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 court or are not in the pursuant best interests. Crowdfunding got a special mention, noting it can improve access to justice by bridging the funding gap but must be balanced against what is in the best interests of those receiving the funding. Especially if the crowdfunding is being run by the client’s lawyer.