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Privacy Policy
The Law Society gathers and, in some cases, retains personal information from its members and from members of the general public.
Personal Information Obtained from Members
Such information is gathered in the context of:
- applications for practicing certificates; and
- registration for Society continuing professional development, social and other activities.
Information obtained includes:
- names, honorifics, business contact details and residential addresses
- qualifications leading to admission to the Roll of Legal Practitioners
- practicing certificate type (including any conditions attaching to the certificate).
The information described above, excluding residential address, can be found on the Society’s website, in conformity with section 79 of the Legal Profession Act 2006 which requires the Society to maintain a public register of ACT legal practitioners. Personal information held in hard copy is stored by the Society in locked compacti and not divulged to third parties, unless the party is (a) an agency of government with statutory entitlement to certain information or (b) any other party holding a valid court order requiring such information. Current information or information on current practitioners is held on the Society’s premises in Canberra City. Old files are stored in secure premises at Mitchell.
The information described above is used by the Society:
- in granting or renewing practicing certificates
- to advise firms or solicitors of developments in the law or other developments which could affect their professional life
- in the course of investigating complaints of alleged failings in professional conduct.
- on rare occasions, to advise of forthcoming CPD, social or other events.
Information Obtained from Members of the General Public
The Society gathers personal information from members of the general public who:
- consult the Society’s Legal Advice Bureau
- apply for legal assistance through the Society’s Pro Bono Clearing House
- make a formal complaint about the professional conduct of a solicitor.
Information collected includes:
- name and address (except in the case of those who consult the Legal Advice Bureau),
- the name of solicitor(s),
- details of the matter.
In the case of the Legal Advice Bureau, the people seeking assistance are asked to sign an acknowledgement that they have consulted the LAB and do not have a solicitor/client relationship with the rostered members. The solicitor may make notes on this document.
In the case of the Pro Bono Clearing House all information provided by applicants is returned to applicants whether or not their case is accepted by the Clearing House or successfully referred to a law firm.
All information collected is stored securely by the Society on its Canberra City premises in locked compacti. Archival information is stored at secure premises in Mitchell.
For further information contact the Executive Director on (02) 6247 5700.
a member of the Law Council of Australia