Join us for a comprehensive Property Law Intensive, hosted by our Property Law Committee, featuring four insightful sessions on key topics in the field. This conference will provide an opportunity to explore the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in property law. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with experts and colleagues in the property law community.
Thursday 19 March 2026SCHEDULE10:00am: Registration opens 10:30am - 11:30am: Ethics in Action: Navigating Professional Conduct in Property Law 11:30am - 12:30pm: Preparing for AML/CTF: What Property Law Practitioners Need to Know 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch 1:30pm - 2:30pm: Licensed to Build: Understanding the ACT’s New Property Developer Licensing Framework 2:30pm - 3:30pm: AI, Scams, and Security: What Property Lawyers Need to Know 3:30pm - 4:00pm: Afternoon Tea Networking |
SESSIONS
ETHICS IN ACTION: NAVIGATING PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN PROPERTY LAW
(1 point in core area 1 - legal ethics and professional responsibility)
This seminar examines the ethical challenges that arise in property transactions and disputes.
From managing client conflicts and trust money to maintaining professional integrity in communications and undertakings, property lawyers face unique ethical pressures in day-to-day practice. Drawing on recent disciplinary cases and professional standards, this session will explore how ethical principles apply in real-world scenarios—and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Whether you're advising on conveyancing, acting in disputes, or managing trust accounts, this seminar will provide practical guidance to help you uphold professional standards and navigate ethical risks with confidence.
Key topics will include:
- Ethical duties in property transactions
- Managing conflicts of interest and acting for multiple parties
- Communicating with represented parties and maintaining professional boundaries
- Trust account obligations and undertakings
- File maintenance and responding to regulatory investigations
- Lessons from recent disciplinary decisions and sanctions
KATIE BINSTOCK
PARTNER I THOMSON GEER
Katie specialises 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.
PREPARING FOR AML/CTF: WHAT PROPERTY LAW PRACTITIONERS NEED TO KNOW
(1 point in core area 2 - practice management and business skills)
This seminar covers the evolving anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations under Australia’s regulatory framework.
With new AML/CTF requirements set to apply to real estate services from 1 July 2026, property lawyers will be considered reporting entities when providing designated services such as conveyancing, trust account management, and client due diligence. This session will unpack the legal, procedural, and risk management responsibilities that practitioners must meet under the AML/CTF Act and Rules.
Whether you’re advising on residential transactions, managing client funds, or overseeing compliance frameworks, this seminar will help you understand your obligations and prepare for the transition to regulated AML/CTF compliance.
Key topics will include:
- AML/CTF obligations for property lawyers under the expanded designated services regime
- Conducting AML/CTF risk assessments tailored to property transactions
- Developing and implementing AML/CTF policies and governance frameworks
- Customer due diligence requirements, including enhanced checks for high-risk clients
- Record-keeping, reporting, and independent evaluation obligations
- Practical examples of AML/CTF risks in property transactions and how to mitigate them
TIM BOURKE
DIRECTOR I ACT AML
Tim Bourke is the Director of ACT AML, a Canberra-based consultancy supporting businesses in navigating Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime. With over 20 years’ experience covering risk management, financial crime compliance and fraud across the banking sector and government, Tim brings deep expertise in helping businesses to not be exploited by money launders and build practical, risk-based AML programs. He is a graduate of the AICD and ACAMS programs and has been working with Tranche 2-affected sectors—law firms, real estate agents, property developers and accountants— as they prepare for upcoming regulatory changes.
LICENSED TO BUILD: UNDERSTANDING THE ACT'S NEW PROPERTY DEVELOPER LICENSING FRAMEWORK
(1 point in core area 4 - substantive law and procedural law)
Under the Property Developers Act 2024, individuals and entities involved in residential building projects of three or more dwellings will be required to hold a property developer licence from 1 October 2026. This landmark reform introduces a licensing regime designed to improve accountability, transparency, and build quality across the sector.
With licence applications now open and a 12-month transition period underway, it is essential for practitioners advising developers, financiers, and other relevant stakeholders to understand the scope and implications of the new scheme.
Key topics will include:
- The legal foundations of the Property Developer Licensing Scheme and its objectives;
- Eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the role of rating reports;
- Obligations under the Property Developers Code of Practice;
- Regulatory powers, enforcement mechanisms, and rectification orders; and
- Exemptions and jurisdictional boundaries under the Property Developers Regulation
This session is essential for lawyers working in property development, construction, and planning, offering practical insights to support clients navigating the new licensing landscape.
