New Law Society President outlines key priorities for the justice system in 2026
15 January 2026
David Colovic has commenced as President of the Law Society of South Australia for 2026.
Mr Colovic has outlined five key priorities for the year ahead.
Investing in the justice system
“The legal profession and justice system are experiencing a period of rapid change,” Mr Colovic said.
“The profession plays a significant role in upholding the Rule of Law, and that means the justice system must be properly equipped to facilitate access to justice. This can only be achieved if there is proper investment in our justice system, if the profession is innovative in developing solutions to enhance access to justice, and legal practitioners receive the support they need to serve the community.”
“Australia is grappling with a legal aid crisis. The legal aid system relies on the private profession, with about 80% of legal aid work conducted by private lawyers. Without proper, ongoing investment in legal assistance services, unmet legal need will continue to rise and more vulnerable people will be denied access to justice. This needs to be addressed as a priority.”
“The access to justice crisis is compounded by inadequate, inaccessible, and dated court facilities. The real need for upgraded facilities can no longer be brushed aside. Some court facilities are in a dire state, which poses safety risks to court users, as well as lacking the space to properly accommodate trials.”
“It is important that the Society is persistent in its pursuit for better outcomes for the legal profession, the justice system, and the community it serves”.
Artificial Intelligence
“While the threats posed by AI are significant, so are the opportunities.”
“It will be a priority to develop resources to help practitioners use AI responsibly and ethically, and avoid its pitfalls.”
“Far from AI replacing lawyers, we can harness its capabilities to streamline the way we practise and better serve clients, while ensuring we meet our professional obligations.”
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing
“Tranche 2 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing regime commences on 1 July 2026.”
“Lawyers, as well as real estate professionals, conveyancers, accountants and trust providers, will be covered by the regime.”
“The regime will impose new obligations on a large number of legal practices captured by the scheme. The Law Society has developed resources for the profession and will continue to support practitioners to comply with their obligations under this scheme.”
Promoting SA lawyers, firms and our young talent
“One of the Society’s State election priorities is the development of policies to prioritise SA legal practices in public procurement processes. The State should also actively incentivise opportunities for the local profession to compete or collaborate with interstate firms, particularly in specialised areas of practice.”
“I also intend to highlight the value, excellence and diversity of SA practitioners and their contribution to all sectors, and explore ways to grow the profession and encourage our most talented graduates to stay and practise here.”
Wellbeing of the profession
“The practice of law can be stressful and challenging. While there is now greater awareness of the stressors, to genuinely improve practitioners' wellbeing we need to better understand the factors that can lead to burnout, depression and workplace conflict, and develop strategies to address those issues. Healthier, happier lawyers make better lawyers.”