Article
and photos contributed by Azwa Zulsamli, Officer, Professional
Indemnity Insurance and Risk Management Department, Bar Council
The Bar Council Professional
Indemnity Insurance (“PII”) and Risk Management Department organised a
risk management workshop, entitled “Getting Started!” at the
Kelantan Bar Auditorium on 21 Apr 2019 (Sunday). The seven–hour
session was targeted at lawyers who are thinking of setting up practice
or joining a partnership, or needed a refresher. Approximately 20
participants attended, consisting of Members of the Bar and pupils in
chambers.
The workshop kicked off at around
9:00 am with the session on “Bar Council and You: Obligations and
Privileges”. The speakers for this session were Azwa Zulsamli
from the Bar Council PII and Risk Management Department, and Mohan
Sankaran from Jardine Llyod Thompson Sdn Bhd. Both speakers
discussed the basic steps a lawyer needs to follow prior to opening up
a practice, be it a sole proprietorship or partnership.
Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab |
Heron Khalid Goh |
Rosnah Faisal |
Zemilah Mohd Noor |
The workshop proceeded with the
“Accounting and Taxation” session, delivered by Heron Khalid Goh.
He discussed three topics — bookkeeping, financial statements, and
taxation within the context of legal practice. Since the Sales
and Services Tax (“SST”) had only been implemented last year, the
participants requested more explanation and Heron was happy to
oblige.
“Winning Ways through Civil
Litigation Practice” took place right after the lunch break.
Rosnah Faisal highlighted the issues and implications commonly face by
litigators. She also spoke on the Rules of Court 2012 and the
importance of having proper procedures for litigation files.
The final session, “Conveyancing in a
Competitive Climate”, was presented by Zemilah Mohd Noor. She
delved into the requirements of managing conveyancing files — using the
Conveyancing Checklist / KIV Systems and understanding the Solicitors’
Remuneration Order (“SRO”). These tools help lawyers to avoid
being victims of fraud and scams. Often, problems occur when law
firms do not adhere to standard procedures. She shared both tips
and traps relating to conveyancing practice as well.
It was an engaging workshop with a lively exchange of questions
and ideas between the speakers and participants. From the
feedback received, the participants found the workshop to be of
excellent quality and would recommend it to others.
If you would like to know more about risk management workshops or
would like to attend a Getting Started! Workshop, please
contact the PII and Risk Management Department by telephone at 03–2032
4511 or by email at pirm@malaysianbar.org.my.