Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules

In June 2011 the Law Council adopted the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2011. The Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2011 represent the culmination of two years work by the Law Council of Australia and its constituent bodies to develop a single, uniform set of professional conduct rules.

The Rules were first released as a consultation draft in early 2010 and went through a series of review and consultation processes, during which comments and suggestions for improvement were received and considered by the Law Council's Professional Ethics Committee.

The adoption of the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules by each state and territory will ensure all of Australia's solicitors are bound by a common set of professional obligations and ethical principles when dealing with their clients, the courts, their fellow legal practitioners, regulators and other persons.

Law Societies continue to work towards adoption of the Rules in each state and territory, according to the processes and approvals set out in their respective local legal profession regulatory arrangements.

Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules - June 2011

Draft Commentary to the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules

In conjunction with approval of the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2011, the Law Council also authorised the Professional Ethics Committee to develop a commentary that would support the interpretation of the principles based Rules. The Commentary is not intended to have binding force and is merely to assist in understanding the Rules.

On 30 July 2012 the Professional Ethics Committee completed its work on a draft commentary. On 15 September the Law Council approved the release of the attached draft Commentary for public consultation.

Comments are sought by 19 November 2012 or later by arrangement.

Draft Commentary to the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules - October 2012

Please send any comments to Mr Murray Hawkins at murray.hawkins@lawcouncil.asn.au