Each time the month of May rolls around so too does National Law Week with its diverse suite of delectable law-related activities. Most events centre on public legal education for non-lawyers, however, one special breakfast is reserved exclusively for the legal industry.

Hosted by NSW Young Lawyers @ The Westin, Martin Place, Sydney on Friday 18 May 2018. This year’s competition left the crowd frothing for more.

It’s a morning where lawyers can let their hair down, laugh at themselves, and watch as their colleagues rip shreds off one another in the Golden Gavel ring.

It’s the kind of event where public humiliation is a prerequisite but, for most competitors, the promise of sweet victory is worth the risk to life, limb and career. The public speaking battle of wits kicks off with 10 young lawyers from each state and territory having only 5 minutes to prove to a crowd of peers, colleagues and superiors why they should receive top honours.

(That’s what it says in the marketing materials anyway).

In reality, it’s a lawyer vs lawyer bloodbath where only the most fearsome competitor – one who is able to outwit, outplay and outlast the competition –  leaves the arena victorious.

The ante was observably upped this year with each contestant dropping the metaphorical hammer so hard and so fast that they practically left dents in the carpet.

So without further adieu, let’s introduce just a few of this year’s brave contestants:

Ben Malone – Massons

Topic: Smashed avo and other reasons I couldn’t be a human rights lawyer

Patrick Dunn – Dentons

Topic: Ten things the Brady Bunch can teach you about a successful merger

Pierce Hartigan – Lander & Rogers

Topic: The Law Grad’s Tale: Making servitude fun!

Kim Fisher – FCB Workplace Law

Topic: The Parliamentarian’s Guide to Better Performance Reviews

Liam Fairgrieve – University of Technology Sydney

Topic: Hired at First Sight: Lessons legal recruitment can learn from reality TV

Joshua Clarke – Holding Redlich

Topic: Practising in foreign jurisdictions: Life outside Sydney CBD

Congratulations to Joshua who took out the Runner-Up & People’s Choice Awards!

Tom Sorrenson – NSW Department of Industry

Topic: Multitasking Mindfulness for the modern lawyer

Congratulations to Tom who successfully fought off a strong and competitive field, claiming the ultimate victory!

Tom will go on to represent NSW at the National Gavels later this year.

Watch the full wrap up

NSW Young Lawyer’s patron, The Hon. Justice Fabian Gleeson, wraps up the event and announces the 2018 Golden Gavel Runner-Up and Winner.

And that draws to a close another killer law week!

Until next year!

Every year, all around the country (14-20 May 2018), the legal community celebrates a festival of law. The aim is to not only make the law and legal processes more accessible and engaging but also to enhance community understanding of the law and justice system.

Sound implawsible? (gettit)

Read on to discover what exciting legal events and free legal information sessions are happening near you.

What’s on near me? A few of our hot picks for Victorians

Law Week 2018 is bigger and better than ever with over 180 events taking place. Below is a selection of our favourites.

LAW WEEK FESTIVAL HUB AT FEDERATION SQUARE

What?

The Law Week Festival Hub is where you can find out more information about Law Week, talk to event partners, get free legal advice, listen to music, pick up a program, balloons and stickers, dress up in a photo booth, and make your very own fingerprint badge.

The Law Week information session series provides an opportunity to attend special events and presentations at the hub, where people can also speak with staff from various legal organisations. Check the program for times and the individual event listing for full details.

When?

Monday 14 – Thursday 17 May 2018

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

ESPRESSO LEGAL LAUNCH – FREE LEGAL HELP, FREE COFFEE

What?

Free legal assistance and free coffee! A coffee van staffed by a barista, a team of lawyers and community information volunteers will visit new developments and isolated communities in the urban-rural fringes of the City of Whittlesea.

When?

Monday 14 May 2018

Where?

The launch of Espresso Legal will be held at the Mernda Central School, 70 Breadalbane Ave, Mernda VIC 3754, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on Monday 14 May.

TRIAL BY (SOCIAL) MEDIA – JURY DUTY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

What?

Paul Dore, Victoria’s Juries Commissioner, leads a discussion on jury duty in the digital age.

Questions such as:

• Will the iPhone mark the death of the jury system as we know it?
• Can our natural inclination to Google information undermine the justice system?
• Is social media eroding the right to a fair trial?

Will be answered!

