This regulation turns the Legal Profession Act’s broad duties into detailed operational rules for handling trust, controlled and transit money, record-keeping, IT controls, backups, reporting and retention, plus fees, insurance and fidelity‑fund limits. It affects law practices, their principals, authorised signatories, registered foreign lawyers, community legal services and clients holding trust monies, and gives the law society wide approval and exemption powers. It matters because it raises compliance costs, shifts financial risk through indemnity and fidelity caps, and centralises implementation and enforcement with the law society.
The Legal Profession Regulation 2017 (the regulation) supplies detailed operational rules and prescriptions that implement and flesh out the Legal Profession Act 2007 (the Act). It does this by prescribing definitions, fees, forms of notice, record‑keeping practices, trust‑accounting mechanics, registration and disclosure requirements for foreign lawyers, fidelity fund rules, professional indemnity minimums, and procedural steps for disciplinary proceedings and investigations. The regulation commences on 1 September 2017 (s 2). It also contains a rounding rule for amounts expressed in fee units (s 2A), a dictionary reference to schedule 2 (s 3), and numerous specific cross‑references to provisions of the Act.
Mechanically, the regulation:
Prescribes who and what count as agencies and community legal services for certain Act purposes (ss 5-6). For example, Legal Aid Queensland is expressly prescribed as a community legal service (s 6).
Sets out prescribed legal practice exemptions and reserves certain types of practice for community legal services and specific non‑profit corporations (s 7).
Prescribes fees by reference to schedule 1 for admissions and other Act purposes (s 8) and gives the rounding rule for fee units (s 2A).
Lays down how supervised legal practice periods are computed (s 9) and the particulars to be recorded in practitioner registers (s 10, s 22).
Implements a large body of trust money and trust account rules: definitions (s 27), application (s 28), printing, backups and archival requirements for computerised accounting systems (ss 29-32), how to establish a compliant general trust account (s 33), receipting, deposit records and timing obligations (ss 34-36), permitted forms and authorisations for withdrawals (cheques s 37; EFT s 38), cash book and ledger content and timing (ss 39-42), journal transfers (s 43), monthly reconciliations and review by a principal (s 44), registers for controlled money and investments (ss 47-55), and retention periods for trust records (ss 59-60).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Legal Profession Regulation 2017.
126
pt.1.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the Legal Profession Regulation 2017 .
The part numbering of this regulation reflects the part numbering of the Legal Profession Act 2007 . Accordingly, sections in each part of this regulation relate to the corresponding part in the Act . As not every part of the Act has corresponding sections in this regulation, the part numbering of this regulation is not sequential.
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This regulation commences on 1 September 2017.
sec.2A
Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.2A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded—
if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 103
(sec.2A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded— if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards). If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
(a) if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(b) if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
pt.1.2
Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.3
Definitions
sec.3 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this regulation.
sec.4
Prescribed home jurisdiction criteria— Act , s 8
sec.4 Prescribed home jurisdiction criteria— Act , s 8
For section 8 (3) (b) (iii) of the Act , the following criteria are prescribed in relation to an associate of a law practice—
the jurisdiction of the associate’s place of residence in Australia;
if the associate does not have a place of residence in Australia, the jurisdiction of the associate’s last place of residence in Australia.
(a) the jurisdiction of the associate’s place of residence in Australia;
(b) if the associate does not have a place of residence in Australia, the jurisdiction of the associate’s last place of residence in Australia.
sec.5
Prescribed agencies— Act , s 12
sec.5 Prescribed agencies— Act , s 12
For section 12 (1) (a) of the Act , each of the following is prescribed as an agency—
the Australian Government Solicitor;
the Board of Architects of Queensland;
the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland;
the Crime and Corruption Commission;
each Hospital and Health Service under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 ;
the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland) ;
the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment;
the Office of the Ombudsman;
the parliamentary service;
the Queensland Building and Construction Commission;
the Queensland Treasury Corporation;
the Residential Tenancies Authority.
(a) the Australian Government Solicitor;
(b) the Board of Architects of Queensland;
(c) the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland;
(d) the Crime and Corruption Commission;
(e) each Hospital and Health Service under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 ;
(f) the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland) ;
(g) the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment;
(h) the Office of the Ombudsman;
(i) the parliamentary service;
(j) the Queensland Building and Construction Commission;
(k) the Queensland Treasury Corporation;
(l) the Residential Tenancies Authority.
sec.6
Prescribed community legal service— Act , sch 2 , definition community legal service
sec.6 Prescribed community legal service— Act , sch 2 , definition community legal service
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition community legal service , paragraph (b) , Legal Aid Queensland is prescribed as a community legal service.
pt.2.2
Reservation of legal work
Reservation of legal work
sec.7
Prescribed legal practice— Act , s 24
sec.7 Prescribed legal practice— Act , s 24
For section 24 (2) (e) of the Act , the following kinds of legal practice are prescribed—
the provision of legal services to the community, or a section of the community, by a community legal service;
the provision of legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
the provision of legal services, by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation (the representing corporation ) whose primary purpose is to represent a corporation mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (the represented corporation ), to a client of the represented corporation, under an agreement between the representing corporation and the represented corporation.
s 7 amd 2020 Act No. 15 s 146
(a) the provision of legal services to the community, or a section of the community, by a community legal service;
(b) the provision of legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
(c) the provision of legal services, by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation (the representing corporation ) whose primary purpose is to represent a corporation mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (the represented corporation ), to a client of the represented corporation, under an agreement between the representing corporation and the represented corporation.
pt.2.3
Admission of local lawyers
Admission of local lawyers
sec.8
Prescribed fees— Act , s 42
sec.8 Prescribed fees— Act , s 42
For section 42 of the Act , the fees stated in schedule 1 are prescribed.
pt.2.4
Legal practice by Australian legal practitioners
Legal practice by Australian legal practitioners
sec.9
Completion of periods of supervised legal practice
sec.9 Completion of periods of supervised legal practice
This section states how to work out whether a person has undertaken a period of supervised legal practice required under section 56 (1) or 77 (1) of the Act (each the required period ).
The person may undertake the supervised legal practice as—
1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a full-time basis, that is equal to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a part-time basis, that is equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
2 or more periods of supervised legal practice, worked on either or both a full-time basis or a part-time basis, that together are equal or equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis.
Both of the following count towards the required period—
public holidays during the period, whether or not the person engaged in legal practice on those days;
normal periods of leave taken during the period.
This section applies to supervised legal practice whether undertaken before or after the commencement.
(sec.9-ssec.1) This section states how to work out whether a person has undertaken a period of supervised legal practice required under section 56 (1) or 77 (1) of the Act (each the required period ).
(sec.9-ssec.2) The person may undertake the supervised legal practice as— 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a full-time basis, that is equal to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a part-time basis, that is equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or 2 or more periods of supervised legal practice, worked on either or both a full-time basis or a part-time basis, that together are equal or equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis.
(sec.9-ssec.3) Both of the following count towards the required period— public holidays during the period, whether or not the person engaged in legal practice on those days; normal periods of leave taken during the period.
(sec.9-ssec.4) This section applies to supervised legal practice whether undertaken before or after the commencement.
(a) 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a full-time basis, that is equal to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
(b) 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a part-time basis, that is equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
(c) 2 or more periods of supervised legal practice, worked on either or both a full-time basis or a part-time basis, that together are equal or equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis.
(a) public holidays during the period, whether or not the person engaged in legal practice on those days;
(b) normal periods of leave taken during the period.
sec.10
Prescribed particulars— Act , s 81
sec.10 Prescribed particulars— Act , s 81
For section 81 (2) (b) of the Act , the following particulars are, subject to subsection (3) , prescribed for each local legal practitioner recorded in the register—
the name of the practitioner;
the type of local practising certificate held by the practitioner;
the name of the law practice of which the practitioner is an associate or, if the practitioner is not an associate of a law practice, the name of the entity of which the practitioner is a director, officer or employee or with which the practitioner is otherwise engaged in legal practice;
the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity in this jurisdiction;
by way of separate additional entry, the name of the law practice or other entity and the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity—
in this jurisdiction; and
in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
any other particulars about the practitioner, law practice or other entity that the regulatory authority considers should be included.
A local legal practitioner may, by written notice to a regulatory authority, request that the authority not include any, or any stated, particulars (the notified particulars ) about the practitioner, law practice or other entity in the register, on the ground that special circumstances justify the notified particulars not being publicly available.
if the safety or wellbeing of a person would be substantially affected by making the particulars publicly available
If the regulatory authority is satisfied the special circumstances exist, the authority must not include the notified particulars in the register, unless the authority considers the public interest in keeping public access to the notified particulars outweighs any individual interest in the notified particulars not being publicly available.
Subsection (1) does not limit other information being included in the register at the request, or with the consent, of a local legal practitioner to whom the information relates.
a special area of legal practice the legal practitioner engages in.
In this section—
contact details , of an office, means—
the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and
the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and
the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any.
register means the register kept under section 81 (1) of the Act .
(sec.10-ssec.1) For section 81 (2) (b) of the Act , the following particulars are, subject to subsection (3) , prescribed for each local legal practitioner recorded in the register— the name of the practitioner; the type of local practising certificate held by the practitioner; the name of the law practice of which the practitioner is an associate or, if the practitioner is not an associate of a law practice, the name of the entity of which the practitioner is a director, officer or employee or with which the practitioner is otherwise engaged in legal practice; the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity in this jurisdiction; by way of separate additional entry, the name of the law practice or other entity and the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity— in this jurisdiction; and in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice; any other particulars about the practitioner, law practice or other entity that the regulatory authority considers should be included.
(sec.10-ssec.2) A local legal practitioner may, by written notice to a regulatory authority, request that the authority not include any, or any stated, particulars (the notified particulars ) about the practitioner, law practice or other entity in the register, on the ground that special circumstances justify the notified particulars not being publicly available. if the safety or wellbeing of a person would be substantially affected by making the particulars publicly available
(sec.10-ssec.3) If the regulatory authority is satisfied the special circumstances exist, the authority must not include the notified particulars in the register, unless the authority considers the public interest in keeping public access to the notified particulars outweighs any individual interest in the notified particulars not being publicly available.
(sec.10-ssec.4) Subsection (1) does not limit other information being included in the register at the request, or with the consent, of a local legal practitioner to whom the information relates. a special area of legal practice the legal practitioner engages in.
(sec.10-ssec.5) In this section— contact details , of an office, means— the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any. register means the register kept under section 81 (1) of the Act .
(a) the name of the practitioner;
(b) the type of local practising certificate held by the practitioner;
(c) the name of the law practice of which the practitioner is an associate or, if the practitioner is not an associate of a law practice, the name of the entity of which the practitioner is a director, officer or employee or with which the practitioner is otherwise engaged in legal practice;
(d) the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity in this jurisdiction;
(e) by way of separate additional entry, the name of the law practice or other entity and the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity— (i) in this jurisdiction; and (ii) in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
(i) in this jurisdiction; and
(ii) in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
(f) any other particulars about the practitioner, law practice or other entity that the regulatory authority considers should be included.
(i) in this jurisdiction; and
(ii) in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
(a) the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and
(b) the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and
(c) the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any.
pt.2.7
Incorporated legal practices and multidisciplinary partnerships
Incorporated legal practices and multidisciplinary partnerships
sec.11
Corporations prescribed as corporations that are not incorporated legal practices— Act , s 111
sec.11 Corporations prescribed as corporations that are not incorporated legal practices— Act , s 111
For section 111 (3) of the Act , each of the following is prescribed as a corporation that is not an incorporated legal practice—
a corporation that is a community legal service;
a corporation that provides legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people if the corporation is a publicly funded, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
a publicly funded, non-profit corporation (the representing corporation ) whose primary purpose is to represent a corporation mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (the represented corporation ), to a client of the represented corporation, under an agreement between the representing corporation and the represented corporation.
(a) a corporation that is a community legal service;
(b) a corporation that provides legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people if the corporation is a publicly funded, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
(c) a publicly funded, non-profit corporation (the representing corporation ) whose primary purpose is to represent a corporation mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (the represented corporation ), to a client of the represented corporation, under an agreement between the representing corporation and the represented corporation.
sec.12
Prohibition on conduct of managed investment scheme by incorporated legal practice
sec.12 Prohibition on conduct of managed investment scheme by incorporated legal practice
Section 112 (2) of the Act is declared to be a Corporations legislation displacement provision for the Corporations Act , section 5G , in relation to the Corporations legislation.
