The rule of law – the idea that both the government and its citizens know the law and are ruled by it – is fundamental to the operation of a just and
democratic society. As officers of the court who help in the administration of justice, lawyers have a key role to play in upholding the rule of law.

It is therefore vital that the community has trust and confidence in its legal profession. In particular, it is important that members of the public from every background, and businesses of every size have ready access to high quality legal services.

As the regulator of lawyers in Victoria, we work to ensure that these services are provided by competent and ethical professionals, and meet the needs of consumers. We do this by licensing and supervising the providers of legal services, helping to resolve disputes between lawyers and clients and sanctioning bad or criminal behaviour.

This strategy sets out the objectives that guide the way we do our work effectively. It explains the way we have chosen to do our work. It ensures that we are transparent, responsive and accountable to all our stakeholders. It provides clarity of direction for our staff, and supports the best use of our resources.

This strategy should be read with our Corporate Plan. This sets out, over three years, our goals, activities and measures of success against this plan.

This strategy is critically important to maintaining and enhancing the VLSB+C’s legitimacy as a regulator. It underpins all that we do, as we work towards our goal of maintaining and enhancing public trust and confidence in the legal profession in Victoria.

 

Fiona McLeay

Victorian Legal Services Board

CEO and Commissioner