Positive Ethics – Lawyer Character in the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules
Overview
What’s the hidden message in the Conduct Rules? Explore how lawyer character shapes ethical practice, builds client loyalty, and fosters wellbeing in your law practice.
In the legal profession, it’s all too common to see the rules of ethics as merely rules to follow, or something to consult if you’re in a difficult position. However, within the Conduct Rules, there is a hidden message that points to something deeper: the vital role of the lawyer’s character. The structure and content of the rules reveal a lawyer who is honest, diligent, competent, trustworthy, courteous, reliable and loyal. These characteristics are key not only to compliance, but also to being a great lawyer.
Character plays a vital role in the success or failure of an individual lawyer – how they respond to ethical dilemmas, and how they either fall into or avoid the problems highlighted in disciplinary cases. A law practice principal with a strong ethical character can build staff loyalty, grow employed lawyers’ value and professional satisfaction and most importantly, build client loyalty.
In this session we will cover
- The fundamental duties of lawyers
- Serving our clients ethically and effectively
- Duties to our fellow professionals and others
- Growing an ethical character
- Case studies and practical guidance.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this session, attendees will
- Be able to build a comprehensive picture of virtuous lawyer character
- Understand how a positive ethical outlook can increase sensitivity to ethical problems and assist with their resolution
- Know how to apply positive ethics to particular situations
- Be able to identify opportunities for fostering a strong ethical outlook within a law practice
Suited to:
Legal professionals in all settings; any professional required to abide by a code of ethics.
This On Demand Includes:
- Recording of the Live Webinar, which can be viewed multiple times
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Verbatim Transcript, with Searchability
- Supporting Documentation
- CPD Quiz
- CPD Certificate
Course syllabus
3 lessons
- Video – Positive Ethics – Lawyer Character in the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct RulesVideo
- Feedback Survey 2024Survey
- Knowledge QuizTest
Your presenter
Jennie PakulaThe Lawyer's Friend
is Principal of The Lawyer’s Friend, a boutique firm that helps lawyers and legal tech providers navigate their regulatory obligations and serve their clients better.
Jennie worked in legal services regulation from 1994-2023. She has held senior roles in ethics, complaint management, regulation and policy development in NSW and Victoria. Her last role was as Manager, Innovation & Consumer Engagement, where she developed the Victorian Legal Services Board’s approach to innovation and the use of AI in legal services.
Throughout her career, Jennie has seen and deeply understood systemic problems and common issues and has converted these insights into practical guidance for consumers and the profession. She is a passionate advocate for access to justice through the private sector and sees enormous potential in leveraging technology and generative AI. She particularly loves encouraging and helping lawyers in small firms – especially those who want to do things differently.