From the President – Update March 2026

It’s been a busy and productive few months since my last update, with important developments across both practical legal training and regulatory reform. From celebrating the strength of Tasmania’s Legal Practice Course and its vital role in shaping early career lawyers, to ongoing preparations for the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms, the focus remains firmly on supporting a well-connected, informed, and future-ready legal profession.

Practical Legal Training
I was honoured to be invited to speak on behalf of the Law Society at the annual Tasmanian Legal Practice Course (fondly known by many of us simply as Legal Prac) cocktail party which was held at Hobart Town Hall on 19 March. During my speech, I highlighted the great pride which the Law Society and its members take in the course, and the enormous value which the course contributes to our profession. I spoke about the unique opportunities which Legal Prac provides for trainees to develop relationships with the judiciary, magistracy, private practitioners, and crown law representatives from an early stage, compared with interstate courses which are largely based online. In my view, these relationships are a crucial aspect of supporting our early career lawyers to integrate with the profession and enjoy long and successful legal careers in Tasmania.

In November last year, legal practitioners across Australia were surveyed by the Legal Services Council in relation to their experiences of practical legal training within their state or territory, either as a trainee or an employer. I understand that the results of this survey are to be published imminently and look forward to learning more soon. However, I anticipate that the data will demonstrate that Tasmanian legal practitioners have an overwhelmingly positive view of our local practical legal training course.

Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
Work at the Law Society is well underway to support the legal profession to prepare for the rollout of Tranche 2 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) requirements which come into effect on 1 July 2026.

Earlier this month, the Society held its 2026 Risk and Practice Management Conference in both Hobart and Devonport, with a focus on AML/CTF requirements. We were fortunate to be joined by Dan Mossop from AUSTRAC and Carol Prasad from the Law Society of New South Wales, who both provided invaluable insight and guidance about the upcoming changes, particularly in relation to developing a Risk Assessment Program, and suspicious matter reporting obligations. Legal practices and sole practitioners who are yet to familiarise themselves with the AML/CTF requirements are strongly encouraged to do so as matter of priority.

For firms who will be required to enrol with AUSTRAC and comply with the new AML/CTF obligations, the Society will be arranging a series of round table discussions for firm compliance officers in late April and early May, providing an opportunity for firms to engage in a collegiate and constructive discussion about implementation.

March 2026

Amelia Higgs
President