Stay informed and elevate your legal expertise with the ACT Law Society’s Essentials Conference. Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, this comprehensive two‑day program delivers the latest legal updates and essential foundational topics across a wide range of practice areas.
Each session delivers practical insights into emerging developments, recent legislative changes, and the critical issues shaping today’s legal landscape. Whether you're seeking to broaden your knowledge or stay current with ongoing changes in the profession, the Essentials Conference ensures you remain ahead of the curve.
Highlight:
By attending the full program, members can earn all 10 CPD points required for the CPD year.
With content spanning core competencies and the newest updates in law, there truly is something for everyone.
Wednesday 4 March 2026SCHEDULE9:30am: Registration opens 10:00am-11:00am: Ethics Year In Review 11:00am-12:00pm: Prepping for a Mediation 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch 1:00pm-2:00pm: AML Update from LCA 2:00pm-3:00pm: Practical Tips for Managing AML Reforms 3:00pm-3:30pm: Afternoon Tea 3:30pm-4:30pm: Risk Management Thursday 5 March 2026SCHEDULE8:30am: Registration opens 9:00am-10:30am: AI, Cyber Security and Scams 10:30am - 11:00am: Morning Tea 11:00am-12:00pm: Can Personal Conduct Impact Professional Obligations 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch 1:00pm-2:30pm: Managing Psychosocial Hazards in Legal Workplaces – It’s the law 2:30pm - 3:00pm: Afternoon Tea 3:00pm-4:20pm: Responsible Use of GenAI: Efficiency, Ethics and Supervision |
DETAILS
- When: Wednesday 4 - Thursday 5 March 2026
- Where: ACT Law Society Training Room - all sessions are also available live-streamed
- Cost:
Two-day Registration: Members - $750, Student member - $250, Non-member - $1,050
One-day Registration: Members - $400, Student member - $125, Non-member - $560 - CPD: Members will collect 10 CPD across the two days
- RSVP: 28 February 2026
Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.
Wednesday 4 March 2026
ACT Legal Ethics Cases – 2025 year in review
(1 point in core area 1 - legal ethics and professional responsibility)
Athol Opas, barrister at Blackburn Chambers Canberra, will review 2025 ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) and ACT Supreme Court decisions dealing with legal ethics issues. The presentation will be a practical one, reviewing the conduct, principles and sanctions applied in each case. Attendees will obtain one CPD point in legal ethics.
ATHOL OPAS
BARRISTER I BLACKBURN CHAMBERS
Athol practices mainly in commercial law and also in general civil law and occupational discipline. Athol was called to the Bar in 2017. Before being called to the Bar, Athol worked as a solicitor in Canberra for 18 years, working in small and large Canberra firms, in a national law firm, and as a Commonwealth government in-house lawyer. Athol served for several years on the ACT Law Society Council, and was president of the ACT Law Society and a director of the Law Council of Australia. Athol has served on various committees of the ACT Law Society and ACT Bar Association, and he is a current member of the Law Society’s Legal Profession Act and Ethics Committee. Athol has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution and for Commercial Leasing.
Prepping for a Mediation
(1 point in core area 3 - professional skills)
With mediation becoming almost compulsory in civil litigation, it’s very important to prepare for it. Mediation is nothing like running a case in court, and needs some thought and care to get the most out of it.
This important session brings together experienced mediators and practitioners on the panel to discuss how you should go about preparing for a mediation. It will cover topics including –
- Understanding why mediation is not like running a case in court
- Preparing yourself and your client for mediation
- Drafting a position paper
- Working out negotiating positions
- Dealing with problems that can arise during a mediation.
- Signing off on a deal at the end of a mediation
CHRIS ERSKINE SC
SENIOR COUNSEL I BLACKBURN CHAMBERS
Chris Erskine has been in practice in Canberra for the whole of his career. He began work as a prosecutor with the DPP, and in less than two years he had appeared as Crown Prosecutor in several jury trials as well as instructing the Director (Ian Temby QC) in the first serial murder trial that Canberra had seen. He moved to the Australian Government Solicitor in 1984 where he developed an interest in administrative law as well as commercial matters, and became the first in-house counsel appointed by the AGS in the ACT.
