Uniform Law
The Uniform Law harmonises regulation of the legal profession, cuts red tape and creates a single system to govern legal practice. The scheme also promotes informed consumer choice and has strong consumer protection measures. The Uniform Law's overall objectives are to promote the administration of justice and an efficient and effective Australian legal profession through:
- consistency between States and Territories in the law applying to the Australian legal profession
- ensuring legal practitioners are competent and maintain high ethical and professional standards
- enhancing the protection of clients and the public
- empowering clients to make informed choices about their legal options
- efficient, effective, targeted and proportionate regulation, and
- a co-regulatory framework with appropriate independence for the legal profession.
The Uniform Law is applied in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia by local application Acts. Certain jurisdiction-specific arrangements, such as the operation of local authorities and fees, are dealt with by local application Acts and Regulations.
The Uniform Law and Uniform Rules replaced the Legal Profession Act and Regulations in NSW and Victoria on 1 July 2015 and in Western Australia on 1 July 2022.
Information sheets
- Overview of the Uniform Law (PDF, 327.5 KB)
- Uniform Law Framework (PDF, 302.2 KB)
- Amending the Uniform Law (PDF, 86.1 KB)
- Amending the General Rules under the Uniform Law, s425 (PDF, 108.5 KB)
- Amending Admission Rules under the Uniform Law s426 (PDF, 91.0 KB)
- Amending the Legal Practice, Legal Profession Conduct and Continuing Professional Development Rules under the Uniform Law s427 (PDF, 88.2 KB)
Legislation
Last updated:
14 Oct 2022
The Legal Services Council and Commissioner for Uniform Legal Services Regulation acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as custodians of Australia and pay their respects to Elders, past and present. We also acknowledge their ongoing connection to land, sea and communities throughout Australia, and their contributions to the lives of all Australians.