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‘I am keen to promote and raise awareness of rural practice’
The new president of the Law Society of NSW has listed advocacy for regional and rural practitioners as a key priority for her tenure.
Jerome Doraisamy
Speaking ahead of the Opening of Law Term in NSW, Joanne van der Plaat – who will deliver her presidential address for the 2022 Law Term Dinner in late March, in light of Omicron-inspired delays to official functions – said that support for the legal profession, with a particular focus on regional NSW, and ensuring access to justice for all are among her major priorities for this year.
Speaking about her focus on improving awareness and perceptions of vocational opportunities in the regions, Ms van der Plaat noted: “As a country lawyer, I am keen to promote and raise awareness of rural practice, not as an alternative career, but as a challenging and rewarding career.”
She has also nominated Sober in the Country – a grassroots rural charity leading social impact and change across rural Australia, founded by the 2022 winner of Australia’s Local Hero Award, Shanna Whan – as her choice for president’s charity.
“Like many Australians, I have witnessed the devastating impact excessive consumption of alcohol has on individuals and their relationships with family and work,” Ms van der Plaat said.
“It can be difficult to reach out for assistance with everyone knowing who you are, more so in the country. I hope to use my time as president to raise awareness for the incredible support Sober in the Country provides and raise vital funds for them to continue their work.”
Ms van der Plaat, a regional solicitor from Cooma in the state’s Snowy Mountains region, working as a partner at Blaxland Mawson & Rose, said that her experience – going from legal secretary in a small firm to paralegal and licensed conveyancer in a large international firm, to more than a decade of practice in rural NSW – “has given me an invaluable insight into the joys, challenges and opportunities we each face in the profession”.
“We have learned some valuable lessons during COVID-19 and there are more lessons to be learned and opportunities to be taken. I want to ensure all solicitors continue to have access to practical, applicable information and services that will help them run their practices or move forward in their careers – as has been the Law Society’s mission since its inception 180 years ago,” she proclaimed.
“I am looking forward to engaging with the legal profession, the government and the courts in navigating the ongoing challenges of COVID to ensure we continue to thrive and succeed in our professional and personal lives and provide the best service possible to our clients. This includes advocating for ongoing investment in the justice system (as is regularly seen in the health, education and transport sectors), which will provide long term economic benefit for our state and ensure the rights of civil society are met.”
Moreover, Ms van der Plaat continued, she is keen to explore various issues pertaining to human rights in the state.
“As our profession grapples with a fast-changing legal landscape, we have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful debate about the role that human rights can play in a modern society, and the impact that the pandemic has had on human rights awareness and expectations,” she said.
“I also believe there is an appetite to look positively towards our future and for the Law Society to lead the profession in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Our individual and collective wellbeing, in terms of what brings us joy, keeps us connected and allows us to remain engaged and thrive professionally and personally is something we now talk about in the workplace.
“The three values that guide me each day are being kind, being humble, and having a sense of humour. Having that direction and motivation keeps me feeling positive and purposeful.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly. A former lawyer, he has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. He is also the host of all five shows under The Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, and has overseen the brand's audio medium growth from 4,000 downloads per month to over 60,000 downloads per month, making The Lawyers Weekly Show the most popular industry-specific podcast in Australia. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of Minds Count.
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