Ethics

The Ethics Department aims to raise lawyers' awareness of their professional responsibilities and assist them through any ethical dilemmas they may face.

Aims of the Ethics Department

• Encourage ethical thought processes.
• Support the implementation of ethical practices
• Raise awareness of ethics through education.

Do you have an ethical dilemma?

If you are trying to resolve an ethical dilemma, follow these steps:

1. Review the Common Ethical Dilemmas.
2. Search past Ethics Committee Rulings.
3. Look at the recommended Ethics Resources.
4. Phone the Ethics Advice Line Ph: (03) 9607 9336.
5. Email your enquiry to the Ethics Department ethics@liv.asn.au.
6. Request an Ethics Committee Ruling 

Introduction to Lawyer's Ethics

A legal practitioner has many obligations and is bound by the general principles of professional conduct.

• Introduction to Lawyer's Ethics

Common Ethical Dilemmas

This is a guide for legal practitioners facing some of the more common ethical dilemmas.

• Advertising
• Client Capacity
• Communication
• Confidentiality & Privilege
• Conflicts of Interest
• Costs, Bills and Trust Accounts
• Legal Practice
• Letters of Demand
• Mediation and Negotiation
• Relations with other Practitioners
• Terminating the Retainer
• Undertakings

Ethics Resources

A comprehensive list of resources are available for you browse. The LIV Library is also available to assist you with any research and the Bookshop has a variety of ethics texts.  

• Ethics Resources

Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee is made up of past and present members of the Law Institute of Victoria Council who serve in a voluntary capacity.

• Ethics Committee
  

Ethics and Professional Responsibility seminars

A member of staff can travel across Victoria and conduct the seminar in-house at your firm, association or organisation. This service is available to LIV members and is designed to engage attendees through discussion of ethical dilemmas.

• Ethics and Professional Responsibility seminars

Ethics Liaison Group

The Ethics Liaison Group is committed to enhancing knowledge and understanding of best practice ethics principles and practice throughout the profession.

• Ethics Liaison Group

Ethics Committee Rulings

Ethics Committee rulings are non-binding and do not have the force of law. However, Ethics Committee rulings carry substantial weight. They are the considered views of a group of respected and experienced practitioners. It is considered prudent to follow them.

• Ethics Committee Rulings

Upcoming Events

The LIV offers a range of seminars, workshops and lectures on ethical issues.

• Upcoming Events

Useful Links

A list of useful links from national and international sources.

• Useful Links