Recorded Webinar: Commercial Law - 3 CPD Compulsory Topics

This webinar comprises 3 one-hour sessions covering each of the compulsory CPD subjects for commercial lawyers for the CPD year ending 31 March 2022.

Session 1: Legal Ethics

Meeting Ethical Standards in Written Communication

This session examines ethics obligations for practitioners in written communication. Whether by letter, email or other medium they each present ethical risk. This session looks at the main issues to remain compliant, including:

• Solicitor conduct rules and ethical communication
• Civility professionalism and courtesy in written communication
• Duty to establish client’s case factually
• Writing clearly and concisely – when lack of clarity represents an ethics risk
• Letters of advice – the ethical parameters
• Communicating to third parties
• Inappropriate language and phraseology in written communication
• When communication breaches can amount to professional misconduct
• Case study – examples of do’s and don’ts in written communication

Session 2: Professional Skills

Zooming Into the Digital Age: A Guide for Lawyers

The pandemic has seen a massive cultural shift in the way we practice law. Like it or loathe it, the digital age is well and truly upon us. This session looks at practical ways to improve your online presence and the digital skills you need to master, including:

• Technology preparation – don’t be caught short
• Presentation skills to maximise your online presence
• Key tips and traps when conducting internal and external meetings online
• Preparing for a virtual hearing – the key essentials and protocols
• Handling privacy, confidentiality, interpreters, inter-party communications
• Maintaining visibility and relationships with clients and colleagues in a virtual setting

Session 3: Practice Management Business Skills

Incorporating Mindfulness into Legal Practice

Practitioners may have razor-sharp insights into client needs, but may not always be the best at recognising their own personal needs. This practical session examines how lawyers can stay focussed and boost performance, by prioritising their own mental health and wellbeing through mindfulness. It includes:

• Stress and pressures in legal practice – navigating the realities of being a lawyer
• Understanding what mindfulness is and how it can assist professionals in practice
• Mindfulness in the workday – some practical strategies for incorporating it into practice
• Using mindfulness to aid decision making, difficult negotiations, or urgent client needs
• Mindfulness and return to work anxiety post COVID-19
• The role of mindfulness in overcoming digital distractions