Faiyad & Co Lawyers

On Thursday the Law Society of South Australia, in collaboration with the South Australian Bar Association, hosted an evening celebrating the Honourable John Doyle AC KC titled, "The Life and Legacy of the Honourable John Doyle AC KC - His Achievements and Contributions to South Australia's Legal Profession". The speakers were of exceptional quality, including leaders of the profession such as Michael Abbott KC, Dick Whitington KC, Chad Jacobi KC; former Justice's of the Supreme and Federal Court Tim Anderson KC and John Mansfield KC; as well as members of John Doyle's family. On Wednesday I attended the OPCAT forum hosted by Connie Bonaros at Parliament House. OPCAT is the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The issues relate, not just to facilities such as adult prisons, and youth prisons, but any place where people are not free to leave, which also include aged care facilities, mental health facilities. The speakers spoke of the desirability of implementing legislation in South Australia to establish a compliant legislative framework, and to have independent monitoring of such places. On Tuesday I attended at the Brad Selway memorial lecture. The presentation this year was by Professor Robin Creyke AO, who touched on many topics relating to administrative law, including constitutional issues, jurisdictional issues, and the rise of automation in decision making. The presentation was extremely well received by an engaged audience. I also attended at the opening of Mills Oakley Adelaide - congratulations to the firm and best wishes for a bright future. The AGM of the Society took place on Monday - congratulations to those who were elected to serve on Council and Executive. Without listing them all, Marissa Mackie will take over as President at the start of next year, David Colovic is President-Elect, Elena Leonardos is Vice President female; Fraser Bell Treasurer; Raffael Piccolo Vice President male, and new members of Council include Luke Rowley, Yasmin Faiyad, and Gemma Collins-Little. Thanks go to those who are leaving Council for their efforts, including, but not limited to immediate past President James Marsh, Emma Shaw, Joshua Michaels, Kate Bishop, Dr Anna Finizio, Alexandra Kenny and Chris Charles (whose advocacy on issues affecting aboriginal people has been extremely valuable). Last Friday I attended the 'Art for Justice' fundraiser for JusticeNet SA, with perfect conditions and a worthy cause. Justice Net assists low income people and organisations who are experiencing legal problems by helping the link with a network of pro bono lawyers and counsel. Recent submission work has included: the propsosed claim farming legislation (thank you amongst others to Tim White for detailed assistance); the Royal Commission into Family and Domestic Violence; youth detention; and the Audit of the design and implementation of the Measuring What Matters Framework.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Judicial and Legal Iftar Dinner hosted by the Law Society of South Australia, Pinnacle College and University of Adelaide, with keynote address from the Attorney-General, the Honorable Kyam Maher MLC and concluding remarks from the Honorable Chief Justice Kourakis, the dinners aim was to promote intercultural and interfaith understanding within the South Australian community and it did just that.