Cassandra Banks

About

Cassandra is based in Coffs Harbour and is the current Junior Vice President of the Law Society of New South Wales. Cassandra has been a Councillor for 6 years and was the Treasurer in 2020. Cassandra is currently the Co-Chair of the Family Law Committee and a member of the Rural Issues Committee and the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. From 2010 to 2015 Cassandra was heavily involved in NSW Young Lawyers and was on the Executive Council in 2017.

On 4 November 2017 Cassandra was awarded NSW Young Lawyer of the year by Justice Beazley (as she was then known) and was named a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly, Women in Law Awards in 2017 and 2018. Cassandra has also been announced as 2021 Regional Lawyer of the Year in the Women Lawyers Association of NSW Awards, and was a finalist for Private Practice Lawyer of the Year.

Cassandra took over as Principal of Susan Green Legal Practice in Coffs Harbour in April 2018. In May 2021 it was time for a new chapter and the practice became CB Legal (Pty Ltd) with a team of 5 staff. Cassandra practices in Family Law, Wills and Estates, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian documents, Guardianship and Financial management issues including appearing as a separate representative before NCAT and care and protection.

Cassandra has a strong focus on regional practice and the issues facing members of the profession who are based in the regions. Cassandra has been the President of the Clarence River & Coffs Harbour Regional Law Society for 8 years. Her ongoing goals include improving access to information and services and appropriate judicial resourcing for all courts.

A critical issue facing the profession as a whole is how to make practice easier whilst remaining at the top of our game, particularly given the challenges we have faced over the past 16 months. Cassandra intends to focus on the Law Society providing practical and affordable business development opportunities whilst continuing the excellent work that has been done in recent years in the area of mental health and wellbeing.

Another issue of importance is the provision of further support for the supervision of young lawyers and their supervisors. Cassandra was part of the working group that updated the Law Society Supervision Guide and she intends to take this further via targeted, practical training and education. As a younger lawyer herself and Principal of her own practice, Cassandra has an acute understanding of what constitutes appropriate supervision.

Cassandra understands that members question the value of the Law Society. Cassandra wants to increase and improve member services and tailor support offered by the Law Society of New South Wales, whilst continuing to encourage membership take up and maintaining the traditional advocacy role of the Law Society.