Law Council of Australia President Tania Wolff says it is “more important than ever to vigorously defend” an independent legal profession and judiciary as they are “increasingly being undermined around the world”.
The LCA President made the comments as Law Week is celebrated in Australia this week, presenting an opportunity to “honour the significant contribution made by the legal profession”.
She said an independent legal profession underpinned the economic, political and social foundations of Australia.
Ms Wolff said an independent judiciary depended on an independent and thriving legal profession as “both serve the administration of justice”.
“Without an independent legal profession, the core elements that define Australian democracy face the risk of compromise or even collapse,” she said
“This independence helps maintain confidence that legal decisions and advice are based on law and facts, not political influence or popular demand.
“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.”
Ms Wolff said an independent legal profession was vital to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure fair, impartial justice by enabling lawyers to represent clients – including those
opposing the government or unpopular causes – without fear of reprisal, interference, or
pressure from external interests.
She said the legal profession also contributed to Australian society in a myriad of other ways.
“Coincidentally, it is also National Volunteer week and lawyers are prolific volunteers,” Ms Wolff said.
“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.
“Private practitioners are also central to the ongoing delivery of legal assistance services in this country.
“Lawyers help people experiencing disadvantage 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.
“And they often do so at great personal and financial cost to themselves and their practice because they believe in access to justice for all.”
Ms Wolff said the direct employment and economic benefits provided by the legal profession were immense.
“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.”
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