29 May 2015

President of the Law Society of NSW, John Eades, has thanked NSW politicians from both sides of parliament for their ongoing support as legislation clearing the way for a common legal services market was introduced in NSW Parliament this week.

"I wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of all political parties in NSW over a number of years as we have worked to develop the framework for a common legal services market," Mr Eades said

Mr Eades made these comments following the introduction of the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 into NSW Parliament by NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton at lunchtime on Wednesday.

"It has been a long road to reform, but a necessary one due to the changing nature of legal practice in the context of nationalisation and globalisation of legal services," Mr Eades said

"I am pleased to say that on its commencement on 1 July, around 70 per cent of Australian lawyers will be regulated under the new scheme, with all the benefits this brings for both the profession and consumers.

Mr Eades said practitioners in small, medium and large firms, as well as those working in-house in corporate and government practice will benefit.

"In particular, the new scheme will deliver consistency in practising certificates, admissions to practice, continuing professional development and conduct rules.

"Clients will benefit from a regulatory system which is characterised by consistency and accessibility," Mr Eades said.

Media Contact: Jacob O'Shaughnessy 02 9926 0288 or 0413 440 699

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