As legal practitioners, we are trained to safeguard the rights, interests, and security of others. Yet, in the course of doing so, we often overlook a fundamental responsibility, our own personal safety. This reality formed the basis of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) Welfare Committee’s recent webinar titled “Staying Safe: Security, Situational Awareness, Safe Travel Practices and Personal Safety Measures for Lawyers.”
The webinar, which held on Monday, 22 December 2025, brought together young lawyers from across the country for an important conversation on security consciousness, particularly during the festive season — a period often marked by increased travel, social engagements, and heightened security risks.
Why Security Awareness Matters for Lawyers
Lawyers operate in environments that can expose them to unique risks. From late-night client meetings and courtroom engagements to interstate travel and sensitive professional dealings, legal practice often places practitioners in situations that require a heightened level of alertness.
During the session, emphasis was placed on the fact that security is not optional, but a necessary aspect of professional and personal life. Participants were encouraged to move beyond reactive safety habits and adopt proactive strategies that reduce vulnerability in everyday situations.
Key Focus Areas from the Webinar
The webinar addressed practical and relatable security concerns faced by lawyers, with discussions centred around three core areas:
Situational Awareness:
Participants were guided on how to be more conscious of their surroundings, recognise early warning signs of danger, and make informed decisions that prioritise safety. Simple habits such as observing entry and exit points, trusting intuition, and avoiding unnecessary exposure were highlighted as powerful tools for self-protection.
Safe Travel Practices:
Given the surge in travel activities during the festive season, the session provided insights into planning safer journeys, managing risks while commuting, and adopting precautions when travelling alone or to unfamiliar locations. The importance of sharing travel plans with trusted contacts and avoiding predictable routines was also discussed.
Personal Safety Measures:
The webinar explored practical steps lawyers can take to protect themselves, both professionally and socially. This included managing personal information, maintaining boundaries in client interactions, and understanding how lifestyle choices can impact personal security.
A Timely Conversation During the Festive Season
Holding the webinar at the height of the festive period proved particularly relevant. With increased social gatherings and movement, participants were reminded to remain vigilant and intentional about their safety, even during moments of celebration and relaxation.
Beyond theory, the session equipped attendees with practical strategies they could immediately apply in their daily lives, reinforcing the idea that security consciousness should be continuous, not occasional.
NBA-YLF’s Commitment to Welfare and Professional Sustainability
This webinar is part of the NBA-YLF’s broader commitment to the welfare, well-being, and sustainability of young lawyers within the profession. By addressing real-life challenges such as personal security, the Forum continues to demonstrate that professional development goes beyond legal knowledge — it includes ensuring that lawyers are safe, supported, and equipped to thrive.
Participants who attended the session also earned one (1) CPD point, further underscoring the Forum’s dedication to combining welfare initiatives with professional growth.
Looking Ahead
The NBA-YLF remains committed to organising timely, relevant, and impactful programs that respond to the lived realities of young lawyers. As the profession continues to evolve, conversations around safety, well-being, and sustainable practice will remain central to building a stronger and more resilient legal community.
