Lawyers in Australia

Lawyers in Australia is a wide-ranging and detailed examination of the legal profession. It contextualises the role, responsibilities and ethics of lawyers in contemporary Australian society and discusses recent trends and issues.

This 2nd edition updates the text with:

information about the National Legal Profession Project and a review of key provisions of the proposed National Laws and Rules

reference to relevant caselaw since the publication of the 1st edition

updated statistical information relating to lawyers and the legal profession in Australia

reference to recent studies and commentary in relation to lawyers and the legal profession in Australia revised discussion and research questions relating to each chapter.

In addition there are chapters about:

who lawyers are and what they do

legal education in Australia including trends and developments

the structure and regulation of the legal profession

legal culture, including demographic and sociological trends

the judiciary, focussing on accountability and the processes by which judges and magistrates are appointed

the changing nature of legal services delivery due to the development of a national legal services market

access to justice, including legal aid and pro bono services

equality before the law with specific attention to indigenous peoples and refugees

ethics and professional responsibility, including complaints and the disciplinary process

the lawyer-client relationship, covering the retainer, the duty to advise, the duty of competence and care, and the duty of loyalty

the lawyer's duty to the court and the proper administration of justice

the future of the legal profession and legal services