He moved to the private bar in 1992, and built on his 10 years’ experience with the government. He has appeared regularly in the Federal Court and the ACT Supreme Court and Magistrates Court, as well as the administrative tribunals of both the Commonwealth and the ACT.
In 2003 he was briefed by NSW to appear for the state in the ACT’s long-running coronial inquiry into the devastating 2003 bushfires that burned into Canberra. When several hundred plaintiffs subsequently sued NSW, he joined the team briefed to represent the state in that litigation. The case tested the boundaries of liability for government authorities in negligence, and involved careful analysis of how the High Court has developed this important area of the law.
In 2018, 2019, and 2020, Chris was recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a recommended Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Wills & Estates Litigation Barrister in the ACT.
In 2019 he became a nationally accredited mediator available to facilitate the resolution of all types of civil disputes.
AML Update from LCA
(1 point in core area 4 - substantive law and procedural law)
Join Juliana Warner, Chair of the Law Council of Australia's Anti-Money Laundering Working Group, for a timely update on the latest developments in Australia’s AML/CTF reform agenda. Gain insights into emerging regulatory changes, key compliance risks, and practical strategies to help your organisation stay ahead of financial crime threats.
JULIANA WARNER
LAW COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
Juliana Warner was the President of the Law Council of Australia for 2025 and is currently chairing its AML Working Group.
Ms Warner is a senior practitioner with significant experience in conducting complex disputes and representing clients in anti-money laundering and other regulatory processes. She was a partner of leading global law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills, for 30 years until her retirement on 1 July 2024 to enable her to focus on the Tranche 2 reforms and how they will affect the legal profession.
She was previously President of the Law Society of NSW, a trustee of the Public Purpose Fund of NSW and a director of Law Firms Australia Pty Limited. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales.
Practical Tips for Managing AML Reforms
(1 point in core area 2 - practice management and business skills)
With less than four months remaining until the commencement of the AML/CTF reforms, we will explore the practical implications of the new legislative changes. Topics that will be explored include: understanding your ongoing money laundering and terrorism financing risk, applying a risk-based approach to onboarding and monitoring of clients, implementing and maintaining sound governance arrangements, and reporting to and dealing with the regulator, AUSTRAC.
GRACE MASON
PARTNER | FINANCIAL CRIME
KORDAMENTHA
Grace provides AML/CTF and financial crime compliance, risk, and assurance advisory across financial services, banking, gaming, superannuation, remittance, digital currency exchanges and payments providers. She is experienced in advising on the design and operating effectiveness of AML/CTF frameworks and systems and aligning non-financial risk exposure with organisational strategy. She has extensive financial crime experience and has been responsible for driving transformational change and navigating complexity in regulatory, intelligence, and policy environments.
Working across regulatory, international, and intelligence functions at AUSTRAC for over a decade, Grace is experienced in leading strategic transformation and technology programs, including regional business engagement and program delivery in ASEAN and Europe.
RICHARD LEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | FINANCIAL CRIME
KORDAMENTHA
Richard is a pragmatic and insightful leader, with a broad career in financial crime prevention and detection. Richard has over 30 years’ experience in financial crime regulation and investigation, including executive leadership roles with Australia’s AML/CTF regulator, AUSTRAC. He has led teams responsible for enforcement, supervision and education of a broad range of industry sectors, represented Australia at major international AML forums and has acted as a financial crime expert on Asia Pacific Group mutual evaluations of member countries. He brings valuable experience that will assist businesses in meeting their financial crime challenges and preventing criminal exploitation.
Risk Management: Learning from Lawcover Claims
(1 point in core area 2 - practice management and business skills)
This session looks at recent cases and claims against law practices and the practice tips that can be gleaned from them, with a focus on the underlying causes of claims and the systems and processes that can be implemented to minimise the risk of claims against your law practice.
