The conference, at the Hilton Hotel, provides a forum for the Law Society's Rural Issues Committee, chaired by Councillor Penny Waters, to actively promote the interests of practitioners in regional and remote areas through its support projects.

In May this year, the Committee released an updated Document to Assist Rural Practitioners, alerting them to possible pitfalls, tips on pre-contract negotiations, areas of law where clarification or definition can be helpful, and recent changes to legislation and process.

"The Law Society has continued to build positive working relationships with practitioners in outer metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas. Indeed, I have been able to personally visit and speak at 12 of the 21 Regional Law Society functions to date, hearing first hand about the issues and needs in those regions and taking their concerns on board," said Stuart Westgarth in his opening address this morning.

"From Law Week to school mock trials and mediation programs, the Law Society is increasing its collaborative efforts with the regions."

Distinguished speakers today include Associate Justice Philip Hallen SC of the NSW Supreme Court and Nicholas Cowdery AM QC.