The enormous amount of public policy and community work done by the law society and its committees has been as strong as ever. These decisions and the other issues we face occur while Australian business is undergoing a quietly relentless, but certain, globalization, and an astounding revolution in the accessability of information. In this environment we cannot expect the limitations imposed on us by traditional structures to serve us adequately. We must face the issue of reform of the profession with a sense of urgency. The policy initiatives I have mentioned, the Council of the Law Society has demonstrated that it can make significant policy changes in managing the affairs of the profession.
More significant change is constrained by our heavy and restrictive government regulation.
In my view we should be telling the government to pull back. We should take hold of the agenda and seek the freedom to practice law with the structures and advantages of other service providers in the economy. If we do not we will truly lack the means of our own conservation. The Law Society of New South Wales is the professional association for the solicitors branch of the legal profession in the State of New South Wales, Australia. 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.