National Legal Profession Reform (NLPR)

The reform program has major implications for the practise of law across Australia and the LIV has been actively addressing these at all available levels and forums.  For example,

• In response to the Task Force “Regulatory Framework” paper, with the Law Council of Australia and Council of Law Associations, the LIV Executive developed a comprehensive and workable co regulatory model which was submitted to the Law Council on 4 November 2009. The LCA Model ‘Regulatory Framework for National Approach to Regulation of the Legal Profession’ (pdf) is predicated on maintaining the independence of the profession and a continuing significant role in its regulation. 
• The National Legal Profession Reform Consultative Group has met on 8 occasions to consider the Task Force Discussion papers and Harold Cottee, LIV General Manager, Professional Standards, has actively sought and received significant input which has been invaluable in informing the Task Force and influencing the reform process. Seven responses to the Taskforce discussion papers have been made to the Taskforce.
• At the State level, Louise Glanville of the Department of Justice has hosted monthly meetings of the major participants in the Victorian legal profession at which former President Danny Barlow or Steve Stevens as President, Mike Brett Young and Harold Cottee,  have attended.  These meetings have been important in developing an understanding of the reform progress and promoting the profession and community's interests.
• The President, Steve Stevens, the CEO Mike Brett Young and Harold Cottee met with the LCA and its constituent bodies at forum has initiated by the LCA on 5 June 2010 and 24 July 2010. This forums provided an opportunity to discuss the draft bill and National Rules and to formulate a response.
• In conjunction with other State and Territory Law Societies, the LIV submitted five papers to the LCA that were taken into account in the LCA submission (pdf) to the Taskforce on 13 August 2010.

The proposed new legislation presents a major opportunity for the legal profession to have uniform, consistent and sensible national laws regulating the practice of law.  As part of the reform project the LIV welcomes the input of the profession into that process.

The LIV welcomes any comments and feedback on the discussion papers and the draft legislation when it is made available. Email legalprofession@liv.asn.au.