The Victorian Law Foundation conducted research commissioned by The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB+C) examining factors influencing the pricing of legal services, practitioner-client communication regarding anticipated costs, and the impact of service costs on the lawyer-client relationship. Findings indicate that time is a central measure for price-setting, even for fixed-fee services, with practitioners…
New report highlights the need for an increase in legal aid funding in Australia
A new report commissioned by National Legal Aid (NLA) entitled “Impact Economics Justice on the Brink” highlights the urgent need for increased funding for legal assistance services in Australia. The report emphasizes that current under-resourcing of legal aid services creates a significant justice gap, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged Australians. Law Council of Australia President Luke Murphy…
Law Society of New South Wales, Australia, develops form allowing sole practitioners to nominate a personal representative
The Law Society of New South Wales has developed a form to help sole practitioners safeguard their practice. Law Society President, Cassandra Banks, has urged the approximately 6,600 sole solicitor or single principal practices in New South Wales to plan for the future by nominating a personal representative and an alternate through a new online…
The New South Wales solicitor profession has made positive progress on gender equity
A study commissioned by the Law Society of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia shows positive momentum towards gender equality in the legal profession, with modest improvements in career expectations compared to their male colleagues. The 2022 Annual Profile of Solicitors NSW reveals a growing, vibrant, and diverse profession that is actively working to attract…
Understanding how the incorporation of a law firm morphs professionalism
Gordon, T. (2023). Understanding How the Incorporation of a Law Firm Morphs Professionalism. University of New South Wales. The organisation of professions has been the subject of rich academic attention over the past few decades as scholars have sought to understand how different organisational structures influence professionalism. This focus has been spurred by an increasing…
Understanding How the Incorporation of a Law Firm Morphs Professionalism
Tahlia, G. (2023). Understanding How the Incorporation of a Law Firm Morphs Professionalism. University of New South Wales. The organisation of professions has been the subject of rich academic attention over the past few decades as scholars have sought to understand how different organisational structures influence professionalism. This focus has been spurred by an increasing…
Victoria Legal Services Board releases its first annual Risk Outlook
The VLSB+C’s Risk Outlook 2023 highlights five risks for the Victorian profession that will be areas of regulatory focus for the coming year. The publication describes issues and conduct associated with each risk that have the potential to cause consumer harm and explains the planned response to them. These risks include: Cyber security Costs disclosure…
The Law Council of Australia issues response to the Attorney General Administrative Review Reform Issues Paper
In 2022 the Australian Government announced reform to Australia’s system of administrative review. The reform will abolish the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and establish a new federal administrative review body. The key points made by the Law Council in its response include: Accessibility, independence and impartiality must underpin all aspects of the new body. The…
Victoria Legal Services Board in Australia launches new campaign to build trust between the public and lawyers
The Victoria Legal Services Board Australia, has launched a new campaign to help build trust between lawyers and those seeking legal advice. The ‘Your Right to Ask’ campaign will help those seeking legal advice to better understand their lawyer’s ethical obligations. The campaign encourages people to ask their lawyers questions to better understand their rights…
The Victoria Legal Services Board in Australia has published its Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025
The Victoria Legal Services Board has published its Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025, with a view to challenging gender inequality within the organisation. The key focus areas, actions and measures identified in the GEAP align with objectives in VLSB+C’s Corporate Plan 2022-24, particularly in the People, Technology and Governance section of the plan. That section…