LIV

LIV As the peak body for the Victorian legal profession, the LIV represents more than 21,500 lawyers and people working in the legal sector.
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With the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 now passed, significant reforms affecting deposits, section 32 vendor ...
04/09/2026

With the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 now passed, significant reforms affecting deposits, section 32 vendor statements, tenancy arrangements and VCAT processes are set to reshape residential property transactions across Victoria.

On September 10, David McKenzie AccS(Prop) will provide a practical breakdown of the changes at the LIV Property Law Conference, detailing what property lawyers need to do now to prepare their practice and clients.

📖 Read David's LIJ article: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/08august/property-lawyers-to-prepare-for-significant-legislative-change.aspx

The reforms are already attracting broader attention, with Geelong firm Coulter Legal recently highlighting the impact the new laws will have on Victorian buyers and sellers.

📰 Read more in the Bellarine Times: https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/bellarinetimes/real-estate/new-property-rules-for-sellers-and-buyers/

🎟️ Register for the 2026 LIV Property Law Conference: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/events/event_information.aspx?EventKey=CPD26P1009

03/09/2026

The Honourable Richard Niall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, discusses how artificial intelligence is being used in the Victorian court system today and where it may have a role in the future. From AI pilot projects and improved court efficiency to the risks of hallucinations, deepfakes, data privacy and unlicensed legal practice, this episode explores the opportunities and challenges of AI in the justice system.

🎧 Tune in to Cross-Examined
Listen on our website: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/podcast/web/podcast/cross-examined/2026/ai/wired-for-justice-ai-in-the-victorian-court-system.aspx
Listen on Spotify: https://cross-examined.captivate.fm/spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://cross-examined.captivate.fm/apple

"I am equally passionate about ensuring that technology complements, rather than replaces, the judgment, ethics and huma...
02/09/2026

"I am equally passionate about ensuring that technology complements, rather than replaces, the judgment, ethics and human relationships that are at the heart of good legal practice." David Campbell, LIV Non-Member Director

David Campbell has joined the LIV Board as a Non-Member Director, bringing experience across law, finance, government, international markets and AI transformation.
As the profession navigates rapid change, David is focused on helping ensure the LIV remains financially strong, supports practitioners through transformation, and continues to be a trusted voice on the future of legal practice.

Read more: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/09september/new-liv-board-director-welcomes-opportunity-to-help-steer-change.aspx

02/09/2026

Access to justice shouldn't depend on where you live or how much you earn.
In Victoria, legal aid practitioners help people through some of life's most challenging moments. But the legal assistance sector is under increasing pressure.

Two statistics tell the story:
• 80% of legal aid grants are delivered by private practitioners.
• 1 in 4 legal aid practitioners is considering stopping this work due to inadequate funding.

As LIV General Manager, Policy, Professional Standards and External Affairs Donna Cooper says, "Goodwill cannot sustain a system facing rising demand, workforce pressures and inadequate funding."

Without urgent action, Victorians who rely on legal assistance will face even greater barriers to accessing legal help.

That's why the LIV is calling for greater investment in the legal assistance sector. A sustainable legal aid system is essential to a fair and accessible justice system.

Read the LIV's Call to Parties: liv.asn.au/calltoparties

The LIV congratulates all 12 new magistrates appointed to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.We are particularly pleased...
02/09/2026

The LIV congratulates all 12 new magistrates appointed to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.

We are particularly pleased to recognise six LIV members among the appointees: Magistrate Kate Da Costa, Magistrate Darcy Dempsey, Magistrate Sherril Handley, Magistrate John Livitsanos, Magistrate Shaun Pascoe and Magistrate Adrian Trotman.

These appointments reflect a wealth of experience across the legal profession, with many of the appointees having made valuable contributions through
LIV sections and local associations.

Congratulations to all appointees on this significant achievement.