For principals of eligible law practices, this session will count as a Maintenance Event for the purposes of Lawcover’s ongoing Risk Management Education Program Premium Discount. For further information, visit Premium Discounts on the Lawcover website.
MALCOLM HEATH
PRACTICE RISK MANAGER I LAWCOVER
Malcolm joined Lawcover in 2012 and is Practice Risk Manager. In this role, he visits law firms and meets with the principals, employed solicitors and senior support staff to discuss identifying and reducing professional negligence claims-prone situations.
Malcolm presents risk management strategies through a variety of workshops, seminars and briefings through Lawcover’s Risk Management Education Program, on-site at law firms, at the practice management courses of The ACT Law Society, the Law Society of NSW, The College of Law, FMRC, Universities, NSW Regional Law Societies’ seminars and other events.
Prior to joining Lawcover, Malcolm ran his own company for 20 years providing consulting services to the general insurance industry and the legal profession. He has been a sole director and a co-director of private companies.
With a degree in Psychology and his experience in business, Malcolm focuses his work on the importance of effective law firm management and profitability which helps reduce professional negligence risk.
Thursday 5 March 2026
Protecting Your Practice: AI and Cyber Risk in the Legal Profession
(1 point in core area 2 - practice management and business skills)
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into legal practice, it brings both opportunities and new vulnerabilities. In this session, presented by Malcolm Heath from Lawcover, we examine the impacts of AI and the impacts of cyber crime in the legal profession and the tactics that exploit trust between lawyers and clients, leading to financial loss and reputational damage. Learn practical strategies to reduce exposure, safeguard client information, and communicate cyber risks effectively, including at the outset of a matter. Stay informed, stay protected, and future-proof your practice against evolving threats.
MALCOLM HEATH
PRACTICE RISK MANAGER I LAWCOVER
Malcolm joined Lawcover in 2012 and is Practice Risk Manager. In this role, he visits law firms and meets with the principals, employed solicitors and senior support staff to discuss identifying and reducing professional negligence claims-prone situations.
Malcolm presents risk management strategies through a variety of workshops, seminars and briefings through Lawcover’s Risk Management Education Program, on-site at law firms, at the practice management courses of The ACT Law Society, the Law Society of NSW, The College of Law, FMRC, Universities, NSW Regional Law Societies’ seminars and other events.
Prior to joining Lawcover, Malcolm ran his own company for 20 years providing consulting services to the general insurance industry and the legal profession. He has been a sole director and a co-director of private companies.
With a degree in Psychology and his experience in business, Malcolm focuses his work on the importance of effective law firm management and profitability which helps reduce professional negligence risk.
Can Personal Conduct Impact Professional Obligations
(1 point in core area 1 - legal ethics and professional responsibility)
This session explores when a lawyer’s private actions may cross into professional misconduct. We’ll examine the rationale for regulating personal behaviour, how such cases arise, and key obligations under professional standards. Through case law, we’ll consider examples of conduct that breaches the law, behaviour at events, and actions in private dealings. Gain clarity on the boundaries between personal life and professional responsibility.
KATIE BINSTOCK
PARTNER I THOMSON GREER
Katie is a partner at Thomson Geer, specialising in succession, elder, regulatory, and administrative law. In succession law, she excels in estate planning, administration, and litigation, crafting comprehensive estate plans and guiding clients through disputes. She navigates elder law matters such as guardianship applications and elder abuse suspicions. In regulatory and administrative law, Katie advises on complaint management, investigations, and appeals, representing clients in Tribunals and Courts. With a commercial and solutions-driven approach, she resolves disputes effectively.
SAMUEL HARPER
SENIOR ASSOCIATE I THOMSON GREER
Sam Harper is an Associate in Thomson Geer's disputes team. Sam's primary practice involves acting for parties to disputes and in litigation in the ACT and New South Wales.