Learn about the good, the bad and the ugly side of technology and juries in 2018.

Where?

Supreme Court of Victoria, enter via 485 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

When?

Saturday 19 May 2o18, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

https://www.everyday-law.org.au/events/courts-open-day-trial-by-social-media-jury-duty-in-the-digital-age

Presented by Supreme Court of Victoria and Juries Victoria

Cost?

Free! Bookings not required.

COURTS OF THE FUTURE – HOW DIGITALISATION AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY MAY CHANGE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

What?

Learn how digitalisation and innovative technology may change the justice system.

Join one of Australia’s top digital influencers, Peter Williams, for an interactive talk about courts in the future followed by a panel discussion.

When?

Saturday 19 May

Where?

Waldron Hall, County Court of Victoria, 250 William St, Melbourne

Cost?

Free entry. Bookings not required

TOUGH ON THE CAUSES OF CRIME – PANEL DISCUSSION ON ALTERNATIVES TO PRISON FOR WOMEN

What?

Victorian Ombudsman, Ms Deborah Glass, will offer alternatives to incarceration for women, and what can be done to reduce re-offending, drawing from her report ‘Investigation into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria’.

Presented by Women and Mentoring (WAM)

When?

Tuesday 15 May 2018, 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm

Where?

‘The Bowl’ – nab Melbourne, Ground floor, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Cost?

$10 Bookings essential

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

FAMILY VIOLENCE SEMINAR REGARDING LGBTIQ

What?

17 May 2018, is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDOHOBiT).

This WIRE seminar will feature a panel of experts and practitioners discussing responses to family violence in an LGBTIQ context. Important questions such as:

• What is family violence?
• How family violence affects the LGBTIQ community?
• What legal protections and support is available?
• What’s been done by the mainstream family violence sector to develop an LGBTIQ inclusive practice?

Julie Kun, WIRE CEO, facilitate a lively discussion.

When?

Wednesday 16 May 2018, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Panelists include:

• Rebecca Dahl (Senior Associate, Nicholes Family Lawyers)
• Matthew Parsons (Research Operations Manager, the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University & Research Officer, GLHV@ARCSHS)
• Liam Leonard (Director, GLHV@ARCSHS, La Trobe University)
• A Safe Steps representative

Presented by WIRE Women’s Information

Where?

WIRE Women’s Information, 372 Spencer Street, West Melbourne

Cost?

Free. Bookings essential

More information

Everyday Law Victoria

EXPLORING THE MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF GAY, LESBIAN AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN VICTORIA’S PRISONS

What?

There has been international consideration on the experiences of gay, lesbian and transgender (‘GLT’) people in prisons. This dialogue, however, has not reached Australia. There is no reference to the unique experiences of GLT people in Victoria’s corrections guidelines, regulation or legislation.

This panel discussion will examine this issue compared with international best practice, current scholarship on the issue, and advances made in similar jurisdictions. It will feature a panel made up of individuals working in Victoria’s criminal justice system, as well as advocates of the GLT community. The objective of the event is to educate, inform and encourage future consideration of the issue.

When?

Tuesday 15 May 2018

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

DECODING PRIVACY PROTECTION IN AUSTRALIA: FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND CHALLENGES

What?

This lunchtime event, featuring former Victorian Privacy Commissioner, David Watts and privacy by design expert, Bridget Bainbridge, will reflect on recent events in the area of privacy and data protection.

It will seek to promote an understanding of future government directions in data protection space, such the proposed Consumer Data Right.

Speakers will discuss their frontline experience of embedding privacy compliance in the private and public spheres. The event offers an opportunity to reflect on how we can effectively manage and oversee the use of personal data in the era of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

When?

Wednesday 16 May 2018, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Where?

La Trobe University City Campus, Room 2.15, Level 2, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne

Presented by La Trobe Law School

Cost?

Free! Bookings essential.

More Information

Everyday Law Vic

LAW IN THE DIGITAL ERA: WHAT GOES INTO CREATING INVESTIGATIVE PODCASTS?

The phenomenally successful ‘Serial’ and other investigative podcasts have ushered in a new age in journalism and focused the public mind on the legal process in a whole new way.