The Corporations Act , section 5G , states that if a State law declares a provision of State law to be a Corporations legislation displacement provision for the purposes of that section, any provision of the Corporations legislation with which the State provision would otherwise be inconsistent does not operate to the extent necessary to avoid the inconsistency.
sec.13
Prescribed period for notice of termination of provision of legal services— Act , s 116
sec.13 Prescribed period for notice of termination of provision of legal services— Act , s 116
For section 116 (1) of the Act , a period of 14 days is prescribed.
sec.14
Disqualifications and prohibitions
sec.14 Disqualifications and prohibitions
This section applies to each of the following—
an order made under section 132 of the Act disqualifying a corporation from providing legal services in this jurisdiction;
an order made under section 133 of the Act disqualifying a person from managing a corporation that is an incorporated legal practice;
an order made under section 158 of the Act prohibiting an Australian legal practitioner from being a partner of a stated person.
The commissioner or the law society may publicise an order in any way the commissioner or the law society considers appropriate.
The applicant for an order—
must, after the order is made, give written notice (the written notice ) of the order to the corresponding authority of every other jurisdiction; and
may give written notice (also the written notice ) of the order to any other regulatory authority of any jurisdiction.
The written notice for an order made under section 132 of the Act —
must state—
the corporation’s name; and
the Australian Company Number (ACN) of the corporation; and
the office or business address of the corporation, as last known to the applicant for the order; and
the date of the order; and
may contain other relevant information; and
may be accompanied by a copy or summary of, or extract from, the order.
The written notice for an order made under section 133 or 158 of the Act —
must state—
the person’s name; and
the person’s address, as last known to the applicant for the order; and
the date of the order; and
may contain other relevant information; and
may be accompanied by a copy or summary of, or extract from, the order.
(sec.14-ssec.1) This section applies to each of the following— an order made under section 132 of the Act disqualifying a corporation from providing legal services in this jurisdiction; an order made under section 133 of the Act disqualifying a person from managing a corporation that is an incorporated legal practice; an order made under section 158 of the Act prohibiting an Australian legal practitioner from being a partner of a stated person.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The commissioner or the law society may publicise an order in any way the commissioner or the law society considers appropriate.
(sec.14-ssec.3) The applicant for an order— must, after the order is made, give written notice (the written notice ) of the order to the corresponding authority of every other jurisdiction; and may give written notice (also the written notice ) of the order to any other regulatory authority of any jurisdiction.
(sec.14-ssec.4) The written notice for an order made under section 132 of the Act — must state— the corporation’s name; and the Australian Company Number (ACN) of the corporation; and the office or business address of the corporation, as last known to the applicant for the order; and the date of the order; and may contain other relevant information; and may be accompanied by a copy or summary of, or extract from, the order.
(sec.14-ssec.5) The written notice for an order made under section 133 or 158 of the Act — must state— the person’s name; and the person’s address, as last known to the applicant for the order; and the date of the order; and may contain other relevant information; and may be accompanied by a copy or summary of, or extract from, the order.
(a) an order made under section 132 of the Act disqualifying a corporation from providing legal services in this jurisdiction;
(b) an order made under section 133 of the Act disqualifying a person from managing a corporation that is an incorporated legal practice;
(c) an order made under section 158 of the Act prohibiting an Australian legal practitioner from being a partner of a stated person.
(a) must, after the order is made, give written notice (the written notice ) of the order to the corresponding authority of every other jurisdiction; and
(b) may give written notice (also the written notice ) of the order to any other regulatory authority of any jurisdiction.
(a) must state— (i) the corporation’s name; and (ii) the Australian Company Number (ACN) of the corporation; and (iii) the office or business address of the corporation, as last known to the applicant for the order; and (iv) the date of the order; and
(i) the corporation’s name; and
(ii) the Australian Company Number (ACN) of the corporation; and
(iii) the office or business address of the corporation, as last known to the applicant for the order; and
(iv) the date of the order; and
(b) may contain other relevant information; and
(c) may be accompanied by a copy or summary of, or extract from, the order.
(i) the corporation’s name; and
(ii) the Australian Company Number (ACN) of the corporation; and
(iii) the office or business address of the corporation, as last known to the applicant for the order; and
(iv) the date of the order; and
(a) must state— (i) the person’s name; and (ii) the person’s address, as last known to the applicant for the order; and (iii) the date of the order; and
(i) the person’s name; and
(ii) the person’s address, as last known to the applicant for the order; and
(iii) the date of the order; and
(b) may contain other relevant information; and
(c) may be accompanied by a copy or summary of, or extract from, the order.
(i) the person’s name; and
(ii) the person’s address, as last known to the applicant for the order; and
(iii) the date of the order; and
pt.2.8
Legal practice by foreign lawyers
Legal practice by foreign lawyers
sec.15
Prescribed legal services— Act , s 167
sec.15 Prescribed legal services— Act , s 167
For section 167 (1) (b) of the Act , an arbitration proceeding is prescribed if, in the proceeding—
the arbitrator is not required to apply the rules of evidence; and
knowledge of Australian law is not essential.
For section 167 (1) (d) of the Act , all forms of dispute resolution, other than restricted dispute resolution, are prescribed.
In this section—
dispute resolution means conciliation, mediation and other forms of consensual dispute resolution.
restricted dispute resolution means dispute resolution in which participation is restricted to a stated class of persons, that does not include Australian-registered foreign lawyers, under—
the provisions of other legislation applying to the dispute resolution; or
the requirements of a body responsible for the dispute resolution; or
the provisions of a contract that provides for the dispute resolution.
(sec.15-ssec.1) For section 167 (1) (b) of the Act , an arbitration proceeding is prescribed if, in the proceeding— the arbitrator is not required to apply the rules of evidence; and knowledge of Australian law is not essential.
(sec.15-ssec.2) For section 167 (1) (d) of the Act , all forms of dispute resolution, other than restricted dispute resolution, are prescribed.
(sec.15-ssec.3) In this section— dispute resolution means conciliation, mediation and other forms of consensual dispute resolution. restricted dispute resolution means dispute resolution in which participation is restricted to a stated class of persons, that does not include Australian-registered foreign lawyers, under— the provisions of other legislation applying to the dispute resolution; or the requirements of a body responsible for the dispute resolution; or the provisions of a contract that provides for the dispute resolution.
(a) the arbitrator is not required to apply the rules of evidence; and
(b) knowledge of Australian law is not essential.
(a) the provisions of other legislation applying to the dispute resolution; or
(b) the requirements of a body responsible for the dispute resolution; or
(c) the provisions of a contract that provides for the dispute resolution.
sec.16
Application of particular provisions to Australian-registered foreign lawyers— Act , s 174
sec.16 Application of particular provisions to Australian-registered foreign lawyers— Act , s 174
For section 174 (2) of the Act , the following provisions apply to Australian-registered foreign lawyers as if a reference in the provisions to a law practice, or an Australian legal practitioner, were a reference to an Australian-registered foreign lawyer—
the provisions of part 3.3 of the Act and any other provisions of the Act , other than part 3.6 of the Act , relating to trust money and trust accounts;
the provisions of part 3.3 and any other provisions of this regulation relating to trust money and trust accounts;
any provisions of any legal profession rules relating to trust money and trust accounts.
(a) the provisions of part 3.3 of the Act and any other provisions of the Act , other than part 3.6 of the Act , relating to trust money and trust accounts;
(b) the provisions of part 3.3 and any other provisions of this regulation relating to trust money and trust accounts;
(c) any provisions of any legal profession rules relating to trust money and trust accounts.
sec.17
Application of pt 3.6 of the Act to particular locally registered foreign lawyers— Act , s 176
sec.17 Application of pt 3.6 of the Act to particular locally registered foreign lawyers— Act , s 176
For section 176 of the Act , this section states how particular provisions of part 3.6 of the Act apply to a locally registered foreign lawyer practising foreign law in this jurisdiction as an associate of a law practice.
Section 368 of the Act applies to the foreign lawyer as if a reference in that section to a local practising certificate were a reference to a local registration certificate within the meaning of section 163 of the Act .
Section 369 of the Act applies to the foreign lawyer as if a reference in that section to a local legal practitioner were a reference to a locally registered foreign lawyer.
(sec.17-ssec.1) For section 176 of the Act , this section states how particular provisions of part 3.6 of the Act apply to a locally registered foreign lawyer practising foreign law in this jurisdiction as an associate of a law practice.
(sec.17-ssec.2) Section 368 of the Act applies to the foreign lawyer as if a reference in that section to a local practising certificate were a reference to a local registration certificate within the meaning of section 163 of the Act .
(sec.17-ssec.3) Section 369 of the Act applies to the foreign lawyer as if a reference in that section to a local legal practitioner were a reference to a locally registered foreign lawyer.
sec.18
Locally registered foreign lawyers not covered by fidelity fund
sec.18 Locally registered foreign lawyers not covered by fidelity fund
This section applies to a locally registered foreign lawyer practising foreign law in this jurisdiction otherwise than as an associate of a law practice.
The foreign lawyer may not practise foreign law in this jurisdiction on behalf of a client unless the foreign lawyer has provided the client with a disclosure statement in relation to the foreign lawyer’s lack of cover by the fidelity fund.
A disclosure statement under subsection (2) is not valid unless—
it is in writing; and
it is in English or, if the client does not have a reasonable understanding of English, in some other language of which the client has a reasonable understanding; and
it states that the foreign lawyer is not covered by the fidelity fund in relation to the practice of foreign law in this jurisdiction; and
it states that Australian legal practitioners generally are covered by the fidelity fund.
(sec.18-ssec.1) This section applies to a locally registered foreign lawyer practising foreign law in this jurisdiction otherwise than as an associate of a law practice.
(sec.18-ssec.2) The foreign lawyer may not practise foreign law in this jurisdiction on behalf of a client unless the foreign lawyer has provided the client with a disclosure statement in relation to the foreign lawyer’s lack of cover by the fidelity fund.
(sec.18-ssec.3) A disclosure statement under subsection (2) is not valid unless— it is in writing; and it is in English or, if the client does not have a reasonable understanding of English, in some other language of which the client has a reasonable understanding; and it states that the foreign lawyer is not covered by the fidelity fund in relation to the practice of foreign law in this jurisdiction; and it states that Australian legal practitioners generally are covered by the fidelity fund.
(a) it is in writing; and
(b) it is in English or, if the client does not have a reasonable understanding of English, in some other language of which the client has a reasonable understanding; and
(c) it states that the foreign lawyer is not covered by the fidelity fund in relation to the practice of foreign law in this jurisdiction; and
(d) it states that Australian legal practitioners generally are covered by the fidelity fund.
sec.19
Fees for application for grant or renewal of registration as foreign lawyer— Act , s 181
sec.19 Fees for application for grant or renewal of registration as foreign lawyer— Act , s 181
For section 181 (1) (b) of the Act , the fee prescribed is 325 fee units.
s 19 amd 2018 SL No. 72 s 71 ; 2019 SL No. 105 s 71 ; 2020 SL No. 143 s 72 ; 2021 SL No. 84 s 71 ; 2022 SL No. 79 s 104
sec.20
Written statement for show cause event— Act , s 192
sec.20 Written statement for show cause event— Act , s 192
For section 192 (2) of the Act , a written statement must be in English.
sec.21
Addressee for notification of offence— Act , s 204
sec.21 Addressee for notification of offence— Act , s 204
For section 204 (3) of the Act , the person to whom a notice is to be given is the secretary of the law society.
For subsection (1) , the notice may be given to the secretary at Law Society House, 179 Ann Street Brisbane, 4000.
(sec.21-ssec.1) For section 204 (3) of the Act , the person to whom a notice is to be given is the secretary of the law society.
(sec.21-ssec.2) For subsection (1) , the notice may be given to the secretary at Law Society House, 179 Ann Street Brisbane, 4000.
sec.22
Prescribed particulars— Act , s 210
sec.22 Prescribed particulars— Act , s 210
For section 210 (2) (b) of the Act , the following particulars are, subject to subsection (3) , prescribed for each locally registered foreign lawyer recorded in the register—
the name of the foreign lawyer;
the name of the partnership of which the lawyer is a member or employee or, if the lawyer is not a member or employee of a partnership, the name of the entity of which the lawyer is a director, officer or employee or with which the lawyer is otherwise engaged in legal practice;
the contact details of the office of the partnership or other entity in this jurisdiction;
by way of separate additional entry, the name of the partnership or other entity and the contact details of the office of the partnership or other entity—
in this jurisdiction; and
in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the law society considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
details of the foreign registration authority or authorities by which the lawyer is registered to engage in legal practice in a foreign country or foreign countries;
any other particulars about the lawyer, partnership or other entity the law society considers should be included.
A locally registered foreign lawyer may, by written notice to the law society, request the society not to include any or any stated particulars (the notified particulars ) about the lawyer, partnership or other entity in the register, on the ground that special circumstances justify the notified particulars not being publicly available.
if the safety or wellbeing of a person would be substantially affected by making the particulars publicly available
If the law society is satisfied the special circumstances exist, the society must not include the notified particulars in the register, unless the society considers the public interest in keeping public access to the notified particulars outweighs any individual interest in the notified particulars not being publicly available.
Subsection (1) does not limit other information being included in the register at the request or with the consent of the local legal practitioner.
a special area of legal practice the legal practitioner engages in
In this section—
contact details , of an office, means—
the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and
the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and
the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any.
register means the register kept under section 210 (1) of the Act .
