The ACT Law Society is commencing a consultation process on proposed amendments to the Legal Profession (Solicitors) Conduct Rules 2015. These proposed amendments, endorsed in principle by the ACT Law Society Council on 19 September 2022, follow a comprehensive review to align the ACT’s Rules with revisions made by the Law Council of Australia (LCA) to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules (ASCR).
The delay in progressing the amendments following endorsement from the Council, was due to our decision to await the LCA’s announcement regarding the review of Rule 38 of the ASCR. As this process hasn’t been finalised, the Society will proceed with the 2022 amendments—which remain current and relevant—with a view to revisiting the Rules in 6–12 months to ensure ongoing alignment with the ASCR.
By adopting these proposed amendments, we seek to:
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Promote consistency across jurisdictions, reducing complexity for cross-border practitioners;
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Enhance clarity in professional obligations, particularly where technological or procedural advancements have outpaced the current Rules; and
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Address gaps identified during the LCA’s 2018–2020 review, ensuring the ACT’s framework remains fit-for-purpose.
Proposed Amendments
A full version of the amended Rules is available for download at this link. Members are encouraged to cross-reference the consultation draft against the existing Rules which are available on the ACT Legislation Register.
Have Your Say
The ACT Law Society invites feedback from the legal profession and the public. Submissions can be made via:
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Online form; or
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Email: policy@actlawsociety.asn.au (for longer-form responses).
The consultation period will run from 13 June 2025 – 4 July 2025.