Sam regularly advises the Law Society of the ACT in relation to complaints against solicitors and acts for the Law Society in proceedings before Courts and the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, including disciplinary proceedings against solicitors. In the course of this work, Sam frequently deals with the ethical obligations imposed on solicitors under both the Legal Profession legislation and the common law and keeps up to date with developments in the case law relating to these obligations. Sam has also advised interstate practitioners in relation to their compliance with the relevant legal profession legislation.
Managing Psychosocial Hazards in Legal Workplaces – It’s the law
(1 point in core area 2 - practice management and business skills)
Effectively managing psychosocial hazards is not only a matter of best practice—it’s now a legal requirement. This essential CPD session is tailored for legal practitioners and law firms seeking to navigate the evolving complexities of psychosocial risk management in their workplaces.
Led by Gabrielle Sullivan and joined by other members of the ACT Law Society Employment Law Committee, this interactive session will offer strategic insights and practical tools to help you navigate your obligations under current ACT and federal legislation.
Key Learning Outcomes:
What:
- Understand and define psychosocial hazards
- Interpret legal obligations under current laws
- Identify common psychosocial risks in legal workplaces, such as stress, burnout/overwork, bullying, harassment and vicarious trauma
- Recognise the legal, reputational, and human consequences of non-compliance
How:
- Apply risk management principles to assess, control and review these risks
- Develop proactive strategies and learn best tips to foster a psychologically safe and respectful workplace culture
Whether you're an employee, employer or manager, or from legal practices large or small, this session offers actionable insights to help you create a safer, compliant and more resilient legal practice.
GABRIELLE SULLIVAN
PRINCIPAL I SULLIVANS LEGAL CO
Gabrielle is Principal at Sullivans Legal Co. She is an accredited specialist in Employment & Industrial Law. She also has over 20 years' experience in the practice of civil law, and is a GAICD qualified company director and long term Doyle’s listed ‘Best Lawyer’.
LAURA WOOD
ASSOCIATE I MV LAW
Laura is an Associate Employment lawyer at MV Law who passionately advises on and advocates in workplace relations, human rights and anti-discrimination law. She strives to apply creative and practical solutions to resolve legal disputes. She represents employers, employees and contractors in claims of discrimination, Fair Work Commission matters, contract disputes and misconduct investigations. Laura has previously worked at SHG Lawyers, volunteered at the Working Women's Centre and interned at the ACT Human Rights Commission. She is a current member on the ACT Law Society Employment Committee, mentor in the ANU Law Momentum program and tutors law students.
Responsible Use of GenAI: Efficiency, Ethics and Supervision
(1 point in core area 1 - legal ethics and professional responsibility)
Artificial intelligence is now widely used in Australian legal practice to deliver efficiency gains, but its use must be consistent with professional obligations under the Solicitors’ Conduct Rules, relevant Court Practice Directions and client expectations. This session explores how lawyers can use generative AI in legal work while managing core risks, including around accuracy and AI hallucinations. We will probe the ethics landscape, including whether the duty of competence may imply a positive obligation for lawyers to understand and use AI tools, and what adequate supervision looks like when managing junior lawyers who use AI. We will cover case examples of AI misuse, extracting practical guardrails and governance steps so attendees leave with strategies to integrate AI into their work without compromising professional standards.
RACHAEL LEWIS
PRACTICE LEADER I KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Rachael Lewis is the Practice Leader for KWM's national Mergers & Acquisitions practice team, and Partner in Charge of the Canberra office. She has experience in large-scale systems integration projects, software licensing, telecommunications regulation and contracting and other large commercial contracts involving regulated infrastructure, IT procurement and technology related services agreements. Rachael's team works closely with several Commonwealth agencies to support on their push to take advantage of AI whilst paying close attention to potential risks and the need for AI Governance.
ANNABEL GRIFFIN
PARTNER I KING & WOOD MALLESONS
Annabel Griffin is a corporate and commercial partner at King & Wood Mallesons in its Canberra office. She is head of the firm’s Government sector and acts on a range of complex tech and governance projects for both private sector and Commonwealth clients. She is heavily involved in the innovation system in the ACT, including through acting for AI companies and through her role on the Canberra Innovation Network advisory board.
