As a statutory body incorporated under the Legal Profession Act 2007, Queensland Law Society (QLS) holds specific statutory responsibilities which are governed by an elected Council. The Council works to ensure members' views are heard and represented to key stakeholders. The day-to-day operation of the Society is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer who is assisted by the Leadership Team.
The Society, in performing its functions under the Legal Profession Act 2007 and other Acts and managing the affairs of the Society, can be broadly described as:
The Society is a membership association that is conferred with regulatory powers under the Legal Profession Act 2007. Its governance is that of a statutory body, which requires annual reporting to the Attorney-General and tabling of its annual report to the Queensland Parliament.
The Society also provides education, ethical guidance, courses and opportunities for its members to attain specialist accreditation to formally recognise high level of competence and knowledge in their particular area of practice and the Practice Management Course to develop the essential managerial skills and expert knowledge to manage a legal practice and to obtain a principal practising certificate.
Our Council is responsible for leadership and governance of the Society, including the setting and review of the strategic plan and the Society’s operating performance as reported via the CEO. Council is also responsible for approving the annual budget and overseeing the financial management of the Society’s affairs. Our Council ensures QLS meets the needs of, and represents, our legal profession.
Council has delegated responsibility for management and day-to-day operations to the Society’s CEO, and the CEO has the authority to carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the directions and policies established by the Council. The CEO supports the Council in carrying out its governance functions and ensures that the Society operates in compliance with all statutory obligations.