How we work with media
An independent news media, along with the rule of law, are vital to maintaining a healthy democracy. We recognise the important role the media plays in reporting on the activity of regulators such as the VLSB+C.
The need to build and maintain public trust and confidence in the legal profession is essential for the effective administration of justice. It is why we exist. Transparency is one way to build trust and one of the values we apply when working with the legal profession, consumers of legal services, and the media.
Most media outlets we work with are aware that the legislation we operate under generally prevents us from speaking publicly about an investigation or even confirming if an investigation is underway. However, there are also circumstances where we can make public disclosures about compliance and enforcement outcomes. These are outlined below.
There are also important principles of justice that we must always apply, including the right of any person being investigated to be afforded procedural fairness and for a matter to be heard without being prejudiced.
Striking a balance
When we make comments about compliance and enforcement outcomes, we do so in an accurate and balanced way. This is in line with our aim to build trust and confidence in the regulation of the legal profession and promote compliance within the profession.
A number of factors may limit our ability to comment on current compliance and enforcement activities. We are not generally able to directly or indirectly comment on whether we have received complaints about a lawyer, or whether an investigation may or may not be underway.
When a media release may be issued
We may issue a media release when a matter is concluded to inform the public of the outcome of disciplinary action, and to prevent further harm to consumers.
We may also publish outcomes of our work, for example on unqualified legal practice to reinforce protective messaging to consumers. We issue and publish media releases on consumer protection campaigns we run to empower and protect consumers, and the guidance we provide to the profession on best practice, practical tips and how to avoid complaints.
Publishing on For the Record
For the Record is used to publish key information in brief of a suspension, variation, cancellation, or refusal to renew practising certificate.
Case studies
There are times when we may use anonymised, generic case studies for the purpose of educating the profession and or consumers.
Programs and communication
We promote the range of work we do to inform, guide and support the profession and consumers through the media. We are part of a thriving and varied legal sector that we support by providing grants to community legal centres, sector partners, and others to increase access to justice for all Victorians. We work with the profession to improve lawyer wellbeing and promote this work on our website, through the media and social media. We also promote the work of our independent Legal Services Research Centre.
We publish our communications to the profession on our website, which is regularly updated. We also publish the Commissioner Update - a bi-monthly publication issued to the roughly 30,000 lawyers in Victoria and to the legal sector. This publication includes a message from the Commissioner, guidance to the profession, case studies, and other news of interest to lawyers. If you would like to receive the Commissioner Update please contact the media team via media@lsbc.gov.au.