Recent developments
Attorney-General meets Chinese legal exchange participants - June 2008
Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, met eight Chinese lawyers and officials who have recently completed an intensive study and work placement program in Australia, as part of the Australia-China Legal Profession Development program.
The Attorney-General's media release on the Australia-China Legal Profession Development program is available.
Attorney-General approves ILSAC Business Plan – March 2008
Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, approved the business plan for the International Legal Services Advisory Council (ILSAC)’s fifth term (2007-10). The business plan was developed on the basis of the Council’s Terms of Reference and identifies indicative tasks and corresponding outcomes directed at achieving specific aims under six objectives. The business plan accords with ILSAC’s overarching mission to enhance the international presence and improve the international performance of Australia’s legal and related services.
Council's Triennial Report released – March 2008
ILSAC published its Fifth Triennial Report detailing the work and achievements of the Council over the period from 2004-07. The Report also captures useful information including the key events and other influences that have had an impact on the evolution of Australia’s currently hospitable foreign lawyer regulatory system, and a ‘Looking Forward’ section identifying some of the ongoing themes emerging from ILSAC’s work over its fifth term. Some of the notable achievements detailed in the Report include:
- the Statistics Project - a survey of Australian exporters of legal services which revealed total legal services exports and cross-border activity of $543.2 million
- the Australia-China Legal Profession Development Program 2007 - a four-month training and work placement professional development program in Australia for 10 Chinese lawyers and officials (the program is being run again in 2008)
- promoting Australian legal education through input to the recognition of Australian legal qualifications overseas, and
- establishing a ‘first point of call’ information website for Australia’s international commercial dispute resolution services (www.icdr.gov.au).
The Report is available online from ILSAC’s homepage.
Australia—China Legal Profession Development Program 2008 – February 2008
Eight Chinese lawyers and government officials arrived in Australia in February 2008 for the second Australia-China Legal Profession Development Program, a legal cooperation initiative coordinated by the International Legal Services Advisory Council and funded by AusAID. The lawyers have undertaken a program of training and visits to Australian law firms, regulatory bodies, and other relevant institutions and will be completing four months at relevant work placements.
Over $500 Million in International Legal Services Activity – September 2007
A new survey of Australian legal services showed $543.2 million in export and cross-border activity for the 2004-05 financial year. More information on ILSAC’s International Legal Services Statistics project is available.
New Resource to Help Asia - Pacific Businesses Manage Disputes – September 2007
Managing Cross-Border Disputes, a booklet prepared by the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) with assistance from the Australian Government has been released. The booklet seeks to inform business of the benefits of arbitration and/or mediation for the early, efficient resolution of business disputes. It also encourages business to incorporate clauses into their contracts to direct how a dispute is to be settled.
ILSAC made a permanent body – August 2007
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock announced on 15 August 2007 that the Australian Government would make the International Legal Services Advisory Council (ILSAC) a permanent body. The Hon Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC, who has chaired ILSAC since its inception in 1990, has been reappointed as chairman for a further term of up to two years. Deputy chair, the Hon Andrew Rogers QC, has also been reappointed. Council members have been appointed for a three-year term. They serve in a part time and honorary capacity, providing their services without payment.
Joint Law Venture in Singapore – a positive first step – April 2007
Australian law firm Allens Arthur Robinson has signed the first joint law venture with a Singaporean firm in a clear demonstration of the benefits of the Singapore - Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
Further details are available in Allens Arthur Robinson’s Joint Law Venture media release [Word 43KB].
Chinese lawyers improve ties with Australia – March 2007
The Australia - China Legal Profession Development pilot program commenced in February/March 2007, with the arrival of 10 Chinese lawyers and government officials in Australia. The lawyers spent four months in private law firms, regulatory agencies, law societies, universities and State government departments.
Better access for Australian lawyers in the US – March 2007
A resolution by the United States Conference of Chief Justices urging improved access for Australian lawyers in the US has been welcomed by the Australian Government.
India recognises Australian law degrees – August 2006
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has welcomed a decision by the Bar Council of India to recognise law degrees from five Australian universities. The decision will permit Indian nationals who are graduates of the Australian National University, Bond University, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and the University of NSW to practise law in India after passing an examination by the Bar Council.