Listen to this one-off podcast to hear from the people behind TRACE (Rachael Brown) and Phoebe’s Fall (Richard Baker), together with ABC Radio National’s The Law Report (Damien Carrick), as they discuss the intricacies and hurdles in producing an investigative podcast in today’s legal landscape, and how this format can raise public awareness of law enforcement and the justice system.

Hosted by Lynne Haultain, Executive Director of Victoria Law Foundation and former ABC broadcaster.

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

COURTS OPEN DAY

When?

Saturday 19 May 2018

For a day, Victorian courts open their doors to let you see behind the scenes. It’s a great day out for the family, offering plenty of children’s activities.

From 12pm – 2pm in the County Court forecourt kids can enjoy face painting by Laurie The Face Painter, while also being entertained by The Great Gizmo! A Juggler, Magician, Unicyclist, Clown and Ringmaster.

There will also be a sausage sizzle from 11 am, with all monies raised supporting Berry Street – an independent child and family welfare organisation.

Supreme Court of Victoria

• 10:00 am Old High Court exhibition
• 11:00 am How find you? A juror’s experience
• 1:00 pm Guided walking tours of Melbourne’s historical legal precinct
• 1:30 pm ‘You be the judge’
• 2:00 pm Trial by (social) media: jury duty in the digital age
• 3:30 pm Two Famous Cases

County Court of Victoria

• 10:00am, 11:30 am and 2:00 pm ‘Day in the life of an accused’ tour
• 10:00 am Behind-the-scenes tours of the County Court
• 10:30 am, 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm ‘I Plead Guilty Your Honour’ mock hearing
• 11:00 am Mock Koori Court
• 12:00 pm Parole, you decide
• 1:00 pm 12 Good Citizens: Jury empanelment session
• 1:00 pm Guided walking tour of Melbourne’s historical legal precinct
• 2:30 pm Bailed out: The role of the barrister

Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

• 10:00 am Welcome by the Chief Magistrate
• 10:15 am ‘All Stand’ Magistrates’ Court bail mock hearing
• 11:00 am Koori Court information session
• 11:30 am Drug Court of Victoria
• 12:00 pm Career as a Court Registrar information session
• 12:30 pm Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) information session
• 1:00 pm Guided walking tour of Melbourne’s historical legal precinct
• 1:00 pm Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) information session
• 2:00 pm ‘Walk in her shoes’ tour
• 2:00 pm Road Trauma Support Services Victoria presentation

VCAT

• 11:30 am How VCAT works

Court Network

• 8:45 am Information stall

Children’s Court

• 10:00 am Information stall

CORONERS COURT MOCK TRIAL: ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

What?

Be a witness at the inquest into the accidental – but possibly preventable – death of a Bayside resident, at the Coroners Court of Victoria.

Narrated by RocKwiz and ABC radio’s Brian Nankervis and starring the State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey and her staff of the Coronial Centre, the mock inquest will also feature guest roles from the folk at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

The Coroners Court is an inquisitorial rather than adversarial court. No-one ends up in jail and future lives are often saved through its recommendations. What goes on there is nothing short of fascinating.

Presented by Coroners Court of Victoria

When?

Monday 14 May 2018, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where?

Coroners Court of Victoria, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank

Cost?

Free! Bookings essential.

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

DEALING WITH CRIMES MOTIVATED BY RACE OR RELIGION

What?

Presenters from Victoria Police, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and Fitzroy Legal Service will address crimes motivated by race or religion.

They will cover what racial and religious attacks are (physical, verbal and damage to property), the definitions of racial discrimination and racial vilification, and where to go for help.

If you need an interpreter, please advise when booking.

Funded by a grant from Victoria Law Foundation.

Presented by Fitzroy Legal Service, City of Yarra, Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and Carringbush Adult Education

When?

Monday 14 May 2018, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Where?

Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road, Richmond

Cost?

Free

#METOO AND THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE

What?

Talking Justice is a thought-provoking and enlightening series of public conversations that explores diverse perspectives on what we mean by ‘justice’ in Australian society today. Join writers, social commentators and legal practitioners as they tackle some of society’s most wicked problems.

This year’s Talking Justice series opens with a timely conversation about the #MeToo movement. A long battle has been fought for women to feel safe to share their stories of sexual harassment and abuse, where for too long such incidents have been unchecked and perpetrators not held to account. Now as the #MeToo movement gains momentum and more women come forward to share their experiences, some observers suggest that due process is not being properly extended to the accused. Others have argued that the presumption of innocence is a legal standard that does not apply in everyday life and that we should question whether due process is being demanded for reasons of justice or as cover for something less sincere. Are the concerns regarding due process and presumption of innocence valid? How can the rights of the accused be balanced with accountability, change and the need to create a safe environment for women to share their stories?

