Recorded Webinar: 3 CPD Compulsory Topics for Lawyers

This webinar comprises 3 one-hour sessions covering each of the compulsory CPD subjects for lawyers for the CPD year ending 31 March 2023.

Session 1: Legal Ethics

When Tone in Correspondence Becomes an Ethical Issue

It is inevitable that we cross paths with a practitioner who may not like us or decides to take a particularly aggressive stance on behalf of their client. This may spill over into correspondence. At what point have we crossed an ethical line and what is the standard that should be maintained instead? This looks at the main issues, including:

• Understanding professional obligation of practitioners in written communication – an overview
• Key ethical guidelines for practitioners in writing correspondence to the other side
• How to gauge whether communications have appropriate tone?
• Is there a correct tone for different scenarios or a neutral tone irrespective of circumstance?
• Does a negative message require adjustments on tone?
• Using appropriate emphasis and subordination is place of misdirected tone
• Using non-discriminatory language to minimize misunderstanding on tone
• Case study – is the adage ‘don’t write anything unless prepared to have it in affidavit’ still current?
• Next steps – what happens if someone crosses the line?

Session 2: Practice Management Business Skills

IT Cyber Security Health Check for Lawyers

One of the key challenges facing all lawyers today is in cyberspace, not the courtroom. All practitioners, regardless of their practice group of seniority, are vulnerable to cyber attack and cyber crime. This practical session focuses on cyber risk in the context of legal practice and how you can best protect yourself and your clients. It covers:

• Understanding the specific cyber risks that can arise in legal practice
• The role of human error in cyber crime
• Security awareness to minimise potential risks
• An incident has occurred – what next?
• Case studies

Session 3: Professional Skills

Resilience and Wellbeing in Legal Practice

Practising law comes with significant challenges: high pressure, demanding clients, and tedious work. It therefore comes as no surprise that lawyers have one of the highest rates of depression, anxiety and addiction. However, there are strategies which can help better manage these stressors. This practical session examines what you can do to not only survive the rigours of private practice, but also flourish in your chosen profession. It covers:

• Understanding what stress, anxiety and depression look like
• Tips for managing conflict in the workplace
• Navigating difficult and demanding clients
• The role of mentoring and coaching
• Strategies to survive and thrive in the legal profession