(sec.22-ssec.1) For section 210 (2) (b) of the Act , the following particulars are, subject to subsection (3) , prescribed for each locally registered foreign lawyer recorded in the register— the name of the foreign lawyer; the name of the partnership of which the lawyer is a member or employee or, if the lawyer is not a member or employee of a partnership, the name of the entity of which the lawyer is a director, officer or employee or with which the lawyer is otherwise engaged in legal practice; the contact details of the office of the partnership or other entity in this jurisdiction; by way of separate additional entry, the name of the partnership or other entity and the contact details of the office of the partnership or other entity— in this jurisdiction; and in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the law society considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice; details of the foreign registration authority or authorities by which the lawyer is registered to engage in legal practice in a foreign country or foreign countries; any other particulars about the lawyer, partnership or other entity the law society considers should be included.
(sec.22-ssec.2) A locally registered foreign lawyer may, by written notice to the law society, request the society not to include any or any stated particulars (the notified particulars ) about the lawyer, partnership or other entity in the register, on the ground that special circumstances justify the notified particulars not being publicly available. if the safety or wellbeing of a person would be substantially affected by making the particulars publicly available
(sec.22-ssec.3) If the law society is satisfied the special circumstances exist, the society must not include the notified particulars in the register, unless the society considers the public interest in keeping public access to the notified particulars outweighs any individual interest in the notified particulars not being publicly available.
(sec.22-ssec.4) Subsection (1) does not limit other information being included in the register at the request or with the consent of the local legal practitioner. a special area of legal practice the legal practitioner engages in
(sec.22-ssec.5) In this section— contact details , of an office, means— the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any. register means the register kept under section 210 (1) of the Act .
(a) the name of the foreign lawyer;
(b) the name of the partnership of which the lawyer is a member or employee or, if the lawyer is not a member or employee of a partnership, the name of the entity of which the lawyer is a director, officer or employee or with which the lawyer is otherwise engaged in legal practice;
(c) the contact details of the office of the partnership or other entity in this jurisdiction;
(d) by way of separate additional entry, the name of the partnership or other entity and the contact details of the office of the partnership or other entity— (i) in this jurisdiction; and (ii) in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the law society considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
(i) in this jurisdiction; and
(ii) in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the law society considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
(e) details of the foreign registration authority or authorities by which the lawyer is registered to engage in legal practice in a foreign country or foreign countries;
(f) any other particulars about the lawyer, partnership or other entity the law society considers should be included.
(i) in this jurisdiction; and
(ii) in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the law society considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
(a) the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and
(b) the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and
(c) the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any.
sec.23
Refund of fees— Act , s 215
sec.23 Refund of fees— Act , s 215
This section applies if the registration of a foreign lawyer is suspended or cancelled during its currency other than as the result of a complaint or disciplinary matter.
For section 215 of the Act , the law society must refund, to the foreign lawyer, a portion of each fee paid in relation to the registration.
The law society must decide the portion by considering the number of days for which—
the registration had effect; and
the registration was suspended or cancelled.
(sec.23-ssec.1) This section applies if the registration of a foreign lawyer is suspended or cancelled during its currency other than as the result of a complaint or disciplinary matter.
(sec.23-ssec.2) For section 215 of the Act , the law society must refund, to the foreign lawyer, a portion of each fee paid in relation to the registration.
(sec.23-ssec.3) The law society must decide the portion by considering the number of days for which— the registration had effect; and the registration was suspended or cancelled.
(a) the registration had effect; and
(b) the registration was suspended or cancelled.
pt.3.2
Manner of legal practice
Manner of legal practice
sec.24
Government legal officers and application of legal profession rules
sec.24 Government legal officers and application of legal profession rules
A provision of the solicitors rules or the barristers rules does not apply to a government legal officer if—
the officer does not hold a local practising certificate granted by the regulatory authority that made the rules; or
otherwise—compliance with the provision would involve the officer committing an act contrary to, or failing to do an act for a purpose of, another Act that applies to the officer because of the officer’s employment or appointment in an entity mentioned in section 12 (1) of the Act or section 5 .
For the relationship between the solicitors rules or the barristers rules and a provision of this regulation, see section 229 of the Act .
(a) the officer does not hold a local practising certificate granted by the regulatory authority that made the rules; or
(b) otherwise—compliance with the provision would involve the officer committing an act contrary to, or failing to do an act for a purpose of, another Act that applies to the officer because of the officer’s employment or appointment in an entity mentioned in section 12 (1) of the Act or section 5 .
sec.25
Prohibition on law practice and its associates acting as real estate agents for related transactions
sec.25 Prohibition on law practice and its associates acting as real estate agents for related transactions
A law practice must not provide legal services to a person relating to a transaction if the law practice has provided services, as a POA licensee or interstate real estate agent, to the person for the transaction.
If a local legal practitioner holds a POA licence and is the real estate agent for the sale of a house, neither the practitioner nor a law practice of which the practitioner is an associate may provide legal services to the seller or purchaser of the house or to an entity that provides financing.
For the relationship between the solicitors rules or the barristers rules and a provision of this regulation, see section 229 of the Act .
In this section—
interstate real estate agent means a person who, under a corresponding law within the meaning of the Property Occupations Act 2014 , may lawfully perform functions under that corresponding law that a POA licensee may perform under the Property Occupations Act 2014 .
law practice includes an associate of the law practice.
POA licensee see section 24 (7) of the Act .
(sec.25-ssec.1) A law practice must not provide legal services to a person relating to a transaction if the law practice has provided services, as a POA licensee or interstate real estate agent, to the person for the transaction. If a local legal practitioner holds a POA licence and is the real estate agent for the sale of a house, neither the practitioner nor a law practice of which the practitioner is an associate may provide legal services to the seller or purchaser of the house or to an entity that provides financing. For the relationship between the solicitors rules or the barristers rules and a provision of this regulation, see section 229 of the Act .
(sec.25-ssec.2) In this section— interstate real estate agent means a person who, under a corresponding law within the meaning of the Property Occupations Act 2014 , may lawfully perform functions under that corresponding law that a POA licensee may perform under the Property Occupations Act 2014 . law practice includes an associate of the law practice. POA licensee see section 24 (7) of the Act .
sec.26
Restriction on setting fees under administration rules
sec.26 Restriction on setting fees under administration rules
A regulatory authority may not set a fee under an administration rule for the grant or renewal of a practising certificate that differs according to whether the legal practitioner is a member of the regulatory authority.
For the relationship between the administration rules and a provision of this regulation, see section 233 of the Act .
pt.3.3
Trust money and trust accounts
Trust money and trust accounts
pt.3.3-div.1
Trust money and trust accounts
Trust money and trust accounts
sec.27
Definitions for division
sec.27 Definitions for division
In this division—
associate , in relation to a law practice, means an associate of the law practice.
BSB number means the number assigned to identify a particular branch of a particular ADI.
BSB number is an abbreviation for Bank State Branch number.
matter description means a brief phrase or expression assigned by a law practice to describe a matter.
matter reference means a number or other reference assigned by a law practice to identify a matter.
trust money means trust money to which this division applies under section 28 .
sec.28
Application of division
sec.28 Application of division
This division applies to a law practice in relation to—
trust money received by the practice in this jurisdiction, unless the practice has an office in one or more other jurisdictions but not in this jurisdiction; and
trust money received by the practice in another jurisdiction, if the practice has an office in this jurisdiction but in no other jurisdiction; and
trust money received by the practice in another jurisdiction, if the practice has an office in—
this jurisdiction; and
one or more other jurisdictions but not in the jurisdiction in which the money was received;
unless the money is dealt with under the corresponding law of a jurisdiction in which the practice has an office.
However, sections 29 to 32 apply only to a law practice that keeps trust records, including records relating to controlled money, using a computerised accounting system.
(sec.28-ssec.1) This division applies to a law practice in relation to— trust money received by the practice in this jurisdiction, unless the practice has an office in one or more other jurisdictions but not in this jurisdiction; and trust money received by the practice in another jurisdiction, if the practice has an office in this jurisdiction but in no other jurisdiction; and trust money received by the practice in another jurisdiction, if the practice has an office in— this jurisdiction; and one or more other jurisdictions but not in the jurisdiction in which the money was received; unless the money is dealt with under the corresponding law of a jurisdiction in which the practice has an office.
(sec.28-ssec.2) However, sections 29 to 32 apply only to a law practice that keeps trust records, including records relating to controlled money, using a computerised accounting system.
(a) trust money received by the practice in this jurisdiction, unless the practice has an office in one or more other jurisdictions but not in this jurisdiction; and
(b) trust money received by the practice in another jurisdiction, if the practice has an office in this jurisdiction but in no other jurisdiction; and
(c) trust money received by the practice in another jurisdiction, if the practice has an office in— (i) this jurisdiction; and (ii) one or more other jurisdictions but not in the jurisdiction in which the money was received; unless the money is dealt with under the corresponding law of a jurisdiction in which the practice has an office.
(i) this jurisdiction; and
(ii) one or more other jurisdictions but not in the jurisdiction in which the money was received;
(i) this jurisdiction; and
(ii) one or more other jurisdictions but not in the jurisdiction in which the money was received;
sec.29
Keeping and printing trust records
sec.29 Keeping and printing trust records
The law practice must maintain and keep, in printed form or in readable and printable form, the following copies of trust records—
a copy of trust account receipts and payments cash books as at the end of each named month;
a copy of reconciliation statements prepared under section 44 as at the end of each named month;
a copy of lists of trust ledger accounts and their balances as at the end of each named month;
a copy of lists of controlled money accounts and their balances as at the end of each named month.
The law practice must—
print a paper copy of trust ledger accounts, the controlled money movement records and the trust transfer journal before they are archived or deleted from the system; and
on request by an investigator, provide to the investigator a printed copy of trust ledger accounts and controlled money account details.
The copies of trust records, as at the end of a named month under subsection (1) (a) to (d) , must be prepared within 15 working days after the end of the named month.
The paper copies printed under subsection (2) must be kept by the law practice, unless they have been provided on request under that subsection.
(sec.29-ssec.1) The law practice must maintain and keep, in printed form or in readable and printable form, the following copies of trust records— a copy of trust account receipts and payments cash books as at the end of each named month; a copy of reconciliation statements prepared under section 44 as at the end of each named month; a copy of lists of trust ledger accounts and their balances as at the end of each named month; a copy of lists of controlled money accounts and their balances as at the end of each named month.
(sec.29-ssec.2) The law practice must— print a paper copy of trust ledger accounts, the controlled money movement records and the trust transfer journal before they are archived or deleted from the system; and on request by an investigator, provide to the investigator a printed copy of trust ledger accounts and controlled money account details.
(sec.29-ssec.3) The copies of trust records, as at the end of a named month under subsection (1) (a) to (d) , must be prepared within 15 working days after the end of the named month.
(sec.29-ssec.4) The paper copies printed under subsection (2) must be kept by the law practice, unless they have been provided on request under that subsection.
(a) a copy of trust account receipts and payments cash books as at the end of each named month;
(b) a copy of reconciliation statements prepared under section 44 as at the end of each named month;
(c) a copy of lists of trust ledger accounts and their balances as at the end of each named month;
(d) a copy of lists of controlled money accounts and their balances as at the end of each named month.
(a) print a paper copy of trust ledger accounts, the controlled money movement records and the trust transfer journal before they are archived or deleted from the system; and
(b) on request by an investigator, provide to the investigator a printed copy of trust ledger accounts and controlled money account details.
sec.30
Chronological record of information to be made
sec.30 Chronological record of information to be made
The law practice must make a record, compiled in chronological sequence, of the creation, amendment or deletion of information in its computerised accounting system in relation to the following—
client name;
client address;
matter reference;
matter description;
ledger account number or other descriptor.
The law practice must keep the record.
(sec.30-ssec.1) The law practice must make a record, compiled in chronological sequence, of the creation, amendment or deletion of information in its computerised accounting system in relation to the following— client name; client address; matter reference; matter description; ledger account number or other descriptor.
(sec.30-ssec.2) The law practice must keep the record.
(a) client name;
(b) client address;
(c) matter reference;
(d) matter description;
(e) ledger account number or other descriptor.
sec.31
Requirements regarding computer accounting systems
sec.31 Requirements regarding computer accounting systems
The law practice must ensure its computerised accounting system is not capable of accepting, in relation to a trust ledger account, the entry of a transaction resulting in a debit balance to the account, unless a contemporaneous record of the transaction is made in a way that enables the production in a permanent form, on demand, of a separate chronological report of all occurrences of that kind.
The law practice must ensure the system is not capable of deleting a trust ledger account unless—
the balance of the account is zero and all outstanding cheques have been presented; and
when the account is deleted, a copy of the account is kept in a permanent form.
The law practice must ensure any entry in a record produced in a permanent form appears in chronological sequence.