Social commentator and writer Van Badham is among the speakers at the event.

When?

Thursday 17 May 2018

More Information

Everyday Law Victoria

CONCERTS

What?

Judges and members of the legal profession from Victoria come together to perform two short operettas based on the famous cases of Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co and Donoghue v Stevenson (the snail in the bottle case).

Be entertained and informed as the stories behind these famous cases are retold in humorous songs set to well-known Gilbert & Sullivan tunes, written by New Zealand law lecturer Stephen Todd. Presented by BottledSnail Productions.

When?

• Thursday 17 May 2018, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Friday 18 May 2018, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Saturday 19 May 2018, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Where?

Law Library of Victoria, Supreme Court, 210 William Street, Melbourne

Cost?

$30 (full price) and $23 (concession)

More Information

FREE LEGAL ADVICE

Across Victoria

Monday 14 – Sunday 20 May 2018

Attend free legal advice sessions on topics including scams, mediation, copyright, end of life planning, wills and estates.

For a full list of events in Victoria this Law Week Everyday Law.

Victoria Law Foundation is offering grants for Law Week 2018 events. You can apply for a Law Week Grant of up to $3000 (excl. GST). To be eligible, events must be for the community and delivered during Law Week (14–20 May 2018).

About Law Week

Delivered in May each year, Law Week is a festival of events for Victorians that makes learning about the law easy. In 2018 Law Week will run from 14-20 May.

Examples of past Law Week events include information sessions, pop-up legal health clinics, debates, panel discussions, mock trials, guided tours and events with less traditional formats that give learning about the law an entertaining twist.

Learn more about Law Week here. 

About Law Week Grants

Law Week Grants for 2018 opened from Monday 4 December 2017 and will close at COB Friday 2 March 2018.

Before you apply:

• read the grants criteria – this will help you understand what kinds of projects the Foundation wants to fund
• contact the Foundation’s Grants Manager to discuss your project – contact the Foundation before you apply wherever possible

Find out how to apply for a Law Week Grant.

Further Information

The Foundation’s Grants Manager is happy to discuss your idea for a Law Week event and provide feedback on your application for a Law Week Grant.

Grants Manager, Melanie Rygl:

• Phone: (03) 9604 8100; or
• Email Melanie here.

But this year’s NSW Young Lawyers Golden Gavel competition, referred to by the Hon. Justice Margaret Beazley AO, as the “Eurovision of the legal profession” absolutely de-liv-ered.

The Golden Gavels is a highly anticipated industry event hosted annually by law societies around the country. Young Australian lawyers voluntarily sign up to compete in this hardcore public speaking battle. It’s a spectator sport that takes place in front of literally every key industry player who can make or break the careers of competitors – peers, colleagues, legal industry leaders as well as a panel of esteemed judges.

NSW Golden Gavel Awards 2017 @ The Westin Sydney

We liken it to tossing a handful of unsuspecting young lawyers who, perhaps, aren’t fully aware of what they have signed up for into an ancient combat ring – a cross between Gladiator and Clash of the Titans. But, rather than wielding swords, these slaves to the law have only one weapon at their disposal – their tongue.

Impress the crowd with your intellectual prowess and superior word wrangling skills and you survive to climb the corporate ladder another day. Fail to meet the bar set by your fellow competitors (or worse, “choke” on competition day) and, as Peter Clayton puts it in his opening remarks below, you can expect “another 5 lawyers coming up your rear.”

To raise the stakes even higher, contestants are not given a number of months, weeks, or even days, to train before entering this legal Colosseum of sorts (held this year on Friday 19 May at the Westin in Sydney). No, in this ultimate test of razor sharp wit, smarts and professional mettle, speakers are propelled into the ring less than 24 hours after receiving their assigned topic – usually, a blend of current affairs/pop culture and the law.

The rules are simple – argue your topic convincingly, win the crowd over with your effortless charm, keep your argument to 5-mins and, most importantly, entertain!

Sounds easy, right!?

