LIV

⚓ The Victorian Golden Gavel is back. And we’re looking for contenders.

Not attendees.
Not observers.
Competitors.

This year, we’re diving Under the Sea where quick thinking rises to the surface and weak arguments sink fast.

If you’re a junior lawyer who backs your advocacy under pressure, this is your moment.

We’re selecting Victoria’s sharpest speakers to step up, take the mic, and battle it out for the Golden Gavel. What's more, the winner of the Victorian bout gets to represent us in the national competition later this year!

📅 Thursday 13 August 2026
🕕 6:00–8:30pm
📍 LIV Members Floor

What to expect:

1️⃣ Rapid-fire speeches
2️⃣ A room full of sharp legal minds
3️⃣ Laughter and camaraderie
4️⃣ Judges who don’t miss a thing

No notes. No safety net. Just you and your argument.

Would you sink or would you swim?

Apply now and prove it:
https://www.liv.asn.au/goldengavel

"Tilly is a Very. Good. Dog. The evidence is overwhelming."

Court Dog Tilly has officially taken her “woof of honour,” being sworn in today at the Courts’ Melbourne registry. 🐾

LIV President Tom Ballantyne AccS(PI) officially welcomed Tilly to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, marking an important milestone for a program that provides comfort and reassurance to children, vulnerable witnesses and others navigating family law proceedings. Court dogs like Tilly help people feel safe, supported and confident during what can be highly stressful experiences.

The Law Institute of Victoria is proud to sponsor the Court Dogs Program, which supports a more compassionate and accessible justice system for the community.

A special moment captured here with Tom and Tilly following the swearing-in.

The LIV advocates for clear and accessible laws and is concerned that the proposal to guarantee a right to work from home may lead to duplication, confusion for both employers and employees, and will potentially overburden the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Chris Molnar AccS(WR), Partner at Kennedy's Law and Co-Chair of the LIV Workplace Relations Executive Committee, voiced the LIV's concerns.

Read more via the LIV media release: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/advocacy/media_releases/2026/liv-concerned-proposed-victorian-wfh-laws-may-cause-confusion.aspx

There are just 2 weeks until the AML/CTF reforms come into effect for solicitors on 1 July.

The focus now is on making sure you are ready to meet your obligations with confidence, including client due diligence, reporting and ongoing compliance.

To support you, the LIV is running upcoming workshops and training:
📅 22 June | Proactive Practice Workshop (Southern Suburbs)
📅 22 June | AML in a Day (Online)
📅 24 June | AML Kickstarter Workshop (Online)

You can also access guidance, tools and resources via the AML/CTF Hub:
https://www.liv.asn.au/web/resource_knowledge_centre/aml-ctf-hub
Start preparing now.
The LIV can help.

“They have an incredible array of supportive materials and resources… somewhere we can go that is truly there to provide unbiased advice about how best to support our clients.”

For Michel Margalit AccS (PI) and the team at Margalit Injury Lawyers, LIV membership is about having trusted support to deliver the best outcomes for clients.

Michel has built a career acting in complex, high‑profile matters — including the $56M Monash IVF class action settlement, AFL concussion class actions, and litigation involving Crown Casino. As an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law and National President‑Elect of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, Michel understands the value of reliable, independent guidance.

Access to practical resources and unbiased advice is why Michel and her firm continue to stay connected through LIV, strengthening both their practice and the broader profession.

Connect, grow and lead with LIV membership.

Join or renew for 2026/27: https://www.liv.asn.au/Membership?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Renewals

💡More moments from the LIV 2026 Legal Forum

A day that brought together sharp thinking, honest conversations and a shared focus on what’s next for the profession. From AI to ethics to leadership for a profession moving forwards, together.

“My parents taught us that nothing was out of reach. We could reach those unimaginable dreams and achieve them. My dad exemplified this, never letting his paraplegia, nor his Aboriginality limit his potential.”

Judge Rosemary Falla has been officially welcomed to the County Court of Victoria, becoming the Court’s first First Nations judge. A proud Wotjobaluk, Wemba Wemba and Mutti Mutti woman, her welcome on 3 June 2026 coincided with Mabo Day and the final day of National Reconciliation Week.

Her Honour’s appointment reflects both a distinguished legal career and a deep commitment to First Nations justice. Alongside her father, respected Koori Court Elder the late Uncle Kevin Coombes, Judge Falla helped establish Victoria’s first Koori Court and later served as the inaugural supervising magistrate for Koori Justice.

Known for her leadership, legal expertise and commitment to culturally informed justice, Judge Falla has long worked to create a more inclusive and respectful court system for community.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for First Nations representation in the Victorian legal system.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PSSeLw

This week, the Victorian Government announced major reforms to expand IBAC’s powers. These include “follow the money” capabilities to trace taxpayer funds through subcontractors and labour hire arrangements.

As reported by ABC News, this marks the most significant overhaul of IBAC since 2012, driven by growing concerns about corruption risks in large public projects.

At the LIV, we welcome these reforms. Stronger investigative powers, broader definitions of corrupt conduct, and increased transparency are critical to maintaining public confidence in Victoria’s integrity system.

However, we have called for timelier implementation. These reforms are much needed, and IBAC must be equipped to respond to complex corruption risks.

Donna Cooper, General Manager Policy, Professional Standards and External Affairs at the Law Institute of Victoria, said:
“IBAC must have the power it needs to follow public money into private and third-party contractors.”

🔗 Read our media release: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/advocacy___media/media_releases/web/advocacy/media_releases/2026/liv-welcomes-ibac-reforms-but-urges-quicker-review-and-implementation.aspx

Meet the Sponsors Powering Legal Forum 2026 ⚖️

A huge thank you to the incredible organisations supporting Legal Forum 2026. Your partnership helps bring this event to life, connecting and empowering the legal profession.

🌟Platinum: LexisNexis
🥇Gold: ANZ, First AML
🎤Keynote: LawY

⚖️Stream sponsors: Family Law Sovereign Valuations | Property PEXA | Succession SEND

🛍️Exhibitors: First Title, Law In Order, Lawganised, Legal Home Loans, legalsuper, Unisearch, Clio, Bastion Reputation, LEAP Property

💙Wellbeing: Carolyn Apostolou
🤝 Networking: Herron Todd White

We are proud to partner with organisations shaping the future of the legal profession. Be sure to connect with them at the Forum.

⏳ Just 2 days left to register: liv.asn.au/legalforum