Read more: https://www.mcv.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/news/twelve-new-appointments-magistrates-court-victoria-0

At the heart of the LIV's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is Spiritual Journey (2026), a commissioned artwork by Fay...
30/08/2026

At the heart of the LIV's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is Spiritual Journey (2026), a commissioned artwork by Fay O'Callaghan-Thorpe (Yorta Yorta, Kurtijar).

Through powerful symbolism, including Bunjil, Waa and a central meeting place, Fay's work reflects connection, storytelling, healing and the shared journey towards reconciliation.

The artwork features throughout the RAP, which was developed in partnership with First Nations representatives and outlines practical, measurable actions to strengthen cultural capability, foster inclusion and advance advocacy for First Nations people.

📖 Visit our RAP page: liv.asn.au/RAP

David McKenzie AccS(Prop), Principal Lawyer at FCW Lawyers, says property lawyers should begin preparing now for signifi...
27/08/2026

David McKenzie AccS(Prop), Principal Lawyer at FCW Lawyers, says property lawyers should begin preparing now for significant legislative reforms set to affect the property sector.

On 10 September, at the 2026 LIV Property Law Conference, David will outline the implications of the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, including changes to section 32 vendor statements, the early release of deposits, tenancy arrangements and VCAT processes.

As David notes in the LIJ, some of the proposed reforms will fundamentally change long-standing property law practices and require lawyers to proactively manage client expectations.

📖 Read the article here: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/08august/property-lawyers-to-prepare-for-significant-legislative-change.aspx
🎟️ Register for the 2026 LIV Property Law Conference: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/events/event_information.aspx?EventKey=CPD26P1009

"These amendments represent a significant overreach of police powers and remove an important layer of independent judici...
27/08/2026

"These amendments represent a significant overreach of police powers and remove an important layer of independent judicial oversight. "
Donna Cooper, General Manager, Policy, Professional Standards and External Affairs

The LIV is warning that amendments to the Crimes Amendment (Recruitment of Children for Criminal Activity) Bill 2026, recently passed by the Legislative Council, will significantly expand police powers by allowing Victoria Police to issue a ‘production notice’ which would allow Victoria Police to obtain private banking information directly from financial institutions without first seeking a court-issued warrant.

Read the full media release: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/advocacy/media_releases/2026/liv-warns-police-access-to-private-bank-accounts-must-retain-judicial-oversight.aspx

This Scams Awareness Week, we're sharing key lessons from LIV's Cross-Examined cybersecurity podcast mini-series. From s...
26/08/2026

This Scams Awareness Week, we're sharing key lessons from LIV's Cross-Examined cybersecurity podcast mini-series. From scam psychology and ethical hacking to cyber hygiene, incident response and professional obligations, one message is clear: cybersecurity is about people as much as technology.

Learn more:
Cross-Examined podcast: liv.asn.au/crossexamined
Scamwatch: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/research-and-resources/scams-awareness-week
LIV Cybersecurity Hub: liv.asn.au/cybersecurityhub
VLSB+C Minimum Cybersecurity Expectations: https://www.lsbc.vic.gov.au/resources/minimum-cybersecurity-expectations

The LIV is proud to launch its 2026-2028 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).Developed in partnership with First Nations re...
25/08/2026

The LIV is proud to launch its 2026-2028 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Developed in partnership with First Nations representatives, our Innovate RAP sets out practical and measurable actions to strengthen cultural capability, foster inclusion and advance advocacy for First Nations peoples across the legal profession.

The launch was enriched by insights from Andrew Williams, President of Tarwirri, whom we thank for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of First Nations legal professionals. Through Tarwirri's work and Andrew's leadership, the profession continues to move towards greater representation, inclusion and opportunity for First Nations lawyers and law students.

"Our RAP looked at the process from a holistic point of view to understand how we can make it a lot easier for First Nations students who are considering the law." – LIV Chief Executive Adam Awty.

📰 Read the LIJ news brief:
📖 Visit our RAP page: liv.asn.au/RAP

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