Member Alert – COVID-19

Member Alert – COVID-19

Dear Member

The Law Society of Western Australia is closely following the situation as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate in Australia and around the world. We are continuing to take measures to accord with those recommended by the Australian Government and are planning a scalable response.

Our aim is to continue to provide as many of the Society’s key functions as possible. The following measures will apply from 5.00pm today, 16 March 2020, until such time as we advise otherwise. It will be 'business as usual' for the services not identified below as having changed arrangements.

Nicholas van Hattem
President

No attendance at Law Society office other than for pre-arranged purposes

As the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) widens we ask that you please do not attend the Law Society office unless for a pre-arranged purpose.

CPD and Events

Specifically in relation to the delivery of our various events, particularly CPD seminars, the adopted starting point is the Government of Western Australia Department of Health and Australian Government Department of Health (AGHD) alerts on COVID-19. In particular, we are taking guidance from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommendations with regard to public events found on the AGHD website.

CPD sessions will continue to be delivered for the time being face-to-face and also by webinar. If you have already registered to attend a CPD seminar which is available by webinar and no longer wish to attend face-to-face, please contact the CPD team on (08) 9324 8640 to swap to a webinar. If you are unable to attend either face-to-face or via webinar please contact the CPD team on (08) 9324 8640 to obtain a credit. The Law Society’s eLearning platform is also available to enable you to complete all your CPD requirements online 24/7.

The Law Society and the District Court of Western Australia have taken the difficult decision to postpone the District Court 50th Anniversary Black Tie Gala Dinner to Saturday, 27 February 2021. A communication from the President and Chief Judge has been sent today to people who have registered for this event.

All other social events are constantly under review and if an event(s) is cancelled or postponed registrants for the event(s) will be contacted by email.

Mock Trial Competition

The Law Society's Mock Trial Competition has been suspended until further notice effective immediately.

Committee meetings

No Committee meetings will be held face-to-face, until further notice. The Advocacy team will shortly contact Chairs of Committees which have meetings scheduled within the next month to ask whether meetings can be postponed, cancelled or held via email or teleconference. The Executive will consider at its meeting tonight what measures/arrangements will be taken for Council and Executive meetings.

External room hire

All external room hire bookings are to be cancelled and no external bookings will be taken until after the end of April (this date subject to review). Those who have made a booking will be separately advised.

Society closed 1.00pm to 5.00pm on Tuesday, 17 March 2020

The Society will be closed for a staff training meeting to ensure all staff are able to work from home if required to do so.

Business continuity in the event of closure of the Society

We have put steps in place (including the development of a Risk/Scenario matrix) to make sure that the Law Society is as safe as possible, to minimise risks of infection and to minimise the risk of anyone being exposed to the virus while on the premises. In the event that the Society does have to close, it is our aim to continue to offer member services and it is presently anticipated that most, if not all staff, will be able to work remotely from their home or another location. Our plan aims to ensure that all business-critical functions will continue to operate as normal, and the security of your personal information will remain unchanged.

Federal Government advice

The Australian Government is continually updating its COVID-19 advice, information and resources. We advise Members to check for current information, including at:

or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Legal Practice Contingency Planning

Legal Practices should develop a contingency plan to deal with the COVID-19 in the workplace. This plan should identify risks and do what is reasonably practicable to minimise those risks – click here to read more.

Going forward

We take matters of public health seriously, as well as the potential impact on our employees, much-valued Members and professional associates. We will continue to monitor the advice of the Federal Government and revise our position and inform you as to any changes that are made to accord with that advice.

Communication from Courts/Department of Justice

The Society will keep Members informed of advices issued by various Courts or the Department of Correctional Services (re prisons), etc. These will be included in Friday Facts or separately advised via Member Alert emails.

Click on the links below for further information:

Finally, I would like to remind you that as a member of the Law Society you have access to LawCare WA, including the member assistance programme through Converge International and I encourage you to utilise this service if you are experiencing any distress.

If you have any questions in relation to the above please contact the Law Society on (08) 9324 8600.

Thank you.

Nicholas van Hattem
President, The Law Society of Western Australia