Its now 2023 and the legal year is in full swing. The ‘official’ start of the legal year was marked by the key events the Opening of the Legal Year Church Service, the Judges’ Breakfast and the Legal Profession Dinner.
It was fantastic to see so many at the Legal Profession Dinner. I thank all that attended that event and hope you had an enjoyable evening. Thank you to all of the Law Society staff for organising another successful event. The President’s Award was awarded jointly to Will Justo and Kristen Wylie and the Tasmania Legal Aid award recipient was Craig Mackie. I congratulate them all on this outstanding achievement.
Also held that day was the farewell to Chief Justice Allsop, of the Federal Court of Australia. It was disappointing to see so few members of the profession at this important event. I encourage members of the profession to take the opportunity to attend these events. In the case of the Federal Court we are very fortunate to have the appointment of a permanent Tasmanian Federal Court judge in His Honour Justice McElwaine. Events such as that held on Friday are not only an opportunity to show respect to the retiring judicial officer, they serve also to strengthen our relationship as a profession with the Court itself.