Event registration terms and conditions
-
General
ACT Law Society invoices have payment terms of 14 days. Fees are payable upon registration. A 1.2% surcharge may be incurred on payments processed via credit/debit card. The Society reserves the right to cancel or alter events at its discretion, and in such circumstances, attendees will be notified via email.
Definitions — 'Registration' means any booking given to the Society in writing, on our website, or by phone. 'Member' means any member of the ACT Law Society, including associate members and honorary members. 'New Lawyer' means any member who has held a practising certificate for five years or less. 'CLC' means any member working for a recognised community legal centre, or holding a volunteer practising certificate. 'Student' means any member holding a student membership.
-
Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be made in writing, and all cancellations will incur a fee, however, no charge will be incurred for substituting another person. Outside of the cancellation periods given below, a $10 administration fee will be incurred for any cancellation made. If a registered attendee fails to attend without notifying the Society in writing, no credit or refund will be offered and 100% of the total cost will be retained by the Society.
CPD Events — In the case of CPD events held at an venue other than the Law Society, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event. In the case of CPD events held at the Law Society, for cancellations made up to two working days prior to the event, 50% of the total cost will be retained by the Society as a cancellation fee and the balance may be used as a credit towards other CPD events or be refunded. If you choose to keep a credit it will remain valid for 12 months from the event date, after which time it will expire. For cancellations within two working days of the event, no refunds or credits will be applicable.
Webinars — In the case of live or on-demand webinars, as connection details are sent when registration is completed, no refund or cancellation is available.
Social events — In the case of social events, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event.
-
Notice of Filming and Photography
Attendees of events consent to filming, photography and sound recording as members of the audience. By registering and attending this event you agree to being filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes
Registration
-
In Person Registration Options
Two-day Registration Member (in-person) $750.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Two-day Registration Student Member (in-person) $250.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Two-day Registration Non-Member (in-person) $1,050.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart One-day Registration Member (in-person) $400.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart One-day Registration Student Member (in-person) $125.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart One-day Registration Non Member (in-person) $560.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart -
Live Streaming Registration Options
One-day Registration Member (live streaming) $400.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart One-day Registration Student Member (live streaming) $125.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart One-day Registration Non Member (live streaming) $560.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Two-day Registration Member (live streaming) $750.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Two-day Registration Student Member (live streaming) $250.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Two-day Registration Non Member (live streaming) $1,050.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Schedule
Speakers
Sponsors & Supporters
March Mastery is proudly supported by Lawcover and Opteon.
Lawcover is proud to be the primary provider of professional indemnity insurance, claims and risk management education to ACT law practices and we remain focused on continuing to provide enduring insurance protection and claims prevention support to ACT lawyers, while assisting the ACT Law Society in promoting best practice of the law.
Opteon ACT has had a local presence in Canberra since 1985. Opteon offers in-depth property valuations for various purposes, supporting our clients with well-informed, independent, and impartial valuation advice.
Recognised as the largest independent valuation firm in Australia and New Zealand, the depth and breadth of our services speak for themselves. Powered by a network of over 600 valuers servicing 98% of all Australian postcodes from over 80 locations, we offer the geographical reach, local knowledge and technical expertise that is uncomplicated and comprehensive.
How can Opteon assist you and your clients?
Our services and products are delivered across eight (8) national business units:
- Government Services
- Advisory
- Residential
- Tax Depreciation
- Commercial
- Plant & Equipment
- Agribusiness
- Quantity Surveying
The types of valuations we offer to law professionals include:
- Family Law
- Expert Witness
- Capital Gains Tax
- Stamp Duty
- Financial Reporting
- SMSF
- Estate Planning
- Probate
Why Opteon?
Our Geographical Coverage
Opteon Valuers reside and operate in the regions they serve, bringing a unique perspective on local markets and specialised asset classes.
To see how our team can assist you, please contact our office
Phone:
Email: act.quotes@opteonsolutions.com
Physical address: 2/113 Canberra Avenue, Griffith, ACT, 2603
