Recorded Webinar: 3 CPD Compulsory Topics for Junior Lawyers

This webinar comprises 3 one-hour sessions covering each of the compulsory CPD subjects for junior lawyers for the CPD year ending 31 March 2024.

Session 1: Practice Management & Business Skills

Marketing Strategies for Early Career Lawyers: Putting your Best Foot Forward

New clients and files don’t just magically happen. While we all wish we were natural-born rainmakers, the reality is it takes a combination of hard work, clever marketing and the development of effective networks. This session covers:

• Crafting a compelling elevator pitch and personal brand statement
• Understanding the importance of establishing an online presence and developing a social media strategy
• Identifying key platforms and channels for promoting your professional brand, including LinkedIn, Twitter, and legal directories
• Best practices for creating and sharing engaging content that highlights your expertise and professional achievements
• Building relationships with clients and referral sources through networking and relationship-building strategies
• Tips for leveraging speaking engagements, conferences, and other events to showcase your expertise and expand your professional network
• Strategies for overcoming common obstacles and challenges that early career lawyers may face in developing their marketing and branding strategies.

Session 2: Professional Skills

Navigating Electronic Contracts: A Primer for Junior Lawyers

With the rise of electronic contracts, it is crucial for junior commercial lawyers to understand the legal complexities and risks that come with them. In this session, participants will learn practical strategies for navigating the digital era of contracts, including best practices for ensuring enforceability and managing negotiation risk factors. It covers:

• Understanding when a contract is formed electronically
• Reasonable notice prior to enforcement of contract
• Digital signature and the rule in L’Estrange v Graucob
• Risks with browse wrap agreements – when terms not on same page
• Risks with a click-wrap agreements – when terms are on same page
• Negotiation risk factors when done electronically:
  • evidential issues
  • does legislation afford protection?
  • using Docusign
  • different versions of contract
• Best practice requirements to ensure enforceability of online contracts
• Operation of consumer law and on-line agreements

Session 3: Ethics

Risky Business: The Ethical Challenges Facing Junior Lawyers

As a junior lawyer, it can be challenging to navigate the complex ethical considerations that arise in commercial law practice. This webinar is designed to help junior lawyers understand and manage the ethical risks they may encounter, and to provide practical guidance for making ethical decisions in difficult situations. It examines:

• Understanding the ethical obligations and professional standards that apply to junior lawyers
• Managing the risks of conflicts of interest when working with multiple clients or in different practice areas
• Handling client confidentiality and privacy issues, including managing conflicts between duty to the client and legal obligations to report misconduct
• Navigating the challenges of billing and fee arrangements in a manner that is ethical and transparent
• Recognizing and responding to ethical dilemmas that may arise when working with more senior lawyers or partners in a firm
• Developing a personal code of ethics and strategies for maintaining ethical behavior in the face of challenging circumstances