Covid-19 update for the ACT legal profession

Friday, 18 February 2022

Covid-19 update for the ACT legal profession

The Law Society is monitoring the current situation, and will update this page as new information becomes available.

Members are encouraged to refer to the following resources:

ACT Law Society updates

For the continued protection of staff and others, visitors to the ACT Law Society should continue to maintain appropriate physical distancing, use the available hand sanitiser, and are kindly asked to wear a mask when in the public area.

Any person who is unwell with any cold or flu like symptoms, no matter how mild and whether vaccinated or not, is asked not to attend the office.

Restrictions affecting legal practice

Members should regularly consult the public health directions and www.covid19.act.gov.au website to stay up to date with their responsibilities.

Use of the Settlements Office

The Settlements Office will continue to operate in a Covid safe manner and having regard to Public Health Directions. The following rules will be in effect at the Settlements Office from Friday 18 February:

  • The building will be open to the public.
  • Any person entering the office is asked to use the provided hand sanitiser. 
  • Given the face to face transactional nature of the space, all users of the office should continue to wear a mask at all times; and should maintain a 1.5m physical distance between them, having regard to the current public health directions.
  • Users of the office must wipe down touch points after each transaction, including desktops and chair arms. Hand sanitiser and antiseptic wipes have been provided for this purpose.
  • Any user who is unwell with any cold or flu like symptoms, no matter how mild and whether vaccinated or not, must not attend the office – they should stay home and get tested for COVID-19 and do not return to the office until a negative test is received.
  • Anyone who has been to an identified case location must not attend the office and should follow health directions for isolation and testing.
  • All users should continue to monitor and comply with updates to the restrictions on the ACT Health Covid-19 website.

Events, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The safety of our members and staff is our biggest priority. We will be following ACT Health guidelines, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and surface cleaning between events. 

Mental health support

We want to remind members that they can contact our EAP, Acacia Connection, for support at any time. Phone 1300 364 273 (24/7) or visit their website for online options at acaciaconnection.com. 

You can also call the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 512 348 or Lifeline on 131114.

Useful guidance notes

Remote working and confidentiality. Guidance for law practices on supervision of staff working remotely and ensuring confidentiality of client information. [read more]

Does the Check in CBR app breach lawyer/client confidentiality? The Legal Profession Act & Ethics Committee has prepared some advice to help firms and practitioners who may have questions about the interaction between Covid-19 check in requirements and their client confidentiality obligations. [read more]

Tips for managing the legal workforce as COVID-19 restrictions ease in the ACT. The Law Society’s Industrial Relations Committee has published a guide to help ACT law firms with HR questions related to work health and safety, returning to work, and work from home requirements. [read more]

ACT Community Legal Centres

ACT Community Legal Centres are continuing to deliver essential legal assistance and other support to the most vulnerable members of the Canberra community during the current COVID-19 outbreak. All ACT Community Legal Services are currently delivering services by phone, video or online.

  • Canberra Community Law have launched a website covering common legal areas that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: Canberra COVID-19 Legal Help

Other services

ACT Corrective Services

Limited face-to-face social visits are due to recommence at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). 

Courts updates

ACT Courts and Tribunal

The ACT Supreme Court will resume in-person court appearances for all matters from Thursday 24 February 2022. 

For the most up to date information about court operations, please visit their respective news pages:

Court-specific Practice Directions and special COVID-19 measures are set out below.

High Court of Australia

The High Court building is open only when the Court is sitting and hearings can be attended if permitted by current COVID-19 restrictions. If you have business with the Court in Canberra please contact the Registry by email at canberra.registry@hcourt.gov.au or by telephone 02 6270 6857. 

Federal Court of Australia

There will be no face-to-face services in court registries (except WA), unless otherwise approved by the Head of Jurisdiction.

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Webinars
Guidelines