From statutory obligations to representative functions, the responsibilities of the Law Society of NSW are numerous and so are the interests we seek to serve.

In carrying out our duties we strive to uphold the guiding principles expressed in our Vision and Mission statements. Our initiatives are focused on the following areas.

Enhancing the profession’s voice

We act as the voice of the legal profession, representing the interests of over 27,000 members, encouraging debate and actively driving law reform issues through policy submissions and open dialogue with Governments, parliamentary bodies, the Courts and the Attorney General’s Department. 

Regulating the profession

Endowed with co-regulatory duties with the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner, we set and enforce professional standards, license solicitors to practise, investigate complaints and administer discipline to ensure that both the community and the profession are properly served by ethical and responsible solicitors. 

Guiding the profession

We provide confidential guidance to solicitors about all aspects of the Legal Profession Act 2004 and its associated regulations. To complement assistance across sensitive ethical and compliance issues, we also help solicitors comply with their professional development obligations.

Uniting the profession

We unite the profession, helping members across the state stay in touch with legal developments and with fellow solicitors through a range of publications, networking opportunities and regional law societies. 

Supporting members

We provide a wide range of services to our members to assist them in their professional and personal lives, so that they can provide a better service for their clients and uphold the integrity of the profession. 

Connecting the profession and the community

The Law Society not only represents solicitors and the profession. We ensure the general public has appropriate access to justice and can be easily connected to members of the profession when they require legal advice.

As the largest and oldest professional association for solicitors in Australia, The Law Society of New South Wales offers opportunities across a range of disciplines and levels.

Due to the dual regulatory and representative roles of the Law Society, our staff members are engaged in interesting and unique challenges that have important implications for both the law and society as a whole.

The Law Society is committed to attracting and retaining skilled professionals who want to contribute to the legal profession, be at the forefront of significant policy debates and assist the public. Working at the Law Society offers the chance to be surrounded by motivated and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, who are all seeking to make a difference.

There is an inclusive team culture and permanent staff can also benefit from:

• Professional development opportunities
• A range of discounts and special offers through Member Connexions
• A confidential Employee Assistance Program for help with personal issues

A central CBD location that is close to public transport

NSW Young Lawyers was established in 1963 as a Committee of the Law Society of NSW. Today NSW Young Lawyers is the largest body of young and newly practising lawyers, and law students, in Australia, with 16 Committees each dedicated to a particular area of law.

Active, innovative and dynamic, we support practitioners in the early stages of their career development, giving them the opportunity to extend their network, expand their knowledge, advance their career and contribute to the profession and community.

Membership is free for all young legal practitioners (including barristers) in New South Wales under 36 years and/or in their first five years of practice, and law students.

Hear what our members have to say.

Eligibility

• Legal practitioners (including barristers) admitted to practice in NSW who are under the age of 36
• Legal practitioners (including barristers) in their first 5 years of practice post admission in NSW
• Students enrolled in an approved course of studies, the successful completion of which leads to the entitlement to apply for admission to practise as a lawyer or legal practitioner in NSW
• Associate Members of the Law Society who meet one of the first three criteria

Membership will conclude at the end of the year when a member turns 36, or at the end of their first 5 years of practice, whichever is the later event. 

Law Students & Graduates

NSW Young Lawyers offers over 50 years of experience and expertise to help law students and graduates through their legal education, and the early stages of their career.

NSW Young Lawyers gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the profession that they will soon be part of. It is a great opportunity to get involved in meaningful forum for change, expand their knowledge and network with link-minded professionals in a social environment.