ADAM PEPPINCK
PARTNER I CLAYTON UTZ
Adam is a partner at Clayton Utz, with over 20 years' experience acting on broad range of structured property transactions for public and private sector clients. He is renowned for his legal accuracy, his commerciality, and his responsiveness. Adam acts widely for Commonwealth departments and agencies. Recent notable projects including acting for the Australian Electoral Commission in relation to its national leasing requirements for the 'Voice' referendum, and acting for the Department of Finance in relation to its management and administration of National Land. His private sector clients comprise various developers and institutional landlords, including Hindmarsh, LEDA, Corval, Oceana Property Partners, Realmont, and Willemsen.
AI, SCAMS, AND SECURITY: WHAT PROPERTY LAWYERS NEED TO KNOW
(1 point in core area 2 - practice management and business skills)
As property lawyers routinely manage high-value transactions and trust account transfers, they are disproportionately exposed to cyber threats involving data breaches, email compromise and payment redirection scams. With the rapid adoption of AI tools in legal workflows, new risks and opportunities are emerging that require attention.
This session will unpack the evolving cyber threat landscape, highlight AI-driven risks and protections, and offer practical strategies to safeguard your practice, your clients, and your reputation.
Key topics will include:
- Common cyber threats targeting property lawyers and conveyancing practices
- Best practice for secure communication, document handling, and client verification
- Ethical considerations when using AI tools in practice
- Practical steps to strengthen your cyber resilience
MALCOLM HEATH
PRACTICE RISK MANGER 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.
DETAILS
- When: Thursday 19 March 2026, 10:30am - 4:00pm (registration from 10am)
- Where: ACT Law Society Training Room, live streaming option available
- Cost: $300 Members, $420 Non-member, $75 Student member
- CPD: Members will earn 4 CPD points
- RSVP by Thursday 12 March
- For further information please contact events@actlawsociety.asn.au
Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.
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This event is proudly supported by Ox Rooms. |
Event registration terms and conditions
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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.
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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.
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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
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In-person Registration Options
In-person registration (members) $300.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart In-person registration (non-members) $420.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart In-person registration (student member) $75.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart -
Live Streaming Registration Options
Live streaming registration (member) $300.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Live streaming registration (non-member) $420.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Live streaming registration (student member) $75.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Schedule
Speakers
Sponsors & Supporters
The Property Law Intensive is proudly supported by Ox Rooms.
OX Rooms | Online Exchange
OX Rooms is a pioneering platform revolutionising property transactions across Australia.
Founded by Legal professionals with deep insight into the complexities of property law and dedicated to making Conveyancing smoother, faster and stress-free, OX Rooms simplifies the conveyancing process by centralising communication with all parties in a transaction, streamlining document management, and enhancing security with two-factor authentication.
Our innovative digital workspace accelerates contract exchanges and ensures that all stakeholders remain aligned in real time. With features like secure document sharing, digital signing, and the OX Book – a comprehensive transaction history – OX Rooms delivers unmatched transparency and efficiency to the property sector.
By addressing the persistent challenges of traditional workflows, we help law firms and Conveyancers set new benchmarks for client satisfaction and operational excellence, while substantially reducing risks to both clients and your PI insurance.
Time-Saving and Secure Solutions
Property professionals can now save hours by automatically keeping agents, clients and other stakeholders informed throughout the Conveyancing process.
Real-time updates and status notifications ensure that everyone knows what’s happening and who’s responsible for the next step.
Redundant page-turn reviews are eliminated on exchange of Contracts, and upon completion, all parties receive a detailed transaction summary in the form of the OX Book containing all information and conversations the user had access to inside the OX Room.
The enhanced security and peace of mind OX rooms provides to all parties in a transaction is a game changer.
With scams targeting conveyancing clients via email continuing to rise and the scammers methods becoming more and more sophisticated, OX Rooms can provide a secure, purpose-built space to share the sensitive information communicated in a property transaction, Saving firms precious time on every matter, while keeping clients, referrers, partners, and insurers confident in a safe and efficient platform.
What would this time saving and peace of mind mean to you ?
Contact us
Website: www.oxrooms.com.au
Email: matthew@oxrooms.com.au
Phone:
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.
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The types of valuations we offer to law professionals include:
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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
