There are many ways lawyers serve the community. While offering pro bono legal advice may be the most obvious, often contributions with the most far-reaching consequences are less visible. In 2009, Russell Kennedy’s lawyers were busy behind the scenes, participating in a variety of activities that have contributed to reforms to legal policy or to the way legal services are delivered to the community. 

 

In his role as President of the Law Council of Australia, John Corcoran has spearheaded some important initiatives that are shaping the future of the legal profession. High on the agenda is national reform of the legal profession, a move that will reduce administrative and compliance burdens on law firms. Another key issue is the chronic shortage of lawyers outside of our capital cities. 42% of non-urban practitioners will retire within the next five years so the challenge is on to encourage younger lawyers to settle in regional Australia.

 

Michael has had a long involvement in the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), serving as a member from 1994 to 1999, and as Chairperson in 2008. He was recently appointed to the Board of the newly restructured Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. The EOC has undergone significant structural changes to support its mandate under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and to give the Commission greater scope to tackle systemic discrimination. This is an important step forward in building a culture of human rights in Victoria. In order to address systemic discrimination and promote human rights, the new Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke, will lead a more effective statutory body, supported by board members with a range of professional expertise and reflecting community concerns.