The Law Society exists to:
- Represent, advance, and defend the interests of an independent legal profession in the ACT.
- Protect the public interest in the ACT system of justice through the efficient regulation of the profession in accordance with the Legal Profession Act and the Society's Rules for Solicitors.
Principal Activities
- Lobbying for "good law" and to reduce costs and improve conditions for members
- Maintenance of professional standards and guardianship of the profession's public image and reputation
- Business, professional and personal counselling, education and training
- Information and communication
- Spiritual, social and networking
- Commercial services
- Community services
Services We Offer
- Find a lawyer
- Frequently asked questions
- The lawyer/client relationship
- Common legal questions answered
- Community services
- Regulation of the profession
- Information for law students
- Trust account examiners
- Contracts for purchase
- Positions vacant
A Brief History of the Society
The Law Society of the Territory for the Seat of Government was formed in 1933 towards the end of the Great Depression, when Canberra itself was struggling to survive. There were seven members. The Society owes its genesis to the Queanbeyan based practitioners who moved 'out to' Canberra during the 1920's. In 1940 the name was changed to the 'Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory'.
After a slow beginning, the post-World War II years were a period of expansion, especially in the 1960s with the accelerated relocation of the Commonwealth public service to Canberra.
Why Choose Us?
As an industry association for Canberra lawyers, the ACT Law Society is committed to providing value for money to its members, including through a range of high quality services appropriately tailored to our diverse membership.
In accordance with that commitment, the Society offers a range of member benefits, including a range of social, sporting and networking events, general and specialist
newsletters, a quarterly magazine, access to counselling and mediation services, and discounted commercial services.
The Society also offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as an additional member service. Members can access relevant, practical and inexpensive CPD at discounted prices, to maintain and build on professional knowledge and skills.