The law practice must ensure each page of each printed record is numbered sequentially or is printed in a way that no page can be extracted.
The law practice must ensure its computerised accounting system is not capable of amending the particulars of a transaction already recorded otherwise than by a transaction separately recorded that makes the amendment.
The law practice must ensure its computerised accounting system requires input in every field of a data entry screen intended to receive information required by this division to be included in trust records.
(sec.31-ssec.1) The law practice must ensure its computerised accounting system is not capable of accepting, in relation to a trust ledger account, the entry of a transaction resulting in a debit balance to the account, unless a contemporaneous record of the transaction is made in a way that enables the production in a permanent form, on demand, of a separate chronological report of all occurrences of that kind.
(sec.31-ssec.2) The law practice must ensure the system is not capable of deleting a trust ledger account unless— the balance of the account is zero and all outstanding cheques have been presented; and when the account is deleted, a copy of the account is kept in a permanent form.
(sec.31-ssec.3) The law practice must ensure any entry in a record produced in a permanent form appears in chronological sequence.
(sec.31-ssec.4) The law practice must ensure each page of each printed record is numbered sequentially or is printed in a way that no page can be extracted.
(sec.31-ssec.5) The law practice must ensure its computerised accounting system is not capable of amending the particulars of a transaction already recorded otherwise than by a transaction separately recorded that makes the amendment.
(sec.31-ssec.6) The law practice must ensure its computerised accounting system requires input in every field of a data entry screen intended to receive information required by this division to be included in trust records.
(a) the balance of the account is zero and all outstanding cheques have been presented; and
(b) when the account is deleted, a copy of the account is kept in a permanent form.
sec.32
Backups
sec.32 Backups
The law practice must ensure—
a backup copy of all records required by this division is made at least once each month; and
each backup copy is kept by the law practice; and
a complete set of backup copies is kept in a separate location that prevents any incident, that may adversely affect the records, from affecting the backup copy.
(a) a backup copy of all records required by this division is made at least once each month; and
(b) each backup copy is kept by the law practice; and
(c) a complete set of backup copies is kept in a separate location that prevents any incident, that may adversely affect the records, from affecting the backup copy.
sec.33
Establishment of general trust account— Act , s 247
sec.33 Establishment of general trust account— Act , s 247
A law practice must, after receiving trust money that is required to be paid into a general trust account, establish a compliant general trust account if the practice does not already have a compliant general trust account.
Subsection (1) does not prevent a law practice from establishing a compliant general trust account at any time.
A general trust account is compliant if—
the account is established in this jurisdiction, at any time, with an approved ADI; and
the account is and will be kept in this jurisdiction; and
the name of the account includes—
the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and
the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’; and
the account is of a kind that is, for the time being, approved by the law society.
Subsection (3) (c) does not apply to an account established in this jurisdiction before 1 July 2007.
Subsection (3) (c) (ii) does not require the repetition of the words ‘law practice’ if those words form part of the name or business name of the law practice.
(sec.33-ssec.1) A law practice must, after receiving trust money that is required to be paid into a general trust account, establish a compliant general trust account if the practice does not already have a compliant general trust account.
(sec.33-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not prevent a law practice from establishing a compliant general trust account at any time.
(sec.33-ssec.3) A general trust account is compliant if— the account is established in this jurisdiction, at any time, with an approved ADI; and the account is and will be kept in this jurisdiction; and the name of the account includes— the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’; and the account is of a kind that is, for the time being, approved by the law society.
(sec.33-ssec.4) Subsection (3) (c) does not apply to an account established in this jurisdiction before 1 July 2007.
(sec.33-ssec.5) Subsection (3) (c) (ii) does not require the repetition of the words ‘law practice’ if those words form part of the name or business name of the law practice.
(a) the account is established in this jurisdiction, at any time, with an approved ADI; and
(b) the account is and will be kept in this jurisdiction; and
(c) the name of the account includes— (i) the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and (ii) the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’; and
(i) the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and
(ii) the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’; and
(d) the account is of a kind that is, for the time being, approved by the law society.
(i) the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and
(ii) the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’; and
sec.34
Receipting of trust money
sec.34 Receipting of trust money
This section applies if a law practice receives trust money that is required to be paid into a general trust account.
After receiving the trust money, the law practice must make out a receipt.
The receipt must be made—
after the trust money is received, except as provided by paragraph (b) ; or
for trust money received by direct deposit—after the law practice receives or accesses notice or confirmation, in written or electronic form, of the deposit from the ADI concerned.
Under section 18 of the Act , if no time is provided or allowed for doing something under the Act , the thing is to be done as soon as practicable.
The receipt, containing the required particulars, must be made out in duplicate, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise, unless at the time the receipt is made out the required particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account receipts cash book.
For subsection (4) , the following particulars are required particulars —
the date the receipt is made out and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
the amount of money received;
the form in which the money was received;
the name of the person from whom the money was received;
details clearly identifying the name of the client in relation to whom the money was received and the matter description and matter reference;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received;
the name of the law practice, or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice, and the expression ‘trust account’ or ‘trust a/c’;
the name of the person who made out the receipt;
the number of the receipt.
The original receipt must be delivered, on request, to the person from whom the trust money was received.
Receipts must be consecutively numbered and issued in consecutive sequence.
If a receipt is cancelled or not delivered, the original receipt must be kept.
(sec.34-ssec.1) This section applies if a law practice receives trust money that is required to be paid into a general trust account.
(sec.34-ssec.2) After receiving the trust money, the law practice must make out a receipt.
(sec.34-ssec.3) The receipt must be made— after the trust money is received, except as provided by paragraph (b) ; or for trust money received by direct deposit—after the law practice receives or accesses notice or confirmation, in written or electronic form, of the deposit from the ADI concerned. Under section 18 of the Act , if no time is provided or allowed for doing something under the Act , the thing is to be done as soon as practicable.
(sec.34-ssec.4) The receipt, containing the required particulars, must be made out in duplicate, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise, unless at the time the receipt is made out the required particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account receipts cash book.
(sec.34-ssec.5) For subsection (4) , the following particulars are required particulars — the date the receipt is made out and, if different, the date of receipt of the money; the amount of money received; the form in which the money was received; the name of the person from whom the money was received; details clearly identifying the name of the client in relation to whom the money was received and the matter description and matter reference; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received; the name of the law practice, or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice, and the expression ‘trust account’ or ‘trust a/c’; the name of the person who made out the receipt; the number of the receipt.
(sec.34-ssec.6) The original receipt must be delivered, on request, to the person from whom the trust money was received.
(sec.34-ssec.7) Receipts must be consecutively numbered and issued in consecutive sequence.
(sec.34-ssec.8) If a receipt is cancelled or not delivered, the original receipt must be kept.
(a) after the trust money is received, except as provided by paragraph (b) ; or
(b) for trust money received by direct deposit—after the law practice receives or accesses notice or confirmation, in written or electronic form, of the deposit from the ADI concerned.
(a) the date the receipt is made out and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
(b) the amount of money received;
(c) the form in which the money was received;
(d) the name of the person from whom the money was received;
(e) details clearly identifying the name of the client in relation to whom the money was received and the matter description and matter reference;
(f) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received;
(g) the name of the law practice, or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice, and the expression ‘trust account’ or ‘trust a/c’;
(h) the name of the person who made out the receipt;
(i) the number of the receipt.
sec.35
Deposit records for trust money
sec.35 Deposit records for trust money
This section applies if a law practice receives trust money that is required to be paid into a general trust account and the money is not paid into a general trust account by direct deposit.
A deposit record must be produced to the approved ADI at the time the deposit is made.
The following particulars must be recorded on the deposit record—
the date of the deposit;
the amount of the deposit;
whether the deposit consists of cheques, notes or coins, and the amount of each;
for each cheque—
the name of the drawer of the cheque; and
the name and branch, or BSB number, of the ADI on which the cheque is drawn; and
the amount of the cheque.
The deposit record must be made out in duplicate, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise.
The duplicate deposit record must be kept for each deposit to the general trust account and must be kept in a deposit book or be otherwise securely filed in the order in which the deposits were made.
(sec.35-ssec.1) This section applies if a law practice receives trust money that is required to be paid into a general trust account and the money is not paid into a general trust account by direct deposit.
(sec.35-ssec.2) A deposit record must be produced to the approved ADI at the time the deposit is made.
(sec.35-ssec.3) The following particulars must be recorded on the deposit record— the date of the deposit; the amount of the deposit; whether the deposit consists of cheques, notes or coins, and the amount of each; for each cheque— the name of the drawer of the cheque; and the name and branch, or BSB number, of the ADI on which the cheque is drawn; and the amount of the cheque.
(sec.35-ssec.4) The deposit record must be made out in duplicate, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise.
(sec.35-ssec.5) The duplicate deposit record must be kept for each deposit to the general trust account and must be kept in a deposit book or be otherwise securely filed in the order in which the deposits were made.
(a) the date of the deposit;
(b) the amount of the deposit;
(c) whether the deposit consists of cheques, notes or coins, and the amount of each;
(d) for each cheque— (i) the name of the drawer of the cheque; and (ii) the name and branch, or BSB number, of the ADI on which the cheque is drawn; and (iii) the amount of the cheque.
(i) the name of the drawer of the cheque; and
(ii) the name and branch, or BSB number, of the ADI on which the cheque is drawn; and
(iii) the amount of the cheque.
(i) the name of the drawer of the cheque; and
(ii) the name and branch, or BSB number, of the ADI on which the cheque is drawn; and
(iii) the amount of the cheque.
sec.36
Period for keeping direction for non-deposit of trust money in general trust account— Act , s 248
sec.36 Period for keeping direction for non-deposit of trust money in general trust account— Act , s 248
For section 248 (3) of the Act , the prescribed period is the period—
beginning when the law practice receives the written direction; and
ending 7 years after finalisation of the matter to which the direction relates.
(a) beginning when the law practice receives the written direction; and
(b) ending 7 years after finalisation of the matter to which the direction relates.
sec.37
Payment by cheque
sec.37 Payment by cheque
This section applies to the withdrawal of trust money from a general trust account of a law practice by cheque.
The cheque—
must be made payable to or to the order of a stated person or persons and not to bearer or cash; and
must be crossed ‘not negotiable’; and
must include—
the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and
the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’.
The cheque must be signed—
by an authorised principal of the law practice; or
if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available—
by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
by 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
A written record of the required particulars (including a record in the form of a cheque butt) must be kept of each payment made by cheque, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise, unless at the time the cheque is issued those particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book.
If, at the time the cheque is issued, the required particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book, a written record must be kept that is sufficient to enable the accuracy of the particulars recorded by the computer program to be verified.
For subsections (4) and (5) , the following particulars are required particulars —
the date and number of the cheque;
the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque;
the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
Written records relating to payments by cheque, including cheque requisitions, must be kept in the order in which the cheques were issued.
Subsection (2) (c) does not apply to an account established in this jurisdiction before 1 July 2007.
Subsection (2) (c) (ii) does not require the repetition of the words ‘law practice’ if those words form part of the name or business name of the law practice.
In this section—
authorised means authorised by the law practice to sign cheques drawn on the general trust account.
(sec.37-ssec.1) This section applies to the withdrawal of trust money from a general trust account of a law practice by cheque.
(sec.37-ssec.2) The cheque— must be made payable to or to the order of a stated person or persons and not to bearer or cash; and must be crossed ‘not negotiable’; and must include— the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’.
(sec.37-ssec.3) The cheque must be signed— by an authorised principal of the law practice; or if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or by 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(sec.37-ssec.4) A written record of the required particulars (including a record in the form of a cheque butt) must be kept of each payment made by cheque, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise, unless at the time the cheque is issued those particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book.
(sec.37-ssec.5) If, at the time the cheque is issued, the required particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book, a written record must be kept that is sufficient to enable the accuracy of the particulars recorded by the computer program to be verified.
(sec.37-ssec.6) For subsections (4) and (5) , the following particulars are required particulars — the date and number of the cheque; the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque; the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference; details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.37-ssec.7) Written records relating to payments by cheque, including cheque requisitions, must be kept in the order in which the cheques were issued.
(sec.37-ssec.8) Subsection (2) (c) does not apply to an account established in this jurisdiction before 1 July 2007.
(sec.37-ssec.9) Subsection (2) (c) (ii) does not require the repetition of the words ‘law practice’ if those words form part of the name or business name of the law practice.
(sec.37-ssec.10) In this section— authorised means authorised by the law practice to sign cheques drawn on the general trust account.
(a) must be made payable to or to the order of a stated person or persons and not to bearer or cash; and
(b) must be crossed ‘not negotiable’; and
(c) must include— (i) the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and (ii) the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’.
(i) the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and
(ii) the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’.
(i) the name of the law practice or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice; and
(ii) the expression ‘law practice trust account’ or ‘law practice trust a/c’.
