New Law for Lawyers
Issued: Wednesday, 14 May
2014
[PDF, 189KB]
The
NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is transforming the delivery of legal
services for the profession and consumers, Attorney General Brad Hazzard
said.
“The
NSW-Victoria common legal services market is one step closer, with the NSW
Parliament last night passing the Legal Profession Uniform Law,” Mr Hazzard
said.
“This
is a major step forward – the law will benefit consumers and lawyers alike as
the shorter, less complex and uniform legislation creates economic benefits for
both sides.
“Consumers will have the same protections, rights and remedies in
both States.”
The law covers about 70 per cent of Australia’s lawyers and their
clients.
The new law will:
· regulate the
legal profession across the two States, including admission to the legal
profession and professional discipline issues
· reduce regulatory and compliance costs and provide new, low cost
ways to resolve service complaints and costs disputes with law firms quickly and
informally.
“The NSW and Victorian
Governments are delivering a system suitable for the 21st Century. Hopefully it
will inspire other states to join the scheme,” Mr Hazzard said.
The Legal Profession
Uniform Law has been passed by the Victorian Parliament. The uniform legal
profession reforms began as a Council of Australian Governments initiative in
2009.
The
Legal Services Council and new Commissioner are expected to be appointed in
July, with the new scheme due to start in early 2015.
“I would like to thank the Law
Society of NSW, which has very generously offered a financial contribution to
the costs of the new scheme, as well as the NSW Bar Association for their
support in driving this reform,” Mr Hazzard said.
“I would also like to thank the
Chief Justice and other members of the judiciary as well as the Office of the
Legal Services Commission and my Victorian counterpart Attorney General Robert
Clark.”