Law Society of South Australia

Law Society of South Australia The Society provides professional services, resources, support and benefits to its Members, the legal profession and the community.

The Law Society of South Australia is a public authority, regulating legal practice in South Australia and providing professional services, resources, support and benefits to its members, the wider legal profession, and the public.

⚠️ Annual External Examination Alert ⚠️June is the perfect month to get your accounts and records in top shape!. Our exp...
10/06/2026

⚠️ Annual External Examination Alert ⚠️

June is the perfect month to get your accounts and records in top shape!. Our expert investigators are back with essential tips to help you breeze through your examination with minimal queries and corrective actions.

1. Schedule Early: Book your external examination to start ASAP after 30 June.
2. Update Records: Ensure all records are current. Need help? Seek it now!
3. Disburse Dormant Balances: Clear out those inactive accounts.
4. Reverse Stale Cheques: Disburse funds appropriately (no churning).
5. Reconcile Transactions: Clear all unpresented transactions and adjustments.
6. Submit Reports: Make sure all irregularity reports are in.
7. Proper Ledger Use: Do not use trust ledgers for general/admin/suspense purposes.
8. Report CTA errors: Inform us of any CTA errors immediately.

Contact us at [email protected] if you need assistance.

With AML/CTF obligations commencing on 1 July 2026, legal practices providing designated services should now be taking p...
10/06/2026

With AML/CTF obligations commencing on 1 July 2026, legal practices providing designated services should now be taking practical steps to prepare, including completing their AUSTRAC enrolment as soon as possible.
Click here to check if you are providing a designated service : https://ow.ly/iU1W50Z9J6k

To assist reporting entities, AUSTRAC has released a range of new resources, including:
👉 Quick reference guide: How to enrol a business - https://ow.ly/Cz2750Z9J6q
👉 AUSTRAC Online video resources - https://ow.ly/yFoy50Z9J6j
👉 Other quick reference guides - https://ow.ly/RAmq50Z9J6b
👉 New e-learning modules on AML/CTF fundamentals and governance (registration required) - https://ow.ly/Hcyv50Z9J6h
👉 Recorded Customer Due Diligence (CDD) webinars covering Initial, Simplified, Ongoing and Enhanced CDD requirements -
https://ow.ly/9VsF50Z9J6z

These resources provide practical guidance to help firms understand their obligations and prepare for commencement of the regime.
Access the resources via AUSTRAC and ensure your practice is ready for 1 July.

The Law Society of South Australia congratulates South Australian legal practitioners Marie Shaw AM KC and Trish Johnson...
09/06/2026

The Law Society of South Australia congratulates South Australian legal practitioners Marie Shaw AM KC and Trish Johnson OAM on being recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List.

Marie Shaw AM KC has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law, the legal profession and the community. Admitted to practice in 1976, Marie has had a distinguished career spanning private practice, legal education and professional leadership. She was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1996 and has been a longstanding contributor to the profession through her work with legal education initiatives and numerous community organisations, including the Ice Factor program, which has helped thousands of at-risk young people build confidence and teamwork through ice hockey, supporting them to avoid homelessness, drug addiction and crime. In 2017, Marie Shaw supported the creation of the Kaurna Boomerangs, Australia’s first all-Indigenous ice hockey team, supporting education, personal growth, and cultural exchange. Marie is widely respected for her advocacy, mentorship and commitment to improving access to justice.

Trish Johnson OAM has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the law and the legal profession. As a long standing legal practitioner at the Legal Services Commission, Trish has made a significant contribution to the South Australian legal community through her work as an outstanding practitioner in the area of criminal law and in particular, acting for clients in Part 8A Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (mental incompetence). Trish has, for many years, provided support to clients out of hours and has worked closely with Forensic Mental Health, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the courts. She has dedicated considerable time to supporting professional development within the profession and has been recognised for her service to some of the most vulnerable members of the community with excellence.

These honours recognise the outstanding contributions both women have made to the legal profession and the broader community over many years. Their dedication, leadership and service reflect the very best of the South Australian legal profession.

The South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules have been amended to support the commencement of the AML/CTF regi...
05/06/2026

The South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules have been amended to support the commencement of the AML/CTF regime for legal practitioners.

The amendments clarify circumstances in which a practitioner may be unable to accept, follow or continue to act on a client's instructions due to AML/CTF obligations or other legal and professional responsibilities. This includes issues relating to customer due diligence, suspicious matter reporting, termination of retainers and tippingoff obligations.

With 1 July 2026 fast approaching, practices should review their client intake, retainer and matter management processes to ensure they are prepared for the new requirements, particularly where the scope of a matter may bring the practice within the AML/CTF regime.
The Law Society has also prepared guidance on retainer agreements, termination of matters and tipping off provisions to assist practitioners in navigating these changes.

Read the amended Conduct Rules: https://ow.ly/UXJM50Z7sgl
Access the Law Society's guidance: https://ow.ly/Y5Vq50Z7sgn

It's that time of year again when we kindly remind all South Australian legal practitioners to check their email inboxes...
04/06/2026

It's that time of year again when we kindly remind all South Australian legal practitioners to check their email inboxes for their annual renewal notices.