(a) by an authorised principal of the law practice; or
(b) if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— (i) by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or (ii) by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or (iii) by 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(i) by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) by 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(i) by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) by 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(a) the date and number of the cheque;
(b) the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque;
(c) the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(d) details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
(e) details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
(f) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
sec.38
Payment by electronic funds transfer
sec.38 Payment by electronic funds transfer
This section applies to the withdrawal of trust money from a general trust account of a law practice by electronic funds transfer.
An electronic funds transfer must be effected by, under the direction of or with the authority of—
an authorised principal of the law practice; or
if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available—
an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
2 or more authorised associates jointly.
A written record of the required particulars must be kept of each payment unless at the time the electronic funds transfer is effected those particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book.
If at the time the electronic funds transfer is effected the required particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book, a written record must be kept that is sufficient to enable the accuracy of the particulars recorded by the computer program to be verified.
For subsections (3) and (4) , the following particulars are required particulars —
the date and number of the transaction;
the amount transferred;
the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and relevant BSB number;
the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
Written records relating to payments by electronic funds transfer, including transfer requisitions, must be kept in the order in which the transfers were effected.
In this section—
authorised means authorised by the law practice to effect, direct or give authority for an electronic funds transfer from the general trust account.
(sec.38-ssec.1) This section applies to the withdrawal of trust money from a general trust account of a law practice by electronic funds transfer.
(sec.38-ssec.2) An electronic funds transfer must be effected by, under the direction of or with the authority of— an authorised principal of the law practice; or if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— an authorised legal practitioner associate; or an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(sec.38-ssec.3) A written record of the required particulars must be kept of each payment unless at the time the electronic funds transfer is effected those particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book.
(sec.38-ssec.4) If at the time the electronic funds transfer is effected the required particulars are recorded by computer program in the trust account payments cash book, a written record must be kept that is sufficient to enable the accuracy of the particulars recorded by the computer program to be verified.
(sec.38-ssec.5) For subsections (3) and (4) , the following particulars are required particulars — the date and number of the transaction; the amount transferred; the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and relevant BSB number; the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference; details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.38-ssec.6) Written records relating to payments by electronic funds transfer, including transfer requisitions, must be kept in the order in which the transfers were effected.
(sec.38-ssec.7) In this section— authorised means authorised by the law practice to effect, direct or give authority for an electronic funds transfer from the general trust account.
(a) an authorised principal of the law practice; or
(b) if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— (i) an authorised legal practitioner associate; or (ii) an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or (iii) 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(i) an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(i) an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(a) the date and number of the transaction;
(b) the amount transferred;
(c) the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and relevant BSB number;
(d) the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(e) details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
(f) details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
(g) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
sec.39
Recording transactions in trust account cash books
sec.39 Recording transactions in trust account cash books
A law practice that keeps a general trust account must keep the following trust account cash books—
a trust account receipts cash book in accordance with section 40 ;
a trust account payments cash book in accordance with section 41 .
(a) a trust account receipts cash book in accordance with section 40 ;
(b) a trust account payments cash book in accordance with section 41 .
sec.40
Trust account receipts cash book
sec.40 Trust account receipts cash book
The following particulars must be recorded in a law practice’s trust account receipts cash book in relation to each receipt of trust money—
the date a receipt was made out for the money and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
the receipt number;
the amount of money received;
the form in which the money was received;
the name of the person from whom the money was received;
details clearly identifying the name of the client in relation to whom the money was received and the matter description and matter reference;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received;
details clearly identifying the ledger account to be credited.
The date and amount of each deposit in the general trust account must be recorded in the trust account receipts cash book.
The particulars in relation to receipts must be recorded in the order in which the receipts are made out.
The particulars in relation to a receipt must be recorded within the period of 5 working days starting on, and inclusive of, the day the receipt was made out.
(sec.40-ssec.1) The following particulars must be recorded in a law practice’s trust account receipts cash book in relation to each receipt of trust money— the date a receipt was made out for the money and, if different, the date of receipt of the money; the receipt number; the amount of money received; the form in which the money was received; the name of the person from whom the money was received; details clearly identifying the name of the client in relation to whom the money was received and the matter description and matter reference; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received; details clearly identifying the ledger account to be credited.
(sec.40-ssec.2) The date and amount of each deposit in the general trust account must be recorded in the trust account receipts cash book.
(sec.40-ssec.3) The particulars in relation to receipts must be recorded in the order in which the receipts are made out.
(sec.40-ssec.4) The particulars in relation to a receipt must be recorded within the period of 5 working days starting on, and inclusive of, the day the receipt was made out.
(a) the date a receipt was made out for the money and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
(b) the receipt number;
(c) the amount of money received;
(d) the form in which the money was received;
(e) the name of the person from whom the money was received;
(f) details clearly identifying the name of the client in relation to whom the money was received and the matter description and matter reference;
(g) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received;
(h) details clearly identifying the ledger account to be credited.
sec.41
Trust account payments cash book
sec.41 Trust account payments cash book
The following particulars must be recorded in a law practice’s trust account payments cash book in relation to each payment of trust money by cheque—
the date and number of the cheque;
the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque;
the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
The following particulars must be recorded in a law practice’s trust accounts payments cash book in relation to each payment of trust money by electronic funds transfer—
the date and number of the transaction;
the amount transferred;
the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number;
the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
The particulars in relation to payments must be recorded in the order in which the payments are made.
The particulars in relation to a payment must be recorded within the period of 5 working days starting on, and inclusive of, the day the payment was made.
(sec.41-ssec.1) The following particulars must be recorded in a law practice’s trust account payments cash book in relation to each payment of trust money by cheque— the date and number of the cheque; the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque; the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference; details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.41-ssec.2) The following particulars must be recorded in a law practice’s trust accounts payments cash book in relation to each payment of trust money by electronic funds transfer— the date and number of the transaction; the amount transferred; the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number; the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference; details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.41-ssec.3) The particulars in relation to payments must be recorded in the order in which the payments are made.
(sec.41-ssec.4) The particulars in relation to a payment must be recorded within the period of 5 working days starting on, and inclusive of, the day the payment was made.
(a) the date and number of the cheque;
(b) the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque;
(c) the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(d) details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
(e) details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
(f) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(a) the date and number of the transaction;
(b) the amount transferred;
(c) the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number;
(d) the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(e) details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
(f) details clearly identifying the ledger account to be debited;
(g) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
sec.42
Recording transactions in trust ledger accounts
sec.42 Recording transactions in trust ledger accounts
A law practice that keeps a general trust account must keep a trust account ledger containing separate trust ledger accounts in relation to each client of the practice in each matter for which trust money has been received by the practice.
The following particulars must be recorded in the title of a trust ledger account—
the name of the person for or on behalf of whom the trust money was paid;
the person’s address;
particulars sufficient to identify the matter in relation to which the trust money was received.
Details of any changes in the title of a trust ledger account must be recorded.
The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each receipt of trust money for the matter—
the date a receipt was made out for the money and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
the receipt number;
the amount of money received;
the name of the person from whom the money was received;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received.
The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each payment of trust money by cheque—
the date and number of the cheque;
the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque;
the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each payment of trust money by electronic funds transfer—
the date and number of the transaction;
the amount transferred;
the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number;
the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each transfer of trust money effected by a journal entry—
the date of the transfer;
the amount transferred;
the journal reference number;
the name of the other trust ledger account from which or to which the money was transferred;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
Transactions relating to trust money must be recorded in the trust ledger account in the order in which the transactions occur.
The particulars in relation to a receipt, payment or transfer of trust money must be recorded within the period of 5 working days starting on, and inclusive of, the day the receipt was made out, the payment was made or the transfer was effected.
The trust ledger account balance must be recorded in the trust ledger account after each receipt, payment or transfer of trust money.
(sec.42-ssec.1) A law practice that keeps a general trust account must keep a trust account ledger containing separate trust ledger accounts in relation to each client of the practice in each matter for which trust money has been received by the practice.
(sec.42-ssec.2) The following particulars must be recorded in the title of a trust ledger account— the name of the person for or on behalf of whom the trust money was paid; the person’s address; particulars sufficient to identify the matter in relation to which the trust money was received.
(sec.42-ssec.3) Details of any changes in the title of a trust ledger account must be recorded.
(sec.42-ssec.4) The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each receipt of trust money for the matter— the date a receipt was made out for the money and, if different, the date of receipt of the money; the receipt number; the amount of money received; the name of the person from whom the money was received; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received.
(sec.42-ssec.5) The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each payment of trust money by cheque— the date and number of the cheque; the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque; the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.42-ssec.6) The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each payment of trust money by electronic funds transfer— the date and number of the transaction; the amount transferred; the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number; the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.42-ssec.7) The following particulars must be recorded in the trust ledger account in relation to each transfer of trust money effected by a journal entry— the date of the transfer; the amount transferred; the journal reference number; the name of the other trust ledger account from which or to which the money was transferred; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(sec.42-ssec.8) Transactions relating to trust money must be recorded in the trust ledger account in the order in which the transactions occur.
(sec.42-ssec.9) The particulars in relation to a receipt, payment or transfer of trust money must be recorded within the period of 5 working days starting on, and inclusive of, the day the receipt was made out, the payment was made or the transfer was effected.
(sec.42-ssec.10) The trust ledger account balance must be recorded in the trust ledger account after each receipt, payment or transfer of trust money.
(a) the name of the person for or on behalf of whom the trust money was paid;
(b) the person’s address;
(c) particulars sufficient to identify the matter in relation to which the trust money was received.
(a) the date a receipt was made out for the money and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
(b) the receipt number;
(c) the amount of money received;
(d) the name of the person from whom the money was received;
(e) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received.
(a) the date and number of the cheque;
(b) the amount ordered to be paid by the cheque;
(c) the name of the person to whom the payment is to be made or, for a cheque made payable to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(d) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(a) the date and number of the transaction;
(b) the amount transferred;
(c) the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number;
(d) the name of the person to whom the payment was made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(e) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
(a) the date of the transfer;
(b) the amount transferred;
(c) the journal reference number;
(d) the name of the other trust ledger account from which or to which the money was transferred;
(e) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made.
sec.43
Journal transfers
sec.43 Journal transfers
Trust money may be transferred by journal entry from 1 trust ledger account in a law practice’s trust ledger to another trust ledger account in the trust ledger, but only if—
the law practice is entitled to withdraw the money and pay it to the other trust ledger account; and
subsection (2) is complied with.
The transfer must be authorised in writing—
by an authorised principal of the law practice; or
if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available—
by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
by 2 or more authorised associates jointly; or
by an external intervener for the practice.
A law practice must keep a trust account transfer journal if it transfers trust money by journal entry.
The following particulars must be recorded in the trust account transfer journal in relation to each transfer of trust money by journal entry—
the date of the transfer;
the trust ledger account from which the money is transferred, including its identifying reference;
the trust ledger account to which the money is transferred, including its identifying reference;
the amount transferred;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the transfer is made, the matter reference and a short description of the matter.
Journal pages or entries must be consecutively numbered.
A law practice must keep particulars of the authorisation for each transfer of trust money by journal entry, whether in the trust account transfer journal or in some other way.
In this section—
authorised means authorised by the law practice or an external intervener for the practice to effect, direct or give authority for the transfer of trust money by journal entry from 1 trust ledger account in the practice’s trust ledger to another trust ledger account in the trust ledger.
(sec.43-ssec.1) Trust money may be transferred by journal entry from 1 trust ledger account in a law practice’s trust ledger to another trust ledger account in the trust ledger, but only if— the law practice is entitled to withdraw the money and pay it to the other trust ledger account; and subsection (2) is complied with.
(sec.43-ssec.2) The transfer must be authorised in writing— by an authorised principal of the law practice; or if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or by 2 or more authorised associates jointly; or by an external intervener for the practice.
(sec.43-ssec.3) A law practice must keep a trust account transfer journal if it transfers trust money by journal entry.
(sec.43-ssec.4) The following particulars must be recorded in the trust account transfer journal in relation to each transfer of trust money by journal entry— the date of the transfer; the trust ledger account from which the money is transferred, including its identifying reference; the trust ledger account to which the money is transferred, including its identifying reference; the amount transferred; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the transfer is made, the matter reference and a short description of the matter.
(sec.43-ssec.5) Journal pages or entries must be consecutively numbered.
(sec.43-ssec.6) A law practice must keep particulars of the authorisation for each transfer of trust money by journal entry, whether in the trust account transfer journal or in some other way.
(sec.43-ssec.7) In this section— authorised means authorised by the law practice or an external intervener for the practice to effect, direct or give authority for the transfer of trust money by journal entry from 1 trust ledger account in the practice’s trust ledger to another trust ledger account in the trust ledger.
(a) the law practice is entitled to withdraw the money and pay it to the other trust ledger account; and
(b) subsection (2) is complied with.
(a) by an authorised principal of the law practice; or
(b) if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— (i) by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or (ii) by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or (iii) by 2 or more authorised associates jointly; or
(i) by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) by 2 or more authorised associates jointly; or
(c) by an external intervener for the practice.
