Guiding and supporting the profession: The Law Society’s goals in 2026
It will be a privilege to represent the interests of the South Australian legal profession in 2026 and to lead a Council committed to promoting its advancement.
My focus as 2026 President will be to encourage the profession to rise to new challenges and make the most of new opportunities, while pressing for more investment in the justice system.
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.
The regime will impose new obligations on a significant number of legal practices captured by the scheme. This will increase the administrative burden on practitioners, which is why we will encourage early awareness and ensure the Society proactively supports compliance.
Promoting SA lawyers, firms and our young talent
One of the Society’s State election priorities is the development of policies to prioritise South Australian 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.
We will highlight the diversity, excellence, and value of South Australian practitioners and their contribution to all sectors, and explore ways to grow the profession and encourage our most talented graduates to 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.
Investing in the justice system
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.
The access to justice crisis is compounded by inadequate, inaccessible, and dated court facilities. The real need for upgraded facilities can no longer be ignored.
It is important that the Society is persistent in its pursuit of better outcomes for the legal profession, the justice system, and the community it serves.
The Council is looking forward to serving the profession in 2026 and welcomes your support with these endeavours.