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…
Victorian warning on lawyers involvement in crowdfunding activities
Lawyers in the state of Victoria have been warned about their public conduct. Fiona McLeay’s December 2021 report sets out the importance of balance between access to justice and acting in a client’s best interests. The report reminds lawyers to think carefully before advising communities to pursue cases which will likely not be successful in…
The Victorian Legal Services Board in Australia has issued new guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment
The Victorian Legal Services Board has published new resources on its website for people who experience of witness sexual harassment in the Victorian legal sector. These resources contain practical guidance about what individuals can do at the time and in the aftermath of experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment. These guidelines are being put in place…
Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner releases new guide on innovative pricing models
New research undertaken by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (LSB), through both their complaints and auditing process, has found that a major consumer complaint has been the billing model adopted by lawyers. With many lawyers opting for an hourly rater rather than a value based price. The LSB has found that this creates…
Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner welcomes findings of report into sexual harrasment in the court system
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner has responded to a new report examining Sexual Harassment in Victorian Courts. The report was independently produced by Dr Helen Szoke, former Commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. The final report was released on the 19th of April, and examined measures to prevent sexual…
Victoria Legal Services Board recommends significant changes to CPD
On the 25th November, the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB) released the findings of an independent review into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Victoria. The review was conducted by independent consultant Chris Humphreys and involved interviews with over 170 organisation and individuals about how the system in Victoria could be improved, enabling the…
Victorian Legal Services Board announced $1m to improve access to legal services
On the 22nd October Victorian Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner Fiona McLeay announced seven grant recipients who would receive shares of a $1 million fund, aimed at helping ordinary and vulnerable Victorians to access simple and affordable legal support services. Projects include a scheme to provide women in regional Victoria with a pathway out…
Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner: lawyer well-being project
In 2019 the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner interviewed people working across all parts of the legal profession to gain a deeper understanding of lawyers’ experiences of mental health and wellbeing over their careers. These interviews were analysed and the resulting report ‘VLSB+C report on legal professionals’ reflections on wellbeing and suggestions for future reform’…
Victorian Legal Service Board research into vulnerability to miscounduct
In February 2016 the Victorian Legal Service Board and Commissioner entered into a research partnership with the University of Melbourne. The project was designed to help identify risk patterns and predict areas of concern within the Victorian profession. The study focused on 10 years of regulatory data on complaints (2005 to 2015) and looked at…
Victoria Legal Services Board and Commissioner consultation on CPD
The Victoria Legal Services Board and Commissioner is currently accepting thoughts for their ongoing review on CPD in the state. The review is keen to hear from a broad range of lawyers and other stakeholders. The review is hoping to hear opinions on topics such as the levels CPD is aimed at, the role of…