Law Society #LawMatters: Law Week 2019 | Monday, 13 May to Friday, 17 May

Law Week is an annual opportunity for the legal profession to engage with the public, build a shared understanding of the law and promote access to justice. In 2019, we focus on lawyers making a difference across Western Australia and using their skills to benefit the broader community. Small business owners, start-up founders and property owners will have the opportunity to learn about intellectual property and strata title at special Law Week sessions – read on to find out more.

During Law Week 2019, engaging and informative events focusing on law and justice in the community will take place across Western Australia – in Perth, Mandurah, Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and at primary schools and high schools throughout the State – from Monday, 13 May to Friday, 17 May.

For Law Week 2019, the Law Society launches a new campaign, #LawyersMakeaDifference, to highlight real stories of everyday lawyers. In every facet of society you will find lawyers using their skills to help others; whether keeping the community informed of their rights, helping entrepreneurs set up small businesses, or providing vital legal assistance to those who couldn’t otherwise afford to access justice.

Law Week opens with the Law Society’s Law Week Breakfast at the Parmelia Hilton, Perth on Monday, 13 May. The Law Society is delighted to welcome Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, who will present the keynote address to launch Law Week.

The event will also feature the Attorney General’s Community Service Law Awards, recognising an individual legal practitioner and an organisation which have provided outstanding pro bono legal services to the Western Australian community.

The provision of free legal advice to the community has always been an essential aspect of Law Week, and this year is no exception. Free legal advice clinics and information sessions are offered throughout the week at various locations, including in regional areas. These sessions are presented by organisations including Legal Aid WA, HHG Legal Group, Regional Alliance West, Public Trustee, Seniors Rights and Advocacy Service and various community legal centres.

In keeping with the theme of community engagement and pro bono work, the Law Access Walk for Justice is raising funds for Law Access, which matches disadvantaged members of the community who require legal assistance with pro bono lawyers, who work tirelessly to help people in need. The Walk is on Tuesday, 14 May, National Pro Bono Day, and commences from the Bell Tower on the Perth foreshore. It provides an opportunity for members of the legal profession to give back to the community and raise money for a charitable cause, while participating in a fun activity.

Small business owners and start-up founders will find particular interest in Intellectual Property 101 – What You Need to Know About Protecting Your Intellectual Property, presented by the Law Society’s Intellectual Property and Technology Committee on Tuesday, 14 May and featuring six experienced senior practitioners as speakers. On Thursday, 16 May, the Strata Community Association WA presents a free Open Panel Session that promises to provide answers to complex questions relating to strata-titled property.

A Law Week film evening is raising awareness about how the legal profession, students and members of the public can assist with Indigenous legal issues. On Wednesday, 15 May, a special screening of Connection to Country will be presented by the Law Society’s Young Lawyers Committee. This beautifully shot documentary, directed by Tyson Mowarin, explores the relationship between Indigenous people and their land and charts the struggles to have their unique cultural heritage recognised, conserved and celebrated.

As the 2019 Law Week comes to a close, the Law Week Awards Night provides an opportunity to acknowledge those who have made a significant contribution to the legal profession, recognising long-serving practitioners and presenting the 2019 Lawyer of the Year Awards.

Thank you to Law Week supporters and sponsors, including the Law Society Public Purposes Trust, Department of Justice, Bankwest, HHG Legal Group, Murdoch University and The College of Law.

We look forward to seeing you at a Law Week 2019 event!

Please visit lawsocietywa.asn.au/law-week/#law-week-events to see the full Law Week programme and for more information on times and venues for events open to the legal profession and the wider community.