The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner’s Legal Services Research Centre draw on the first annual Victorian Lawyer Census to examine uncivil behaviours in legal workplaces. The research defines uncivil behaviours as demeaning verbal and non-verbal conduct, including ignoring colleagues’ contributions, speaking over colleagues, disparagement, snide remarks, professional discrediting, sarcasm and ostracism. The report found…
Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner set minimum cybersecurity expectations for law practices
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) has set out minimum cybersecurity expectations to help law practices protect client data and meet legal and ethical obligations. The guidance is directed at law practice principals and distinguishes between system controls, which are technical safeguards for information systems, and behavioural controls, which reduce risks arising from…
Law Institute of Victoria launches AML/CTF Hub for legal practitioners
The Law Institute of Victoria has made available an Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) Hub to support legal practitioners preparing for the new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime. The hub includes practical learning opportunities, including an AML Kickstarter Workshop and an ACAMS Certificate in AML General Awareness for Law . The hub itself…
Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee of Victoria, Australia, publishes guide for lawyers using AI in legal practice
The Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee, an independent statutory authority providing professional indemnity insurance to Victorian barristers and solicitors as well as many of Australia’s national law firms, has published a guide on the limitations and risks for lawyers using generative AI in their practices. The popularity of generative AI platforms has increased among lawyers, offering…
The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner provides initial comments on generative AI platforms
The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner has provided initial comments on ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms. The comments outline what ChatGPT is and the potential benefits and risks of using a generative AI platform for lawyers in their work. ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) that generates human-like text on various topics…
Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner issues access to justice policy statement
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner has issued an access to justice policy statement. This policy statement is a statement of intent, articulating the VLSB+Cs role in supporting access to justice. The Policy statement notes the role of the VLSB+Cs as a regulator, funder and investor in access to justice, as well as providing…
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…
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…
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…