for regional practitioners are reported on below.

Opening Ceremonies conducted by Attorney-General Kerry Shine, 19 February 2009.1.Mareeba Courthouse – traditional smoking ceremony – local indigenous dancers; 2. unveiling the plaque – Mareeba Courthouse; 3. new Mareeba Courthouse; 4. opening of Legal Aid office Townsville (L-R) Kerry Shine (Attorney-General), Jaquie Palavra (Townsville office Senior Solicitor), Margaret O’Donnell, (LAQ board chair) and Jenny Hardy, (CEO).


The TDLA held numerous social functions for members and commenced the publication of a monthly newsletter which receives input from a wide range of sources including the Courts, community groups, QLS, Practical Legal Training providers, individual members and other government departments, and provides the TDLA with a simple platform to disseminate information to members.

The TDLA has continued to assist members with their professional development requirements by coordinating a CPD DVD library as well as lobbying for and coordinating CPD seminars.

The TDLA has further developed its relationship with the JCU Law School. Representatives of the TDLA and the JCU Law School meet regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest. The TDLA was invited to provide input into the development of the JCU Law Degree and JCU students attended a number of legal profession functions this year.

Annual General MeetingGerard Meade stepped down as President, Joanne Meade stepped down as Vice-President and a vote of thanks was

extended to both for their tireless involvement with the TDLA. Local practitioner Patrick Sutton of Mackey Wales Law retired after many years associated with the TDLA. A new committee was elected for the 2009/10 year, now led by President Angela Lowe.

The new committee hopes to continue with the aims of the 2008/09 committee in representing and assisting members of the local legal profession, bringing members of the profession closer together and continuing to develop the relationship with the JCU Law School.

Other noteworthy events for regional members included the opening of a new Courthouse in Mareeba and a new Legal Aid Office in Townsville. Additionally, The Law Council of Australia, in association with its constituent bodies – including QLS – conducted a survey of lawyers in regional, rural and remote Australia – highlighting many of the issues faced by these practitioners. It is anticipated that the detailed findings in the report will be used to improve access to legal services for community members and the ability of practitioners to provide them.

47th Annual Vincents’ Symposium667 delegates, speakers and sponsor representatives attended the 47th Annual QLS Vincents’ Symposium at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 – 28 March 2009. The comprehensive program of over 60 sessions was developed in collaboration with the dedicated QLS Specialist Accreditation Committees. Delivered by Queensland’s leading legal experts and an impressive array of interstate and international speakers, the theme of ‘Challenges’ underpinned diverse discussions on access to justice and human rights, navigating the current economic climate and ‘Climbing your own Mt Everest’ in practice, delivered by keynote speaker Cheryl Bart.

Delegate feedback – I believe the entire Symposium was both well organised and executed with the topics being relevant to daily practise and well delivered by the speakers.Douglas Stockley, Stockley Furlong

Overall it was well organised and had a good variety of interesting topics. A few times it was difficult to decide which presentation I would attend.Bruce Provan, Harrington Family Lawyers

Symposium: Brisbane. Gold Coast. North Queensland

Bringing Symposium to the regionsIn 2008/2009, the Queensland Law Society held two successful regional Symposium roadshows in Cairns (Palm Cove, 17-18 October 2008) and the Gold Coast (22-23 May 2009), the two largest regional membership hubs. The objective was to provide regional members with the opportunity to attend quality, cost-effective, local conferences without incurring the time and expense associated with traveling to Brisbane to meet their professional development requirements. Registration was offered at a subsidised rate, enabled by the support of the Queensland Law Foundation and vital event sponsorship.

Delegate feedback – Inaugural QLS Far North Queensland Symposium

Overall, a very successful conference with a diverse and relevant series of presentations.I enjoyed the conference, the topics were interesting and as I am new to Cairns it was a great way to meet other practitioners.

2nd Annual QLS Gold Coast SymposiumVenue, organisation, length of presentations, presenters – it was really excellent this year.The social networking opportunities including the welcome drinks and dinner were great.

667 delegates, speakers and sponsor representatives in at tendance

1. Marcin Lazinski, Plass Lawyers, Fiona White and Saran Kaur, Frank Carroll Solicitor at Symposium, March 2009

2. Dr Cheryl Bart, Keynote Speaker, Symposium, March 20093. Joanne Browne of Arthur Browne and Associates, Lucy Cradduck of Rimmer Lawyers, Nicole

Dinnen of the Transport Accident Commission, and Pru Connolly of Quinlan Miller & Treston.4. Symposium Program, March 20095. North Queensland Regional Symposium Program6. Gold Coast Regional Symposium Program


Our Goal is:A strong, viable, independent, • representative professional membership organisation

Acknowledged publicly as a major • contributor to discussions on legal matters

A vital organisation that engenders • membership participation

As it is the driver for all strategic plans, • QLS needed to evolve its strategic planning process as it is critical that QLS has a concise, commercial plan which incorporates and drives strategic goals in order to deliver on its commitment to members.

A key focus implementing this plan • is ensuring all Society staff take responsibility for the quality of service delivery. This service ethic will be demonstrated through the day-to-day activities of each staff member and how this contributes to the overall goals and vision of the society.

In order to achieve our core values, • purpose and brand promise to our members, QLS adopted a balanced scorecard model which focuses on developing strategies around:

Financial: What are the financial goals of the organisation and how do we meet stakeholder expectations?

Membership: What are the needs and expectations of members?

Processes and Systems: What systems do we need to enable us to operate a sustainable business that is meeting our strategic goals?

People and Resources: What culture and environment do we need to enable QLS (our people) to achieve our strategies? What resources do we need to deliver on our business model?

Following a lengthy process of strategic planning QLS embarked on translating strategies to one year targets and then into actions for each quarter which were comprised of projects. Over the last year QLS has been delivering on strategically linked projects.

Strategic Plan and Organisational Alignment

The Society’s new strategic plan was adopted by the QLS Council on 29 May 2008, came into effect on 1 July, and was officially launched to QLS staff on 30 July.

QLS – Organisational Chart

The QLS Brand Promise:

QLS will represent and meet its members’ needs.

Documents

Queensland Law Society · Queensland Law Society – 2 – Annual Report 2008/09 Malcolm Hinton completed his ... and Grad Cert App Mgt General Counsel and Director, Advocacy & Accountability