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25 March 2026

 

Commissioner’s message

It was a pleasure to mark the beginning of the new legal year by speaking at the Legal Laneway Breakfast events in Melbourne and Ballarat. Our profession is becoming more diverse and dynamic every year, and that was on full display across these important events. It was particularly encouraging to see so many early career lawyers taking part, mingling with more established colleagues. The energy arising from those early morning conversations was quite infectious, and I am sure will fuel us all as we navigate the challenges of the year ahead. 

The work lawyers do in service of their communities is critical. Rarely is this shared purpose more evident than during challenging times such as the recent summer bushfires and flash-flooding events that have ravaged our state.

Urgent legal need often follows a disastrous event, and lawyers from the regions to the city have provided much needed legal service – often pro bono – to Victorians whose lives have been terribly impacted. I acknowledge and commend the way the legal community has risen to the occasion to support Victorians – and the way it continues to do this during this continuing period of economic and social uncertainty.

As we look to the year ahead, we have again identified several key risks that our profession faces, and we provide resources and practical guidance for you on how to navigate them. In the Risk Outlook 2026 four key themes have emerged that spotlight our greatest concerns. While the list of risks is not exhaustive, it is critical that you familiarise yourself with them and, importantly, take the necessary precautionary steps.

In January we were pleased to announce the 2025 Strong Foundations grant recipients funded through the Public Purpose Fund. Strong Foundations grants enable established organisations to change, improve, and plan by supporting their operations over a 4-to-5-year period. I congratulate each recipient and am so pleased that we can help these community legal centres to improve their impact as they work to increase access to justice for everyday Victorians.  

Improving lawyer wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility – from individuals through to organisations – and the start of the legal year is an ideal time to reflect and act. Our Lawyer Wellbeing Program offers resources that can help, including Wellbeing Guidelines for Legal Workplaces and a new reflective practice template for lawyers. I encourage you to learn more.

In-house counsel is another increasing area of focus for us. Having worked in this role, I understand the tension that can come with being an independent legal adviser to, as well as an employee of, your client's business. To support Victorian lawyers working in corporate roles, we have developed new guidance that outlines core expectations, as well as information for employers and prospective in-house counsel.

Every legal year will present some challenges but also opportunities. I encourage you to lean into the resources and supports that are available, and to prioritise your wellbeing. 

Fiona McLeay 
Board CEO and Commissioner

 

Launching the Risk Outlook 2026

Our Risk Outlook 2026 provides an overview of key risks that we, as the regulator, want the profession to be aware of.

This year’s risks fall under four core themes:

1. The role and reputation of the legal profession – we highlight three key areas where we are concerned about significant harm flowing to clients and the broader community because of unethical conduct by lawyers in motor vehicle accident claims, claim farming and mortgage financing. This conduct also has broader consequences for the profession’s reputation. We also begin to explore the ethical risks and professional pressures facing the in-house sector.
2. The health and sustainability of the profession – practising law is rewarding but can also be challenging. In this section, we explore some of the key risks to the health and sustainability of the profession: poor lawyer wellbeing, sexual harassment, bullying, harassment and discrimination, and uncivil behaviour.
3. Professional competency – in this section, we highlight areas where practitioners need to develop professional competency: the use of artificial intelligence, identifying clients’ legal capability and vulnerabilities, and complying with new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.
4. Law practice management and systems – here, we outline four risk areas in practice management: cybersecurity, costs disclosure, complying with trust accounting obligations, and providing adequate supervision as a principal or supervising lawyer. 

The Risk Outlook 2026 is your go-to for trusted information on these risks. It also provides you with links to our guidance to support you to develop your skills and practice, along with other helpful supports and resources.

We welcome your feedback on the Risk Outlook, including how useful you find it and any improvements you think we could make – let us know. 

Access the Risk Outlook 2026

 

Have your say in the Lawyer Census 2026

On 12 March, our Legal Services Research Centre invited all practising Victorian lawyers to take part in the Lawyer Census 2026. We encourage you to complete it while there’s still time. 

We’re carrying out the census because we want to hear about your experiences and opinions on key issues currently affecting Victoria’s legal profession – from technology in practice and career sustainability through to professional boundaries and workplace behaviour.

The data collected through the census will be anonymous and won’t be linked to, or cross-referenced with, any information held by the VLSB+C (including regulatory data and practising certificate renewal applications). 

Findings will be used to inform policies, procedures and resources to better support Victoria’s legal profession. The lawyer census is also a crucial source of data for our Risk Outlook, as it provides the practising lawyer’s view on the risks to the future of the profession. Aggregated data will also be made public in topical reports throughout the year via the Centre’s website, which is where you can also access recent reports on sexual harassment (December 2025) and uncivil behaviours (February 2026).

Thank you to everyone who has completed the census. If you’re yet to take part, we encourage you to make your voice heard.

The census will close at midnight on Friday 24 April 2026.

