The name Stafford Shepherd is synonymous with ethical legal practice throughout Queensland and indeed Australia; now that recognition has an international dimension.
The former Director of the Queensland Law Society Ethics Centre, and current adjunct Professor with the University of Southern Queensland School of Law and Justice, will present a paper at the International Legal Ethics Conference, which will be held at the Amsterdam Law School in the Netherlands this week.
Stafford has for many years provided ethical guidance and practical mentoring to the Queensland legal profession, and will now share his knowledge more broadly.
His paper will consider the micro-role of the rule of law through the lens of our role as officers of the court, and how this shapes the client’s legal journey.
Proctor recently caught up with Stafford to discuss his latest venture.
It is a long way from Sandgate to Amsterdam, especially by way of a successful career running a practice and a significant stint guiding and growing the QLS Ethics Centre. What was Stafford Shepherd like as young boy growing up in the bay?
Both Dad and Mum encouraged me, my brother, and my sister to explore the bay, both its foreshore and the waters that make up the bay. As boy I used to sail in a Vagabond with Dad and my siblings, they were the some of the most enjoyable times of my life. We also had a Clinker, all our boats were called Snipe after the bird that migrated from Russia and spent its winter at the bay in Sandgate.
Sandgate was my area of practise for many years, I still have a significant number of clients who make contact with me even today for a chat.
What got you into the law, and who shaped your legal journey?
My Dad encouraged me to get into the law – he was in insurance and was always fascinated with the concept of the duty of care. Although I didn’t become a solicitor who practised significantly in personal injury law, it did open my mind to a career in general practice.
My Master Peter Young and Counsel Guy Wynter played important roles in shaping the solicitor I became. They gave me practicality and insight into people; the law is a people business.
How did the opportunity arise to present in Amsterdam?
I was approached by the organisers of the International Legal Ethics Conference to speak particularly about the work I am doing on how we as solicitors can shape our client’s journey. I suspect it was through the University of Southern Queensland that the invitation was first suggested.
I am staggered – and honoured – that anyone would be interested in my views. Still, I am looking forward to talking to our international colleagues, particularly about how we can enhance that journey for the client, how the retainer – the contract for legal service – can be structured and how we, by giving our advice, guidance, and wisdom to the client, can shape the journey that they have and can influence their behaviour.
Of course, as always, where the client’s instructions are lawful, competent and proper, we are obliged to follow them.
What will you cover in your presentation?
My presentation will cover those aspects that I have mentioned; particularly, I want to look at our role in the micro aspects of the rule of law.
As the late Sir Gerrard Brennan noted, it is in the mundane work that we do – the preparation of a contact, the appearance for a client in a Magistrates Court, the drafting of a will, the advice that we give to a client – that we are serving the rule of law. In that role, we are creating an environment for peace, good governance and security.
Although I am presenting at the conference by myself, when the paper is published it will be with my colleague Dr Anne Pickering, Sir Thomas School of Law, Australian Catholic University.
I wish also acknowledge that my thoughts have been shaped by the many conversations I have had with our members over the last 16 years. I thank them for giving me the opportunity to serve.
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