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THE PROSPECT of in-house lawyers securing a voice within the general profession nationally remains firmly on foot, but is not expected to become a reality in the near future.Australian Corporate…
Lawyers Weekly
THE PROSPECT of in-house lawyers securing a voice within the general profession nationally remains firmly on foot, but is not expected to become a reality in the near future.
As reported by Lawyers Weekly in early October, ACLA is keen to join the 12 incumbent state and territory-based law societies and bar associations as a constituent member of the LCA. The in-house guild, which represents 2,200 corporate counsel Australia-wide, believes its addition would better reflect the diverse face of the profession at a national level.
While de Govrik reported that the LCA was receptive to the idea at the meeting, he added that a number of hurdles needed to be negotiated before it could be examined in greater depth.
Firstly, two membership submissions — from the Western Australian and Northern Territory Bar Associations — remain unresolved. Then there is the potentially complex prospect of adjusting the Council’s constitution to accommodate membership from a body other than a law society or bar.
Nevertheless, ACLA was invited to tender a formal membership submission, which de Govrik confirmed would be followed up in due course. He added the Law Society of NSW’s recent resolution to afford in-house lawyers with two guaranteed seats on its council would add weight to any submission.
