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NSW, Victoria Bar Associations offer financial assistance for barristers
There have been a number of changes implemented across the legal system to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible in the midst of the international health crisis – which include financial stability. Lawyers Weekly looked at what some bar associations are offering.
Naomi Neilson
From offering rental assistance to lifting membership fees, the NSW and the Victorian Bar Associations have announced new financial programs to ensure barristers have the capacity to continue practicing and assisting their clients amid COVID-19.
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The situation is ongoing and there are likely to be many more changes before this is over. At the time of writing, only NSW and Victoria have clearly offered financial assistance.
NSW
NSW Bar president Tim Game SC said the bar council is “deeply concerned” about how barristers are able to continue practicing amid the coronavirus pandemic, particularly for those who are members of the junior bar or those suffering from court closures.
“The bar council is determined to do what it can to provide members with support needed to help them through this challenging period, and to enable them to continue to serve the community,” Mr Game said, adding he has heard many complaints and concerns.
To assist members, Mr Game has written to NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman and Attorney-General Christian Porter requesting urgent financial assistance, in particular for prompt payment of fees owing by state and federal agencies to barristers and extensions of business stimulus packages and concessions for sole traders.
In the meantime, members can access fee recovery assistance from solicitors of unpaid fees, which have been outstanding for more than six months but less than two years. This is in addition to insurance counsel responding to questions on income protection.
In terms of membership, the bar council has waived 2020-21 fees for practicing certificates and memberships for barristers of two years’ seniority or less. Those with two to five years’ seniority will be able to apply for a waiver, which will be considered case-by-case.
There is now also a system to provide the option of payment by instalments for the 2020-21 practicing certificate for all members. They will then be able to pay for their fees in two equal installments, but if able to do so, should pay in full as soon as possible.
Victoria
Wendy Harris QC, president of the Victorian Bar, said the association is committing to its offer of assistance for the government and courts in responding to COVID-19.
“The bar is closely monitoring the situation and following government guidelines. We are also enhancing our capabilities so that the members of the Victorian Bar can continue to provide essential support and advice, assist clients and those who need our help in the community, and ensure, as far as possible, the smooth administration of justice,” she said.
Members of the Victorian Bar can now access rent relief for April. The association hopes it will allow for breathing room for those financially affected by COVID-19. At this time, it only applies to April and does not cover charges for technology and floor services.
AN: Due to how quick updates from courts are coming through, Lawyers Weekly has been compiling updates on how the viral coronavirus pandemic is affecting the justice system. For the most up-to-date information, check out our live blog here.