 

Uncivil behaviours in the profession

Our Legal Services Research Centre recently published Uncivil Behaviours: Findings from the Victorian Lawyer Census 2025. The report contains key insights into how unacceptable behaviours are experienced and witnessed across the profession.

Key findings include the following:

• 83% (1,285) of respondents experienced or witnessed uncivil behaviours in the 12-month period before the survey.
• Verbal disrespect was the most common behaviour that respondents experienced or witnessed. 
• 63% of respondents experienced verbal disrespect, including inappropriate language, swearing and yelling.
• Some cohorts experienced and witnessed uncivil behaviours at higher rates than others. Female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal lawyers experienced and witnessed these behaviours at higher rates, as did younger lawyers.
• Uncivil behaviours often occurred alongside excessive workload, inadequate compensation, conflicts with professional obligations and sexual harassment.
• The cost of uncivil behaviours in the workplace is high, leading to diminished wellbeing, burnout, lost talent and ultimately, eroded trust in the legal system. It’s also cited as a reason lawyers leave the profession.  

For the latest news and research, sign up to the Centre’s newsletter.

 

Practising certificate renewals open 1 April

LSB Online will open on 1 April 2026 for the renewal of your practising certificate. If you want to continue practising from 1 July 2026, you’ll need to apply to renew your certificate by 30 June 2026.

This year, practising certificate renewals will start on 1 April to align with professional indemnity insurance renewals. This will streamline the process and make it easier for you to meet your compliance obligations.

We encourage you to plan ahead and submit your application as early as possible to avoid any interruption to your ability to practise.

We have included the following reference guide to help you get started, noting we will be in touch throughout the renewal period with guidance and support.

Changed your contact details?	Log into LSB Online now to update your details, including your email and place of work. If you need help, see our LSB Online resources.
New lawyer?	If you have recently received your first practising certificate, you’ll still need to apply to renew it in LSB Online by 30 June.
Completed your supervised legal practice (SLP) period?	To remove a SLP condition from your practising certificate, make a separate application via our lawyer enquiry form so it doesn’t hold up your renewal application.
Registering a new law practice?	Provide notice early in the renewal period if you intend to register a new law practice from 1 July. Late notice may delay registration.
Stepping away from the profession?	If you’re retiring, going on extended leave or otherwise won’t need a practising certificate from 30 June, complete the not renewing form through LSB Online.
Closing your law practice?	Find out what you need to do before closing your law practice.
Thought of a contingency plan?	If you are a sole practitioner or legal director, it’s a good idea to have a contingency plan for your law practice. You can submit your plan when applying to renew your practising certificate.
Any other questions?	See our LSB Online resources and frequently asked questions. If you’re still having trouble, you can get in touch with us directly via our lawyer enquiry form or by calling (03) 9679 8001.

 

The trust year ends 31 March

All lawyers who held a practising certificate with trust authorisation at any point during April 2025 to March 2026 must complete the Part A form in LSB Online. Law practices and barristers’ clerks who received trust monies are also required to complete a Part B form and have their trust records examined by an external examiner.  

Now is the time to: 

• contact your external examiner   
• make sure that your trust account records – including reconciliations – are up to date  
• arrange for your law practice’s annual trust account examination 
• check for dormant balances and register with the State Revenue Office before 31 March if you need to send them unclaimed monies this year.

Key dates:

• 2 April: LSB Online opens for submission of Part A and Part B form
• 30 April: Part A and Part B forms due  
• 31 May: external examiner reports due.

We require external examiners to report on all issues they identify in trust account records, regardless of the underlying reasons or causes for any breaches.

 

End of CPD year

You need to have completed 10 units (or pro rata equivalent) of continuing professional development (CPD) by 31 March 2026. When choosing CPD, make sure it’s meaningful and relevant to your area of practice. Think about the gaps in your knowledge and skills, and current or emerging risks and challenges, such as technological developments or changes to the law. It’s important to know that if you’re audited, you may be asked to explain how your CPD has helped your professional development.

Find out more about CPD

 

Misuse of artificial intelligence in the courts

In our Risk Outlook 2026, we strongly encourage the profession to develop the skills to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools responsibly and ethically.

Late last year, the Supreme Court of Victoria disciplined a principal lawyer for misconduct for the improper use of AI. In Re Walker [2025] VSC 714 the defendant’s solicitor used AI tools to prepare opening submissions – but did not independently and thoroughly verify all of the authorities included in the submissions.

In another matter in 2025, a junior lawyer working remotely failed to verify citations generated by an AI tool – citations that either didn’t exist or were incorrect. The junior lawyer, along with the supervising principal lawyer, were reprimanded by Justice Bernard Murphy in Murray on behalf of the Wamba Wemba Native Title Claim Group v State of Victoria [2025] FCA 731.

We remind lawyers to refer to our statement on the use of artificial intelligence in Australian legal practice, the Supreme Court guidelines, the County Court guidelines, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal practice note.

We also strongly encourage lawyers who intend to use AI in the course of legal practice to undertake continuing professional development in this area to improve their knowledge.

