Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Networks

The Law Society has established a range of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Networks made up of volunteers with relevant subject matter expertise and experience to support our purpose and strategic goals.

Members are encouraged to email committee@actlawsociety.asn.au for any issues related to their practice area for discussion at meetings, this includes suggestions for CPDs, feedback or suggestions on policy and law reform issues and/or or court procedures or other processes.

To read about how the Special Interest Groups are contributing in the areas of policy, law reform, and practice, view our monthly policy updates page here.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Networks

The Civil Litigation SIG monitors issues in relation to civil law and civil claim procedures, and provides input to law reform proposals affecting aspects of civil litigation. The group considers the impact on the profession, clients and the community including access to justice and as required assists in the development of education for the profession and community.      

Read articles related to Civil Litigation here
Access Personal Injury forms here

The Military Law SIG monitors and considers matters of relevance to military laws and other laws that specifically impact on military service, veterans, and veteran family advocacy in the ACT.  The group considers the impact on the profession, clients and the community including access to justice and as required assists in the development of education for the profession and community. 

The Criminal Law SIG monitors and provides input on criminal law reforms in the ACT and works to promote the administration of justice and the development and improvement of law in the local region. The group considers the impact on the profession, clients and the community including access to justice and as required assists in the development of education for the profession and community.

Read articles related to Criminal Law here

The Dispute Resolution SIG is concerned with raising awareness in the profession and local community about all forms of dispute resolution but particularly mediation and arbitration options in the ACT. The group aims to further promote Dispute Resolution by regularly informing members of events and resources in the area.

The Elder and Succession Law SIG monitors legislative changes in relation to elder and succession law and initiates proactive law reform proposals. The group identifies education, tools and advice to support issues faced by practitioners and seeks to inform and educate the public on relevant areas of elder and succession law.

 

Read articles related to Elder and Succession Law here
View Elder Law guidelines here
Access the Missing Wills Register here

The Employment Law SIG focuses on industrial relations and employment law issues in the ACT. The committee responds to employment law reform proposals affecting the ACT (with a focus on those where the Society is likely to be most impactful), and educates the profession in relevant employment law topics.

Read articles related to Employment Law here

The Family Law SIG provides relevant information on family law practice and procedure, provides liaison between the family courts and the profession, and organises networking and education opportunities for family law practitioners. The group also responds to requests for submissions or comment, actively monitoring legislative changes affecting families and lawyers practising in the family law space.

Read articles related to Family Law here
Access useful Family Law links here
View Family Law guidelines here

The Family Violence and Children SIG considers issues arising in relation to family violence and children who come in contact with the legal system. The group discusses issues experienced by family violence victims, including self-represented parties, as they seek to access legal protections in the ACT. The group also considers laws that bring about differential treatment of children as compared to adults. Members regularly contribute their insights towards law reform proposals, drawing on their considerable experience working with victims of family violence.

 

Read articles related to Family Violence and Chilldren's Law here

The International Law SIG seeks to promote an understanding of international law amongst the legal profession in the ACT. The group monitors developments to international law, and represents and supports the interests of ACT lawyers in relation to the practice, knowledge, and understanding of law in the context of an international community.

Read articles related to International Law here
Access useful International Law links here

The Professional Ethics SIG focuses on issues relating to the application of the Legal Profession Act, legal ethics, and professional standards. The group responds to members' practice concerns and prepares guidance notes, delivers seminars, and writes articles to address such issues.

Read articles related to Ethics and the Legal Profession Act here
View the Legal Profession Act here
Access Ethics, standards and confidentiality guidelines here

The Property Law SIG monitors developments to property law in the ACT and provides guidance to help local practitioners stay updated on changes to legislation, case law, and government policy relevant to property law. The group regularly engages in consultation on draft legislation and arranges information sessions to educate practitioners on changes to property law in the ACT.

Read articles related to Property Law here
View Property Law guidelines here
Access the Contract for Sale here

The Government Lawyers Network supports the significant proportion of Law Society members who work for government at both the Territory and Commonwealth level. They focus on skills and career development, advocating for the role of lawyers in government and maintaining connections with Federal Government bodies, including the Australian Government Legal Service (AGLS).

Read articles related to Government Law here
View useful links for Government Lawyers here

The New Lawyers network supports the Law Society to foster a collegiate community for members embarking on their professional journey. We provide avenues for members in their first 5 years of practice to connect, learn, and thrive.  

The group advocates on behalf of new lawyers in the Canberra legal profession

Read articles related to New Lawyers here
Learn more about New Lawyers events here

The Public Law SIG monitors issues affecting the integrity and independence of public law decision-making, provides input on policy and practice matters, advocates for the profession, and delivers education and training for public law practitioners.