December 08 Around the States - New South Wales

 

 

The quarter in review – could we fit in any more?

Merry Christmas to all our NSW Members, Sponsors and Supporters.

Since our last August AGM, NSW has been actively involved in CLE and networking activities, the pace has been hectic and content has been great.

ALPMA NSW continues to partner and work closely with the NSW Young Lawyers Association and in the last 12 months has actively strengthened relationships with The Law Society of NSW, QL and The College of Law. We thank these organisations for the continued support. We have also continued to work with Dr Richard Winter of the Australian National University to promote his investigations and encourage participation by ALPMA firms in his research into what drives professional lawyers in their career developments.

ALPMA NSW and a number of its members have also been active in industry media, contributing to the growth and profile of the Association nationally.

Regional Expansion

ACT ALPMA is proceeding well and gathering momentum. Excellent presentations are planned for 2009 and we sincerely thank Tanya Berlis for her drive and enthusiasm in growing the membership base in the ACT.

Our first Twilight event in Parramatta was held earlier in the year with over 30 attendees present. Western Sydney presents a great opportunity for ALPMA. The NSW Executive is also looking at expanding our reach regionally, in particular holding our first Twilight event in Newcastle early in 2009.

The Law Society has indicated that Law Week will be moved from May to March 2009, to bring it back into line with other states.  The Law Week Committee is currently researching options for the Great Debate event and considering what speakers are likely to be of interest for the coming year.

Overview of Events

September saw "Deception: Spotting Lies in Interviews and Communication" presented by Lizz Corbett, Managing Director, Training Group International. Very well attended (approximately 50 people), very interesting and a professional presentation.

October’s meeting was "Unlocking the Secrets of Websites" presented by David Frost, Senior Business Development Manager, Melbourne IT. Again a very interesting and well attended presentation, and everyone took away some ideas on how to improve or build a better web site. Law in Order also did a sponsor appearance on Federal Court Practice Note 17.

October saw Sydney host the 2008 ALPMA Summit – reFresh. The event was a huge success attracting the largest number of delegates ever, a huge achievement. Thank you to all those member firms who attended. The feedback has been extremely positive and I am sure we all look forward to attending 2009 Summit in Queensland.

November’s meeting had a HR bent with "What you don't know WILL hurt you: Where Business Needs and OH&S Obligations Collide", presented by Mark Addison, OH&S Partner, Dibbs Abbott Stillman. Approximately 40 people were in attendance and a very good Q&A session followed. Fuji Xerox did a sponsor presentation on green and renewable consumables.

Twilights & Other Events

On 7 November we teamed up with APSMA to co-promote their session "Understanding the Economy and How it Affects the Professional Services Sector", presented by Tony Pearson, Deputy Chief Economist, ANZ Banking Group (who as you will recall presented at the recent conference). Approximately 80 RSVPs were received for this event. Tony gave an update of financial markets and economic conditions with particular focus on how the global financial systemic crisis is impacting on Australia and in particular the flow on effects for professional services, firms.

On 18 November, we held a Twilight session(co-branded with NSW Young Lawyers) on Presentation Skills by Heather Forton, rogenSI. The seminar focused on the planning and delivery skills of informative and persuasive presentations. The event was attended by 35 members and kindly sponsored by Law Staff Recruitment and hosted by Gilbert & Tobin.

In the ACT, November saw an HR Update, "Onboarding" presented by Maryane Bogovic, MD of Careers Unlimited. Onboarding is the process of engaging new employees - from the first interview to well into their employment.

Christmas Functions

Wotton & Kearney was the venue for our 2008 Sponsors & Friends' Christmas Drinks with over 60 attendees. This event was a great success with a great vibe. Thank you to Wotton & Kearney for hosting.

The NSW members’ Christmas party will be held on Friday, 12 December at The Dome Restaurant, Art House Hotel in Sydney CBD. The ACT Christmas event held on Tuesday, 9 December was a combination of meeting with the topic "Business & Networking Etiquette" presented by Lizzie Wagner, Managing Director, Lizzie Wagner Group followed by refreshments and kindly hosted by Meyer Vandenberg. The ACT event was a great success with lots of positive feedback.

Conclusion

Finally, I will be stepping down as President of NSW in December prior to my departure overseas in January 2009. Jodi Proudlock will be taking my place on the National Board along with the continued support of Warrick McLean. Gail Edmonds has accepted the nomination of Acting NSW President for the balance of the term. Congratulations Gail.

A big thank you to Renee Kovalskis who does an amazing job of keeping ALPMA NSW running and ensuring everything simply “happens.” Renee does a huge amount of work behind the scenes and we thank her for her passion and commitment to ALPMA.

I wish everyone in ALPMA in all states every success in the coming year and I look forward to remaining in contact and knowing what great events and successes everyone has. I am also keen to get working on the UK equivalent – the LPMA – so don't be surprised if you receive an update from me from that Assocation!

Merry Christmas from Cate Shailer and the NSW Executive