28 March 2003

Status Report of the Practice Structures Committee on De-linking Practising Certificates
Council was advised that the Professional Indemnity Committee was studying insurance cover for locums. The Society’s Brokers Alexander Forbes would be meeting the insurers on this matter. The Society would also find out from the Medical Association whether any features of their insurance cover for locum doctors could be adopted by the Society.

Amendments to the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules
Council approved the proposed amendments to the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and decided to disseminate them to members, together with the holding of a dialogue session to explain the changes.

The Legal Census Report on the Profession and Practice
Council agreed that the Law Society should work to assist small and medium sized firms to adapt to the changes that the profession was undergoing. A key to adapting was learning new management and practice skills and the Society would work to teach these skills to our members.

Formation of an Ad-hoc Committee to study Liberalisation of the Law Society’s Ethical Rules
Council agreed to appoint Mr Loo Ngan Chor as Chairman of an ad-hoc committee, with Mr Leo Cheng Suan as Council representative and Mr Ho Meng Third as Secretariat representative to oversee a review of our ethical rules to liberalise them for the benefit of the profession and the public.

The Appointment of Professional Public Relations Consultants to Assist the Law Society
The CEO explained the scope of work of the public relations consultants Blackie McDonald Private Limited that the Council agreed to appoint for a six-month period. Council was advised that the PR Consultants would carry out a communications audit, with 36 members to determine current perceptions about the Society, expectations of the Society, key issues impacting the profession, best manner of communication with members and effectiveness of the current methods of communication.

The purpose of the audit was to help the Council plan events to match expectations of members, respond to industry issues, refine methods of communication and enable the Society to build communications methods that lead to a greater sense of community.

The PR Consultants would also help the Society plan and develop media relations and develop an information pack of backgrounders and activities of the Society and response statements on key issues.

Young Lawyers Dinner Series
Council was informed that the next dinner series was planned between May to June 2003.

Approval of a Second Law Awareness Project
Council approved the Law Awareness Committee’s request to undertake, in principle, a project aimed at creating a scheme to render legal assistance to non-profit organisations.