Introducing just a few of this year’s brave contestants:

Stephen Ke, Bartier Perry

Topic: We’re going to win so much, you’re going to get tired of winning  – responsibly managing client expectations.

Key quote: “I’ve been managing expectations my whole life … mostly my parents’ …”

Suvan Madan, Dentons

Topic: That wasn’t perjury, that was an alternative fact.

Key quote: “I only bill for the exact amount of time I spend on matters … alternative fact.”

Rhea Thrift, King & Wood Mallesons

Topic: Modernising the bar – out with the wigs and in with …

Key quote: “I’m hoping that one day the modern barrister may even look something like me – a short, curly-haired female Novocastrian, who enjoys sinking tinnies, with a loud voice and a big dream.” 

Vince Ripepi, Lander & Rogers

Topic: Lawyering in a post-truth world.

Key quote: “Post-truth is not letting the actual truth get in the way of a good story.”

Runner up 2017, Emily Aitken, Seyfarth Shaw Australia

Topic: Error! Bookmark undefined – embarrassing little mistakes we all make.

Key quote: “While always embarrassing, there’s nothing little about mistakes … just think about the career ending consequences of the mistake that every person who appears in the ‘dress to impress’ section of the Law Society Journal makes.”

Sparke Helmore Lawyers’ People’s Choice Award Winner 2017, Peter Clayton, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions 

Topic: Lies everyone tells about their law job.

Key quote: “Every workplace has its fair share of dead weight, and if you think that your office doesn’t – guess what – it’s you!”

Floyd will go on to represent NSW at the National Golden Gavels on 20 October 2017 in Sydney.

Tickets and the full program will be available from 15 July 2017.

For more information, visit the NSW Golden Gavel Facebook page.

And that draws to a close another killer Law Week.

Until next year!

Law Week is an opportunity for the legal industry to celebrate and promote a better understanding of the law and legal processes to the general public. But it’s not a unique activity, as similar celebrations centred on the promotion of the rule of law also take place internationally in May.

Celebrated each year on 1 May in the United States (today for Australia), Law Day is a day in the legal calendar set aside exclusively to celebrate and recognise law as the glue of American society as well as its fundamental role in maintaining law and order and providing a solid foundation for the United States to become a powerful world leader.

First recognised by President Eisenhower on 5 February 1958, the first day in May each year has since been celebrated as Law Day. Eisenhower said:

In a very real sense, the world no longer has a choice between force and law. If civilization is to survive it must choose the rule of law. On this Law Day, then, we honor not only the principle of the rule of law, but also those judges, legislators, lawyers and law-abiding citizens who actively work to preserve our liberties under law.”

Local bar associations and legal education organisations in the United States now use Law Day to promote legal education for students.

Each year in Australia, every State and Territory’s Law Society and the Law Council of Australia actively promotes the law and legal education during Law Week. It is celebrated across Australia to further an understanding of the law and its role in society as well as to raise awareness in the community about how to access legal services and advice.

A broad understanding of the law, Australia’s Constitution, the role of government, the parliament and the court system is critical to an appreciation and respect of Australian law and its role in protecting our democratic way of life.

Although it is not an official government holiday, isn’t it about time that the Australian government started strongly supporting initiatives like Law Week which nationally recognise the rule of law, advance access to justice and educate the public about the law’s pivotal role not only in Australia’s history of Federation but also our current legal system? Dedicated national legal education days, like Law Week, are an important tool for raising public interest and awareness around the law and legal issues.

Naturally, since we love love love love (LOVE!) the law, we’re 100% behind Law Week. It’s why we’re in the business of social impact legal publishing – to entertain, empower and inspire young non-lawyers about their everyday legal rights – not just for one day, or one week, but 365 days each calendar year.

So let’s help non-lawyers to see the law, less like an arbitrary and unattainable set of principles available only to a privileged few, and more like an easily intelligible part of everyday life that’s accessible to everyone.

Will you be participating in Law Week 2017? Let us know in the comments!

Further Information

To see a full list of Law Week 2017 activities (15-21 May 2017) happening in your State or Territory visit:

• ACT Law Society – Law Week
• Law Society of NSW – Law Week
• Victoria Law Foundation – Law Week
• Queensland Law Society – Law Week
• Northern Territory Law Society
• Law Society of South Australia
• Law Society of Western Australia – Law Week
• Tasmania Law Society