(i) by an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) by an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) by 2 or more authorised associates jointly; or
(a) the date of the transfer;
(b) the trust ledger account from which the money is transferred, including its identifying reference;
(c) the trust ledger account to which the money is transferred, including its identifying reference;
(d) the amount transferred;
(e) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the transfer is made, the matter reference and a short description of the matter.
sec.44
Reconciliation of trust records
sec.44 Reconciliation of trust records
A law practice that keeps 1 or more general trust accounts must reconcile the trust records relating to each account.
The trust records relating to a general trust account are to be reconciled as at the end of each named month by preparing—
a statement—
reconciling the general trust account balance as shown in ADI records with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and
showing the date the statement was prepared; and
a statement—
reconciling the balance of the trust ledger accounts with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and
containing a list of the practice’s trust ledger accounts showing the name, identifying reference and balance of each and a short description of the matter to which each relates; and
showing the date the statement was prepared.
The statements must be—
prepared within 15 working days after the end of the month concerned; and
reviewed by a principal of the law practice; and
annotated in a way that evidences the completion of the review; and
kept by the law practice.
(sec.44-ssec.1) A law practice that keeps 1 or more general trust accounts must reconcile the trust records relating to each account.
(sec.44-ssec.2) The trust records relating to a general trust account are to be reconciled as at the end of each named month by preparing— a statement— reconciling the general trust account balance as shown in ADI records with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and showing the date the statement was prepared; and a statement— reconciling the balance of the trust ledger accounts with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and containing a list of the practice’s trust ledger accounts showing the name, identifying reference and balance of each and a short description of the matter to which each relates; and showing the date the statement was prepared.
(sec.44-ssec.3) The statements must be— prepared within 15 working days after the end of the month concerned; and reviewed by a principal of the law practice; and annotated in a way that evidences the completion of the review; and kept by the law practice.
(a) a statement— (i) reconciling the general trust account balance as shown in ADI records with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and (ii) showing the date the statement was prepared; and
(i) reconciling the general trust account balance as shown in ADI records with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and
(ii) showing the date the statement was prepared; and
(b) a statement— (i) reconciling the balance of the trust ledger accounts with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and (ii) containing a list of the practice’s trust ledger accounts showing the name, identifying reference and balance of each and a short description of the matter to which each relates; and (iii) showing the date the statement was prepared.
(i) reconciling the balance of the trust ledger accounts with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and
(ii) containing a list of the practice’s trust ledger accounts showing the name, identifying reference and balance of each and a short description of the matter to which each relates; and
(iii) showing the date the statement was prepared.
(i) reconciling the general trust account balance as shown in ADI records with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and
(ii) showing the date the statement was prepared; and
(i) reconciling the balance of the trust ledger accounts with the balance of the practice’s trust account cash books; and
(ii) containing a list of the practice’s trust ledger accounts showing the name, identifying reference and balance of each and a short description of the matter to which each relates; and
(iii) showing the date the statement was prepared.
(a) prepared within 15 working days after the end of the month concerned; and
(b) reviewed by a principal of the law practice; and
(c) annotated in a way that evidences the completion of the review; and
(d) kept by the law practice.
sec.45
Trust ledger account in name of law practice or legal practitioner associate
sec.45 Trust ledger account in name of law practice or legal practitioner associate
Subject to this section, a law practice must not keep a trust ledger account in the name of the practice or a legal practitioner associate of the practice.
A law practice may keep in its trust ledger—
a trust ledger account in the practice’s name if the account is used only for aggregating in the account, by transfer from other accounts in the trust ledger, money properly due to the practice for legal costs; and
a trust ledger account in a legal practitioner associate’s name if the account is used only in relation to money in which the associate has a personal and beneficial interest as a vendor, purchaser, lessor or lessee or in another similar capacity.
If subsection (2) (a) applies, the law practice must ensure the money in the trust ledger account is withdrawn from the general trust account within 1 month after the day on which the money was transferred to the trust ledger account.
If subsection (2) (b) applies, the law practice must ensure the money in the trust ledger account is withdrawn from the general trust account at the conclusion of the matter to which the money relates.
(sec.45-ssec.1) Subject to this section, a law practice must not keep a trust ledger account in the name of the practice or a legal practitioner associate of the practice.
(sec.45-ssec.2) A law practice may keep in its trust ledger— a trust ledger account in the practice’s name if the account is used only for aggregating in the account, by transfer from other accounts in the trust ledger, money properly due to the practice for legal costs; and a trust ledger account in a legal practitioner associate’s name if the account is used only in relation to money in which the associate has a personal and beneficial interest as a vendor, purchaser, lessor or lessee or in another similar capacity.
(sec.45-ssec.3) If subsection (2) (a) applies, the law practice must ensure the money in the trust ledger account is withdrawn from the general trust account within 1 month after the day on which the money was transferred to the trust ledger account.
(sec.45-ssec.4) If subsection (2) (b) applies, the law practice must ensure the money in the trust ledger account is withdrawn from the general trust account at the conclusion of the matter to which the money relates.
(a) a trust ledger account in the practice’s name if the account is used only for aggregating in the account, by transfer from other accounts in the trust ledger, money properly due to the practice for legal costs; and
(b) a trust ledger account in a legal practitioner associate’s name if the account is used only in relation to money in which the associate has a personal and beneficial interest as a vendor, purchaser, lessor or lessee or in another similar capacity.
sec.46
Notification requirements regarding general trust accounts
sec.46 Notification requirements regarding general trust accounts
Within 14 days after a general trust account event, a law practice must give the law society written notice of the event.
A law practice must—
either before, or within 14 days after, an authorisation event, give the law society written notice of the event; and
during July of each year, give the law society written notice of the associates and Australian legal practitioners who are authorised, as at 1 July of that year—
to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or
otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a law practice in relation to a year if an external examiner’s report for the practice for the financial period ending 31 March of that year has been given to the law society under section 274 of the Act .
A notice under this section must—
include particulars sufficient to identify the general trust accounts of the law practice; and
for a notice mentioned in subsection (2) (a) —
include the name and address of an associate or practitioner who is the subject of the notice; and
state whether an associate, who is the subject of the notice, is an employee of the law practice; and
for a notice mentioned in subsection (2) (b) —include the names and addresses of the associates and Australian legal practitioners.
In this section—
authorisation event , in relation to a law practice, means authorisation or termination of the authority of an associate or an Australian legal practitioner—
to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or
otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
general trust account event , in relation to a law practice, means—
the establishment of a general trust account by the law practice; or
the closure of a general trust account kept by the law practice.
law practice includes a former law practice and the persons who were principals of a law practice immediately before the law practice ceased to exist as a law practice or to engage in legal practice in this jurisdiction.
(sec.46-ssec.1) Within 14 days after a general trust account event, a law practice must give the law society written notice of the event.
(sec.46-ssec.2) A law practice must— either before, or within 14 days after, an authorisation event, give the law society written notice of the event; and during July of each year, give the law society written notice of the associates and Australian legal practitioners who are authorised, as at 1 July of that year— to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
(sec.46-ssec.3) Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a law practice in relation to a year if an external examiner’s report for the practice for the financial period ending 31 March of that year has been given to the law society under section 274 of the Act .
(sec.46-ssec.4) A notice under this section must— include particulars sufficient to identify the general trust accounts of the law practice; and for a notice mentioned in subsection (2) (a) — include the name and address of an associate or practitioner who is the subject of the notice; and state whether an associate, who is the subject of the notice, is an employee of the law practice; and for a notice mentioned in subsection (2) (b) —include the names and addresses of the associates and Australian legal practitioners.
(sec.46-ssec.6) In this section— authorisation event , in relation to a law practice, means authorisation or termination of the authority of an associate or an Australian legal practitioner— to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice. general trust account event , in relation to a law practice, means— the establishment of a general trust account by the law practice; or the closure of a general trust account kept by the law practice. law practice includes a former law practice and the persons who were principals of a law practice immediately before the law practice ceased to exist as a law practice or to engage in legal practice in this jurisdiction.
(a) either before, or within 14 days after, an authorisation event, give the law society written notice of the event; and
(b) during July of each year, give the law society written notice of the associates and Australian legal practitioners who are authorised, as at 1 July of that year— (i) to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or (ii) otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
(i) to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or
(ii) otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
(i) to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or
(ii) otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
(a) include particulars sufficient to identify the general trust accounts of the law practice; and
(b) for a notice mentioned in subsection (2) (a) — (i) include the name and address of an associate or practitioner who is the subject of the notice; and (ii) state whether an associate, who is the subject of the notice, is an employee of the law practice; and
(i) include the name and address of an associate or practitioner who is the subject of the notice; and
(ii) state whether an associate, who is the subject of the notice, is an employee of the law practice; and
(c) for a notice mentioned in subsection (2) (b) —include the names and addresses of the associates and Australian legal practitioners.
(i) include the name and address of an associate or practitioner who is the subject of the notice; and
(ii) state whether an associate, who is the subject of the notice, is an employee of the law practice; and
(a) to sign cheques drawn on a general trust account of the practice; or
(b) otherwise to effect, direct or give authority for the withdrawal of money from a general trust account of the practice.
(a) the establishment of a general trust account by the law practice; or
(b) the closure of a general trust account kept by the law practice.
sec.47
Way in which controlled money accounts must be kept— Act , s 251
sec.47 Way in which controlled money accounts must be kept— Act , s 251
For section 251 (4) of the Act , a controlled money account must be kept under an account name that includes the following particulars—
the name of the law practice concerned;
the expression ‘controlled money account’ or the abbreviation ‘CMA’ or ‘CMA/c’;
other particulars that are sufficient to identify the purpose of the account and to distinguish the account from any other account kept by the law practice.
This section does not apply to an account established in this jurisdiction before 1 July 2007.
(sec.47-ssec.1) For section 251 (4) of the Act , a controlled money account must be kept under an account name that includes the following particulars— the name of the law practice concerned; the expression ‘controlled money account’ or the abbreviation ‘CMA’ or ‘CMA/c’; other particulars that are sufficient to identify the purpose of the account and to distinguish the account from any other account kept by the law practice.
(sec.47-ssec.2) This section does not apply to an account established in this jurisdiction before 1 July 2007.
(a) the name of the law practice concerned;
(b) the expression ‘controlled money account’ or the abbreviation ‘CMA’ or ‘CMA/c’;
(c) other particulars that are sufficient to identify the purpose of the account and to distinguish the account from any other account kept by the law practice.
sec.48
Receipt of controlled money
sec.48 Receipt of controlled money
This section applies if a law practice receives controlled money.
The law practice must operate a single controlled money receipt system for the receipt of controlled money for all its controlled money accounts.
After receiving controlled money, the law practice must make out a receipt.
The receipt must be made out—
after the controlled money is received, except as provided by paragraph (b) ; or
for controlled money received by direct deposit—after the law practice receives or accesses notice or confirmation, in written or electronic form, of the deposit from the ADI concerned.
The receipt, containing the required particulars, must be made out in duplicate, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise, unless at the time the receipt is made out those particulars are recorded by computer program in the register of controlled money.
For subsection (5) , the following particulars are required particulars —
the date the receipt is made out and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
the amount of money received;
the form in which the money was received;
the name of the person from whom the money was received;
details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the money was received and the matter description and matter reference;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received;
the name of and other details clearly identifying the controlled money account to be credited, unless the account has not been established by the time the receipt is made out;
the name of the law practice, or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice, and the expression ‘controlled money receipt’;
the name of the person who made out the receipt;
the number of the receipt.
If the controlled money account to be credited has not been established by the time the receipt is made out, the name of and other details clearly identifying the account when established must be included on the duplicate receipt (if any).
The original receipt must be delivered, on request, to the person from whom the controlled money was received.
Receipts must be consecutively numbered and issued in consecutive sequence.
If a receipt is cancelled or not delivered, the original receipt must be kept.
A receipt is not required to be made out for any interest or other income received from the investment of controlled money and credited directly to a controlled money account.
(sec.48-ssec.1) This section applies if a law practice receives controlled money.
(sec.48-ssec.2) The law practice must operate a single controlled money receipt system for the receipt of controlled money for all its controlled money accounts.
(sec.48-ssec.3) After receiving controlled money, the law practice must make out a receipt.
(sec.48-ssec.4) The receipt must be made out— after the controlled money is received, except as provided by paragraph (b) ; or for controlled money received by direct deposit—after the law practice receives or accesses notice or confirmation, in written or electronic form, of the deposit from the ADI concerned.
(sec.48-ssec.5) The receipt, containing the required particulars, must be made out in duplicate, whether by way of making a carbon copy or otherwise, unless at the time the receipt is made out those particulars are recorded by computer program in the register of controlled money.
