The organisation also put the spotlight on pro bono work done by lawyers
The Law Council of Australia (LCA) is commemorating Law Week in the country with a reminder of how important maintaining independence in the legal profession is.
According to president Tania Wolff, this independence holds together “the core elements that define Australian democracy”.
“Our independent judiciary – the third arm of government, along with Parliament and the Executive – depends in turn on an independent and thriving legal profession. Both serve the administration of justice”, Wolff said in a media statement. “This independence helps maintain confidence that legal decisions and advice are based on law and facts, not political influence or popular demand. As the independence of the legal profession and judiciary is increasingly being undermined around the world; it is more important than ever that we vigorously defend it here in Australia”.
She added that independence in the legal profession was key to maintaining the rule of law, human rights protection, and lawyers’ ability to provide legal representation without concerns of reprisal, interference or external pressure.
“Changes to our laws and deeply worrying safety-net funding gaps to help Australians most desperately in need are tearing holes in the fabric of this independence and the rule of law”, Wolff said.
The LCA president noted that National Volunteer Week is also being celebrated. She highlighted the pro bono work being done by the legal profession.
“From working with local not-for-profits and community organisations to volunteering their services in the wake of major disasters, lawyers step up to help. The number of pro bono hours provided each year by our profession continues to grow. In 2024-25, Australian lawyers provided 781,596 hours of pro bono work. This is an extraordinary contribution. We are unaware of any other profession which works for free to this extent”, Wolff said.
She noted that lawyers assisted a variety of clients, including young people and children, older Australians, people with disability, asylum seekers, people who are homeless, victim-survivors of family violence and First Nations people.
“Over 135,000 Australians are employed within the legal sector, and the total market size of the legal services sector is estimated to be approximately $33.6 billion”, Wolff said. “The direct employment and economic benefits provided by the legal profession are immense”.
