Mission Statement

The Society's Role in the Community

The Law Society exists to:

• Represent, advance, and defend the interests of an independent legal profession in the ACT.
• Protect the public interest in the ACT system of justice through the efficient regulation of the profession in accordance with the Legal Profession Act and the Society's Rules for Solicitors.

Principal Activities

• Lobbying for "good law" and to reduce costs and improve conditions for members
• Maintenance of professional standards and guardianship of the profession's public image and reputation
• Business, professional and personal counselling, education and training
• Information and communication
• Spiritual, social and networking
• Commercial services
• Community services

Policy Development

The Society is sometimes asked to comment on issues being discussed at the policy setting stage through consultation papers produced by government departments and other agencies.  These often lead to draft legislation, the development of which the Society can frequently assist.  The Society has been able to produce, authoritative and influential submissions on a wide range of issues because of its extensive and active Committee system.

Through its Committees, the Society is able to look in detail at proposed legislation and its impact, not only on legal practice in the ACT, but the community's access to justice and the fairness and efficiency of the administration of justice.  The Society has sometimes taken strong stances either opposing or in support of proposed legislation, sometimes as a lone voice or with the support of other bodies.