(sec.48-ssec.6) For subsection (5) , the following particulars are required particulars — the date the receipt is made out and, if different, the date of receipt of the money; the amount of money received; the form in which the money was received; the name of the person from whom the money was received; details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the money was received and the matter description and matter reference; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received; the name of and other details clearly identifying the controlled money account to be credited, unless the account has not been established by the time the receipt is made out; the name of the law practice, or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice, and the expression ‘controlled money receipt’; the name of the person who made out the receipt; the number of the receipt.
(sec.48-ssec.7) If the controlled money account to be credited has not been established by the time the receipt is made out, the name of and other details clearly identifying the account when established must be included on the duplicate receipt (if any).
(sec.48-ssec.8) The original receipt must be delivered, on request, to the person from whom the controlled money was received.
(sec.48-ssec.9) Receipts must be consecutively numbered and issued in consecutive sequence.
(sec.48-ssec.10) If a receipt is cancelled or not delivered, the original receipt must be kept.
(sec.48-ssec.11) A receipt is not required to be made out for any interest or other income received from the investment of controlled money and credited directly to a controlled money account.
(a) after the controlled money is received, except as provided by paragraph (b) ; or
(b) for controlled money received by direct deposit—after the law practice receives or accesses notice or confirmation, in written or electronic form, of the deposit from the ADI concerned.
(a) the date the receipt is made out and, if different, the date of receipt of the money;
(b) the amount of money received;
(c) the form in which the money was received;
(d) the name of the person from whom the money was received;
(e) details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the money was received and the matter description and matter reference;
(f) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the money was received;
(g) the name of and other details clearly identifying the controlled money account to be credited, unless the account has not been established by the time the receipt is made out;
(h) the name of the law practice, or the business name under which the law practice engages in legal practice, and the expression ‘controlled money receipt’;
(i) the name of the person who made out the receipt;
(j) the number of the receipt.
sec.49
Period for keeping direction for deposit of controlled money— Act , s 251
sec.49 Period for keeping direction for deposit of controlled money— Act , s 251
For section 251 (5) of the Act , the prescribed period in relation to a written direction is the period—
beginning when the law practice receives the written direction; and
ending 7 years after finalisation of the matter to which the direction relates.
(a) beginning when the law practice receives the written direction; and
(b) ending 7 years after finalisation of the matter to which the direction relates.
sec.50
Withdrawal of controlled money
sec.50 Withdrawal of controlled money
This section applies to the withdrawal of money from a controlled money account of a law practice.
The withdrawal must be effected by cheque or electronic funds transfer.
Also, the withdrawal must be effected by, under the direction of or with the authority of—
an authorised principal of the law practice; or
if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available—
an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
2 or more authorised associates jointly.
A written record of the required particulars must be kept of each withdrawal unless at the time the withdrawal is made those particulars are recorded by computer program.
If at the time the withdrawal is made the required particulars are recorded by computer program, a written record must be kept that is sufficient to enable the accuracy of the particulars recorded by the computer program to be verified.
For subsections (4) and (5) , the following are required particulars —
the date and number of the transaction;
the amount withdrawn;
for a transfer made by electronic funds transfer—the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number;
the name of the person to whom payment is to be made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made;
the person or persons effecting, directing or authorising the withdrawal.
The particulars are to be recorded in the order in which the payments are recorded and are to be recorded separately for each controlled money account.
In this section—
authorised means authorised by the law practice to effect, direct or give authority for a withdrawal of money from the controlled money account.
(sec.50-ssec.1) This section applies to the withdrawal of money from a controlled money account of a law practice.
(sec.50-ssec.2) The withdrawal must be effected by cheque or electronic funds transfer.
(sec.50-ssec.3) Also, the withdrawal must be effected by, under the direction of or with the authority of— an authorised principal of the law practice; or if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— an authorised legal practitioner associate; or an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(sec.50-ssec.4) A written record of the required particulars must be kept of each withdrawal unless at the time the withdrawal is made those particulars are recorded by computer program.
(sec.50-ssec.5) If at the time the withdrawal is made the required particulars are recorded by computer program, a written record must be kept that is sufficient to enable the accuracy of the particulars recorded by the computer program to be verified.
(sec.50-ssec.6) For subsections (4) and (5) , the following are required particulars — the date and number of the transaction; the amount withdrawn; for a transfer made by electronic funds transfer—the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number; the name of the person to whom payment is to be made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment; details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference; particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made; the person or persons effecting, directing or authorising the withdrawal.
(sec.50-ssec.7) The particulars are to be recorded in the order in which the payments are recorded and are to be recorded separately for each controlled money account.
(sec.50-ssec.8) In this section— authorised means authorised by the law practice to effect, direct or give authority for a withdrawal of money from the controlled money account.
(a) an authorised principal of the law practice; or
(b) if a principal mentioned in paragraph (a) is not available— (i) an authorised legal practitioner associate; or (ii) an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or (iii) 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(i) an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(i) an authorised legal practitioner associate; or
(ii) an authorised Australian legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate authorising the receipt of trust money; or
(iii) 2 or more authorised associates jointly.
(a) the date and number of the transaction;
(b) the amount withdrawn;
(c) for a transfer made by electronic funds transfer—the name and number of the account to which the amount was transferred and the relevant BSB number;
(d) the name of the person to whom payment is to be made or, for a payment to an ADI, the name or BSB number of the ADI and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment;
(e) details clearly identifying the name of the person on whose behalf the payment was made and the matter reference;
(f) particulars sufficient to identify the purpose for which the payment was made;
(g) the person or persons effecting, directing or authorising the withdrawal.
sec.51
Register of controlled money
sec.51 Register of controlled money
A law practice that receives controlled money must keep a register of controlled money consisting of the records of controlled money movements for the controlled money accounts of the practice.
A separate record of controlled money movements must be kept for each controlled money account.
A record of controlled money movements for a controlled money account must record the following information—
the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money is held;
the person’s address;
particulars sufficient to identify the matter;
any changes to the information mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) .
The following particulars must be recorded in a record of controlled money movements for a controlled money account—
the date the controlled money was received;
the number of the receipt;
the date the money was deposited in the controlled money account;
the name of and other details clearly identifying the controlled money account;
the amount of controlled money deposited;
details of the deposit sufficient to identify the deposit;
interest received;
details of any payments from the controlled money account, including the particulars required to be recorded under section 50 .
With the exception of interest and other income received in relation to controlled money, particulars of receipts and payments must be entered in the register after the controlled money is received by the law practice or any payment is made.
Interest and other income received in relation to controlled money must be entered in the register after the law practice is notified of its receipt.
The law practice must keep as part of its trust records all supporting information, including ADI statements and notifications of interest received, relating to controlled money.
Within 15 working days after each named month, the law practice must prepare and keep as a permanent record a statement as at the end of the named month—
containing a list of the practice’s controlled money accounts showing—
the name, number and balance of each account in the register; and
the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money in each account was held; and
a short description of the matter to which each account relates; and
showing the date the statement was prepared.
The statement must be—
reviewed by a principal of the law practice; and
annotated in a way that evidences the completion of the review.
(sec.51-ssec.1) A law practice that receives controlled money must keep a register of controlled money consisting of the records of controlled money movements for the controlled money accounts of the practice.
(sec.51-ssec.2) A separate record of controlled money movements must be kept for each controlled money account.
(sec.51-ssec.3) A record of controlled money movements for a controlled money account must record the following information— the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money is held; the person’s address; particulars sufficient to identify the matter; any changes to the information mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) .
(sec.51-ssec.4) The following particulars must be recorded in a record of controlled money movements for a controlled money account— the date the controlled money was received; the number of the receipt; the date the money was deposited in the controlled money account; the name of and other details clearly identifying the controlled money account; the amount of controlled money deposited; details of the deposit sufficient to identify the deposit; interest received; details of any payments from the controlled money account, including the particulars required to be recorded under section 50 .
(sec.51-ssec.5) With the exception of interest and other income received in relation to controlled money, particulars of receipts and payments must be entered in the register after the controlled money is received by the law practice or any payment is made.
(sec.51-ssec.6) Interest and other income received in relation to controlled money must be entered in the register after the law practice is notified of its receipt.
(sec.51-ssec.7) The law practice must keep as part of its trust records all supporting information, including ADI statements and notifications of interest received, relating to controlled money.
(sec.51-ssec.8) Within 15 working days after each named month, the law practice must prepare and keep as a permanent record a statement as at the end of the named month— containing a list of the practice’s controlled money accounts showing— the name, number and balance of each account in the register; and the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money in each account was held; and a short description of the matter to which each account relates; and showing the date the statement was prepared.
(sec.51-ssec.9) The statement must be— reviewed by a principal of the law practice; and annotated in a way that evidences the completion of the review.
(a) the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money is held;
(b) the person’s address;
(c) particulars sufficient to identify the matter;
(d) any changes to the information mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) .
(a) the date the controlled money was received;
(b) the number of the receipt;
(c) the date the money was deposited in the controlled money account;
(d) the name of and other details clearly identifying the controlled money account;
(e) the amount of controlled money deposited;
(f) details of the deposit sufficient to identify the deposit;
(g) interest received;
(h) details of any payments from the controlled money account, including the particulars required to be recorded under section 50 .
(a) containing a list of the practice’s controlled money accounts showing— (i) the name, number and balance of each account in the register; and (ii) the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money in each account was held; and (iii) a short description of the matter to which each account relates; and
(i) the name, number and balance of each account in the register; and
(ii) the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money in each account was held; and
(iii) a short description of the matter to which each account relates; and
(b) showing the date the statement was prepared.
(i) the name, number and balance of each account in the register; and
(ii) the name of the person on whose behalf the controlled money in each account was held; and
(iii) a short description of the matter to which each account relates; and
(a) reviewed by a principal of the law practice; and
(b) annotated in a way that evidences the completion of the review.
sec.52
Way in which transit money must be accounted for— Act , s 253
sec.52 Way in which transit money must be accounted for— Act , s 253
This section applies if a law practice receives transit money.
For section 253 (2) of the Act , the law practice must record and keep brief particulars sufficient to identify the relevant transaction and any purpose for which the money was received.
(sec.52-ssec.1) This section applies if a law practice receives transit money.
(sec.52-ssec.2) For section 253 (2) of the Act , the law practice must record and keep brief particulars sufficient to identify the relevant transaction and any purpose for which the money was received.
sec.53
Trust account statements
sec.53 Trust account statements
A law practice must give a trust account statement to each person for whom or on whose behalf trust money, other than transit money, is held or controlled by the law practice or an associate.
For trust money in relation to which the law practice is required to keep a trust ledger account, the practice must give a separate statement for each trust ledger account.
For controlled money in relation to which the law practice is required to keep a record of controlled money movements, the practice must give a separate statement for each record.
For trust money subject to a power given to the law practice or an associate in relation to which the practice is required to keep a record of all dealings with the money to which the practice or associate is a party, the practice must give a separate statement for each record.
A trust account statement must contain particulars of—
all the information required to be kept under this division in relation to the trust money included in the relevant ledger account or record; and
the remaining balance (if any) of the money.
A trust account statement must be given—
after completion of the matter to which the ledger account or record relates; or
after the person for whom or on whose behalf the money is held or controlled makes a reasonable request for the statement during the course of the matter; or
subject to subsection (7) , after 30 June in each year.
The law practice is not required to give a trust account statement under subsection (6) (c) in relation to a ledger account or record if at 30 June—
the ledger account or record has been open for less than 6 months; or
the balance of the ledger account or record is zero and no transaction affecting the account has taken place within the previous 12 months; or
a trust account statement has been given within the previous 12 months and there has been no subsequent transaction affecting the ledger account or record.
The law practice must keep a copy of a trust account statement given under this section.
(sec.53-ssec.1) A law practice must give a trust account statement to each person for whom or on whose behalf trust money, other than transit money, is held or controlled by the law practice or an associate.
(sec.53-ssec.2) For trust money in relation to which the law practice is required to keep a trust ledger account, the practice must give a separate statement for each trust ledger account.
(sec.53-ssec.3) For controlled money in relation to which the law practice is required to keep a record of controlled money movements, the practice must give a separate statement for each record.
(sec.53-ssec.4) For trust money subject to a power given to the law practice or an associate in relation to which the practice is required to keep a record of all dealings with the money to which the practice or associate is a party, the practice must give a separate statement for each record.
(sec.53-ssec.5) A trust account statement must contain particulars of— all the information required to be kept under this division in relation to the trust money included in the relevant ledger account or record; and the remaining balance (if any) of the money.
(sec.53-ssec.6) A trust account statement must be given— after completion of the matter to which the ledger account or record relates; or after the person for whom or on whose behalf the money is held or controlled makes a reasonable request for the statement during the course of the matter; or subject to subsection (7) , after 30 June in each year.
(sec.53-ssec.7) The law practice is not required to give a trust account statement under subsection (6) (c) in relation to a ledger account or record if at 30 June— the ledger account or record has been open for less than 6 months; or the balance of the ledger account or record is zero and no transaction affecting the account has taken place within the previous 12 months; or a trust account statement has been given within the previous 12 months and there has been no subsequent transaction affecting the ledger account or record.