 

Need help with costs disclosure?

Our Costs Support Initiative is a free and confidential program that helps lawyers and law practices improve how they explain costs to clients and comply with their obligations under the Uniform Law. 

Costs issues are the single largest source of complaints we receive from consumers, and many of these complaints could have been avoided with better costs disclosure.

Our initiative sees VLSB+C advisers working directly with lawyers and law practices to review costs disclosure documents, find better ways to communicate with clients, and handle client concerns about costs.

So far, we have invited lawyers who are frequently at the centre of our costs complaints to take part in our initiative. Now, we invite lawyers to contact us for support in improving costs disclosure.

Read more about the Costs Support Initiative and our guidance on costs disclosure.

 

Free family violence training for private lawyers providing family law services

Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) is currently offering free training on navigating family violence issues in family law. This training is only available to private practitioners working in regional and suburban firms with over 12 months experience in family law.

The VLSB+C is proud to fund this practical and tailored training aimed at supporting private practitioners to effectively support family law clients who have experienced or used family violence, and to lay the groundwork for a family violence-informed case strategy. The training includes immersive, actor-based simulations to reflect real private practice examples.  

Women’s Legal will deliver this training in-person in Bendigo, Dandenong, Geelong, and Sunshine, and online from March to May 2026. You can claim CPD points by participating. 

Register for this training and access our family law fact sheet, which includes practical suggestions on how you might reduce the risk of consumer complaints.

 

Other news

Law Institute of Victoria

Support in complying with AML/CTF obligations

The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) is running ‘AML in a day’ – a full-day session explaining how to use the new AUSTRAC starter kits for lawyers, develop templates and build a risk framework.

For more information, visit the AML/CTF Hub.

LIV Legal Career Pathways 

On Tuesday 28 April, the LIV will host Legal Career Pathways, enabling emerging lawyers to learn about the diverse career pathways available in the law, meet potential employers and even have a free professional headshot taken for LinkedIn.  

 

Victorian Bar 

Reflective Practice and Debriefing Program

This program aims to equip barristers with skills to support the management of, and recovery from stress, vicarious trauma and poor wellbeing.

It covers core competencies in structured reflection, debriefing techniques and self-regulation strategies specifically tailored to the unique stressors for barristers – find out more, and register today.

 

Victoria Law Foundation

Legal Laneway Breakfast series

The 2026 Legal Laneway Breakfast series opened Victoria’s legal year with strong engagement. At the CBD event, speakers reflected on collaboration, growing legal need and the role of AI. At the regional breakfasts, local practitioners came together to discuss priorities, reinforcing a statewide commitment to a connected, fair and accessible justice system – read more and watch the speeches.

Victorian Law Week 2026

Legal professionals are vital in helping Victorians recognise legal problems, understand their rights, and know where to get help. Now is the time to prepare your Victorian Law Week event or share opportunities across your networks. Your involvement strengthens this effort and helps Victorians to know what to do when law meets life – find out more.

 

Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee

Setting yourself up for success

The start of the year is an ideal time for law practices to reset and strengthen their risk culture. Small, intentional steps, such as professional development and cybersecurity reviews, can significantly improve the quality and consistency of legal work – access Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee’s (LPLC) practical guidance.

Check your practice health

The Practice Health Check is the LPLC’s free online self-assessment tool, designed to give practitioners a clear snapshot of practice management strengths and areas for improvement. It is anonymous, takes around 10 minutes to complete, and provides a tailored summary with links to relevant resources – complete the check now.

 

Victoria Legal Aid

Access to NDIS safeguarded 

The Federal Court made a landmark ruling in January clarifying that NDIS eligibility does not require people with disability to prove that other services cannot meet their support needs first. Victoria Legal Aid represented Sherri Sutherland in the appeal brought by the National Disability Insurance Agency that sought to limit NDIS eligibility – read more. 

Llewellyn Prain appointed as Victoria Legal Aid Chair 

The Governor-in-Council has confirmed the appointment of non-executive director Llewellyn Prain as the new chairperson of the Victoria Legal Aid Board. Llewellyn replaces Bill Jaboor, who finished his term on 1 March 2026 after more than eight years as chairperson – read more. 

 

Law Library Victoria

Topping up CPD hours 

Practitioners can easily top up their CPD hours with the Law Library’s free on-demand webinars and upcoming events.

New digital literacy eLearning module 

Available within the CPD Legal Research courses and as a standalone option, this new module will strengthen your digital literacy skills. It covers how to find, evaluate, and share information using digital tools, including AI, while managing the digital risks.  

The eLearning courses are exclusive to lawyers who have a Library website account. Eligible lawyers can register for free. 

 

Sentencing Advisory Council

New sentencing data available 

In 2025 the Sentencing Advisory Council (SAC) updated the higher courts sentencing data for over 200 offences in SACStat. They also published nine new Sentencing Snapshots, with detailed data on homicide and sex offences sentenced in the higher courts.