All the information about renewals, including FAQs, forms and payments, can be found via the Renewal Portal link here🔗
https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/renewalportal

Renewals are due by 30 June 2026, and if you have any questions or queries, please get in touch with us by email at [email protected]

Bringing together leaders from government, the judiciary, legal practice, academia and the community sector, this multid...
02/06/2026

Bringing together leaders from government, the judiciary, legal practice, academia and the community sector, this multidisciplinary half-day seminar will explore femicide, family violence, the intersection of family and criminal law, and the legal and systemic challenges involved in preventing and responding to violence.

✔ 3 CPD Units
✔ In-person and live webinar attendance available
✔ Morning tea and networking lunch included

The program features two thought-provoking panel discussions:

🔸 Femicide and the Legal Response
Featuring Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Minister Alice Rolls MP and Mary Leaker (Embolden), moderated by Leah Marrone.

🔸 Navigating the Intersection of Family and Criminal Law
Featuring Judge Anthony Allen, Anna O'Brien, Mary Chalmers SC, Dr Jenny Richards and Stephanie Vejar, moderated by Jane Abbey KC.

Register now to be part of this important discussion: https://ow.ly/3AnR50Z6tTi

Last Friday, the Law Society of South Australia, in collaboration with the Women Lawyers' Association of SA, proudly hos...
01/06/2026

Last Friday, the Law Society of South Australia, in collaboration with the Women Lawyers' Association of SA, proudly hosted the 2026 Honourable Margaret Nyland AM Long Luncheon.

A highlight on the Society’s annual calendar, this year’s event sold out in record time. We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Former Chief Justice of South Australia, Christopher Kourakis AC SC, as guest speaker, who shared thoughtful reflections on the importance of strong women, positive culture and inclusiveness within the legal profession.

During the luncheon, the Law Society was also proud to award Christopher Kourakis AC SC with Honorary Membership of the Society in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession and the administration of justice in South Australia.

Guests also supported this year’s President’s Charity, headspace, through a raffle featuring five $250 dining vouchers. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, more than $7,000 was raised in support of youth mental health.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to our event sponsors: LK , BankSA Westpac, legalsuper, LEAP Legal Software AU and WineDirect

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a governance, risk and compliance issue.In the latest Riskwatch articl...
28/05/2026

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a governance, risk and compliance issue.

In the latest Riskwatch article, Daniel Wasiewicz examines the implications of the recent FIIG Federal Court decision, which saw FIIG ordered to pay a $2.5 million penalty following findings of inadequate cybersecurity systems.

The decision serves as an important reminder for organisations to actively implement, test and strengthen their cybersecurity measures.

Read the full article via the link🔗
https://ow.ly/rATb50Z4xPg

The Law Society of South Australia is proud to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week 2026 and this year’s theme, All ...
27/05/2026

The Law Society of South Australia is proud to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week 2026 and this year’s theme, All In.

National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 May to 3 June, marking two historic milestones:
📆 27 May 1967: More than 90% of Australians voted to amend the Constitution, enabling the federal government to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to count them in the Census.
📆 3 June 1992: The High Court’s Mabo decision overturned the myth of terra nullius and recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land, laying the foundation for Native Title.

The theme is a reminder that reconciliation requires ongoing commitment, shared responsibility, and meaningful action from all Australians. It calls on each of us to move beyond words and contribute to positive change in our workplaces, communities and institutions.
During National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the role the legal profession can play in supporting justice, truth-telling and stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Congratulations to the 43 law graduates who were admitted this week! This is the largest group of admissions this year.T...
22/05/2026

Congratulations to the 43 law graduates who were admitted this week! This is the largest group of admissions this year.

This marks a significant milestone in your professional journey, and we commend each of you for the dedication, perseverance, and hard work that has brought you to this moment.

Jordan Barnett
Juana Bacasetas
Stephanie Bevan
Lara Clothier
Faustina Condon
Benjamin Cutter
Monica Domaracki
Mitchell Dunn
Kate Fenwick
Matilda Gilfillan-Silk
Madison Hornabrook
Haejun Jo
Felix Jones
Celeste Kennedy
Andrei Kotov
Angelina Kyriacou
Kiralee Lockwood
Katya Longo
Harriet McConnell-Daish
Emma McMullen
Matilda Moss
Daniel Moore
Dimitrios Ntafillis
Elleanor Norton-Fox
Tara Nuttall
Simone Palamara
Isabel Palmer
Vieshnavee Pandiyan
Sophie Penberthy
William Pheng
Amaya Powell
Fiona Puccini
Hannah Quinn
Shirrin Sharma
Elina Sheeba Jose
Ella Strudley
Hailey Swanson
Victoria Taylor-Adams
Vincenzo Triulcio
Thanh Vo
Anara Watson
Charlotte Woodroffe
Yousef Yousef

Address

178 North Terrace
Adelaide, SA
5000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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