(sec.53-ssec.8) The law practice must keep a copy of a trust account statement given under this section.
(a) all the information required to be kept under this division in relation to the trust money included in the relevant ledger account or record; and
(b) the remaining balance (if any) of the money.
(a) after completion of the matter to which the ledger account or record relates; or
(b) after the person for whom or on whose behalf the money is held or controlled makes a reasonable request for the statement during the course of the matter; or
(c) subject to subsection (7) , after 30 June in each year.
(a) the ledger account or record has been open for less than 6 months; or
(b) the balance of the ledger account or record is zero and no transaction affecting the account has taken place within the previous 12 months; or
(c) a trust account statement has been given within the previous 12 months and there has been no subsequent transaction affecting the ledger account or record.
sec.54
Trust account statements for sophisticated clients
sec.54 Trust account statements for sophisticated clients
Section 53 does not apply to a sophisticated client to the extent to which the client directs the law practice not to give trust account statements under that section.
See section 300 of the Act for the definition sophisticated client .
If the sophisticated client directs the law practice to give trust account statements on a basis different from that prescribed by section 53 , the law practice must, other than to the extent to which the direction is unreasonably onerous, give those statements as directed.
The law practice must keep a copy of a trust account statement provided under this section.
(sec.54-ssec.1) Section 53 does not apply to a sophisticated client to the extent to which the client directs the law practice not to give trust account statements under that section. See section 300 of the Act for the definition sophisticated client .
(sec.54-ssec.2) If the sophisticated client directs the law practice to give trust account statements on a basis different from that prescribed by section 53 , the law practice must, other than to the extent to which the direction is unreasonably onerous, give those statements as directed.
(sec.54-ssec.3) The law practice must keep a copy of a trust account statement provided under this section.
sec.55
Register of investments
sec.55 Register of investments
The law practice must keep a register of the investment of investment money.
The register must record the following information for each investment of investment money—
the name in which the investment is held;
the name of the person on whose behalf the investment is made;
the person’s address;
particulars sufficient to identify the investment;
the amount invested;
the date the investment was made;
particulars sufficient to identify the source of the investment;
details of any documents evidencing the investment;
details of any interest received from the investment or credited directly to the investment;
details of the repayment of the investment and any interest, on maturity or otherwise.
This section does not require particulars to be recorded in the register if the particulars are required by this regulation to be recorded elsewhere.
This section does not confer power to invest trust money.
In this section—
investment money means money that is trust money under section 238 (3) of the Act .
(sec.55-ssec.1) The law practice must keep a register of the investment of investment money.
(sec.55-ssec.2) The register must record the following information for each investment of investment money— the name in which the investment is held; the name of the person on whose behalf the investment is made; the person’s address; particulars sufficient to identify the investment; the amount invested; the date the investment was made; particulars sufficient to identify the source of the investment; details of any documents evidencing the investment; details of any interest received from the investment or credited directly to the investment; details of the repayment of the investment and any interest, on maturity or otherwise.
(sec.55-ssec.3) This section does not require particulars to be recorded in the register if the particulars are required by this regulation to be recorded elsewhere.
(sec.55-ssec.4) This section does not confer power to invest trust money.
(sec.55-ssec.5) In this section— investment money means money that is trust money under section 238 (3) of the Act .
(a) the name in which the investment is held;
(b) the name of the person on whose behalf the investment is made;
(c) the person’s address;
(d) particulars sufficient to identify the investment;
(e) the amount invested;
(f) the date the investment was made;
(g) particulars sufficient to identify the source of the investment;
(h) details of any documents evidencing the investment;
(i) details of any interest received from the investment or credited directly to the investment;
(j) details of the repayment of the investment and any interest, on maturity or otherwise.
sec.56
Accounting for trust money subject to specific powers— Act , s 254
sec.56 Accounting for trust money subject to specific powers— Act , s 254
This section prescribes the way trust money mentioned in section 254 (1) of the Act must be accounted for by a law practice.
The practice must keep the following in a way that enables dealings with the money to be clearly understood—
a record of all dealings with the money to which the practice, or associate with power to deal with the trust money, is a party;
all supporting information in relation to the dealings.
The record, supporting information and power to deal with the trust money must be kept by the law practice as part of the practice’s trust records.
(sec.56-ssec.1) This section prescribes the way trust money mentioned in section 254 (1) of the Act must be accounted for by a law practice.
(sec.56-ssec.2) The practice must keep the following in a way that enables dealings with the money to be clearly understood— a record of all dealings with the money to which the practice, or associate with power to deal with the trust money, is a party; all supporting information in relation to the dealings.
(sec.56-ssec.3) The record, supporting information and power to deal with the trust money must be kept by the law practice as part of the practice’s trust records.
(a) a record of all dealings with the money to which the practice, or associate with power to deal with the trust money, is a party;
(b) all supporting information in relation to the dealings.
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the Legal Profession Regulation 2017 .
The part numbering of this regulation reflects the part numbering of the Legal Profession Act 2007 . Accordingly, sections in each part of this regulation relate to the corresponding part in the Act . As not every part of the Act has corresponding sections in this regulation, the part numbering of this regulation is not sequential.
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This regulation commences on 1 September 2017.
sec.2A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.2A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded—
if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 103
(sec.2A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded— if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards). If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
(a) if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(b) if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
pt.1.2 Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.3 Definitions
sec.3 Definitions
Prescribes detailed procedures for withdrawing trust money for legal costs (s 58), and sets timing thresholds for notices and refunds for foreign lawyer registration suspensions (ss 19, 23).
Prescribes professional indemnity insurance minimums and the conditions that apply depending on the issuing authority (s 73).
Implements fidelity fund mechanics including prescribed classes for reduced fidelity arrangements (s 75), a cap per claim and total allocation rule for multiple claims from one practice (s 76), maximum annual payments for education/programs from the fund (s 74A), and the methodology for interest on fidelity payments (s 75A).
Sets procedures and evidence requirements for disciplinary proceedings, including how to make and serve applications, filing timeframes and evidentiary lists (ss 80-90), and provides for publicising certain orders (s 14, s 91).
Provides administrative powers to the chief executive and the law society to require information and to administer external examinations and external examiners (ss 65-67).
Gives the law society a power to grant targeted exemptions from part 3.3 requirements (s 68) and specifies limited exemptions from external examination obligations (s 62).
The regulation therefore converts many of the Act’s high‑level obligations into precise operational duties, with specific timelines, document content, system‑capability requirements and institutional reporting lines. Those duties determine who must act (law practices, practitioners, law society, commissioner), who pays for certain processes (fee schedules, costs assessments, fidelity payments), and the deadlines and documentary evidentiary standards that will shape everyday compliance for legal firms and their suppliers (banks, software vendors, external examiners).
Main concepts
The regulation’s recurring concepts are trust money and trust accounts, controlled money, records and registers, accountability mechanisms (reconciliation, external examinations), fidelity fund rules, professional indemnity, foreign lawyer registration and disclosure, and procedural rules for discipline and investigations.
Trust money and trust accounts: Part 3.3 and its divisions (ss 27-63) are the technical core. Trust money, trust ledger accounts and a compliant general trust account are defined and detailed (ss 27, 33). The regulation prescribes what must be recorded for each receipt, deposit, transfer, payment and reconciliation (ss 34-44). It distinguishes transit money and controlled money and prescribes separate registers and procedures for each (ss 48, 51, 52). It imposes precise timing rules for recording and producing monthly statements (for example, printing and keeping copies within 15 working days, ss 29 and 44; recording receipts/payments within 5 working days, ss 40-42). The regulation makes computerised accounting system functionality subject to specific constraints and audit trails (s 31), and requires backups and offsite retention (s 32).
Controlled money: Controlled money accounts must be named to indicate controlled money (s 47), receipts must be made in duplicate and include detailed particulars (s 48), and a register of controlled money movements with monthly statements reviewed by a principal is required (s 51). Withdrawals from controlled money accounts must be by cheque or EFT and authorised (s 50).
Fidelity fund rules: The regulation defines eligibility classes, reduced payments, caps and apportionment mechanics. It prescribes which practitioner classes pay $10 into the fidelity fund (for community legal service employees) and prescribes volunteer and certain government/legal aid exceptions (s 75). It prescribes a capped amount per claim ($200,000) and a method for apportionment where multiple claims arise from a single practice (s 76). It prescribes an annual maximum for education and other programs paid from the fund ($750,000, s 74A) and sets the interest methodology for fidelity payments (s 75A).
Foreign lawyers and registrations: The regulation prescribes particular circumstances in which foreign lawyers may provide certain services (s 15), the application and operation of Act trust provisions to registered foreign lawyers (s 16), how locally registered foreign lawyers are treated for parts of the Act (s 17), and the specific requirement that locally registered foreign lawyers who are not associates disclose lack of fidelity fund cover to clients in writing (s 18). It prescribes application fees for foreign lawyer registration (s 19) and the particulars to be recorded in the register (s 22), together with refund rules if registration is suspended or cancelled otherwise than for disciplinary reasons (s 23).
Procedural and governance concepts: The law society has roles in approving ADIs for trust accounts, external examiner form approval (s 66), entry of prescribed agencies (s 5), and power to grant exemptions from Part 3.3 requirements (s 68). The chief executive can request information from the law society about amounts in trust accounts (s 67). The commissioner may require advance payment or conditional agreement from a complainant to cover the costs of a costs assessor (s 79), and may require law practices to pay the costs assessor in some outcomes (s 79). Discipline procedural rules are supplied in detail (ss 80-90), including filing forms, service rules, addresses for service (ss 80-84), directions hearings (s 85), lists of documents, affidavits and time extensions (ss 87-89).
Administrative detail: The regulation contains precise notice windows (commencement s 2; 14 days prescribed for notice of termination of provision of legal services s 13; 14 days for notifications about trust account events s 46; 7 years retention periods for many records s 59), and prescribes the content and format of receipts, deposit records and ledger entries (ss 34-42). It also prescribes professional indemnity cover minima ($1.5m) and that such insurance must comply with indemnity rules of the issuing professional body (s 73).
Together, these concepts form an operational compliance architecture: records, system controls, timing, authorisations, and centralised oversight (law society, commissioner, chief executive), intended to make trust money traceable and to bind practices to standardised procedures.
Who it affects
The regulation allocates duties and reporting obligations across distinct actors in the legal sector.
Law practices and their principals: The burden of most record‑keeping and operational compliance falls on law practices. Sections 28-63 place day‑to‑day obligations on law practices that keep trust money or controlled money: establishing compliant general trust accounts (s 33), receipts and deposit records (ss 34-35), ledger and cash book entries (ss 39-42), journal transfer journals (s 43), reconciliations and principal review (s 44), backups (s 32), restrictions on ledger account naming and deletion (s 31, s 45), notification obligations to the law society about trust account events and authorised signatories (s 46), and long retention requirements for records and computer audit logs (ss 29-32, 59-60). Law practices also must operate single controlled money receipt systems (s 48) and maintain controlled money registers (s 51).
Australian legal practitioners and associates: Individual practitioners who are authorised to sign cheques, effect electronic transfers, or otherwise authorise withdrawals are named throughout (ss 37-38, 43, 50). The regulation prescribes who may sign or authorise payments: authorised principals, authorised legal practitioner associates, authorised Australian legal practitioners holding unrestricted practising certificates authorised to receive trust money, 2 or more authorised associates jointly, or external interveners where provided (for example s 37(3), s 38(2), s 43(2), s 50(3)). Practitioners are also the subject of register entries (s 10) and discipline procedures (ss 80-90).
Law society and regulatory authorities: The law society has multiple functions: approving forms for external examiner reports (s 66), receiving notices and statements (s 46, s 61), approving ADI types for compliant accounts (s 33), maintaining the discipline register (s 91), granting or revoking exemptions from part 3.3 requirements (s 68), entering fidelity protocols with corresponding authorities (s 77), and conducting refunds and apportionments under fidelity fund rules (s 76). The law society is also the recipient for notices under s 21 (s 21(2) gives address).
Commissioner and chief executive: The commissioner must serve discipline applications and may publicise disqualification orders (s 14, s 81). The commissioner has a role in costs assessments (s 79). The chief executive may ask the law society for trust account information (s 67).
Externally engaged professionals: External examiners and auditors are regulated. Qualifications for appointment as external examiner are prescribed (s 65). External examiners must report in an approved form unless exempted (s 66). Banks and ADIs are indirectly involved: trust accounts must be established with approved ADIs in this jurisdiction (s 33) and deposit records must record BSB numbers and branch details (s 35).
Locally registered foreign lawyers and overseas practitioners: The regulation prescribes which services are permitted for foreign lawyers (s 15), how trust provisions apply to Australian‑registered foreign lawyers (s 16), how locally registered foreign lawyers practising foreign law are treated (s 17), a requirement for disclosure where locally registered foreign lawyers are not fidelity‑fund covered (s 18), fees for foreign lawyer registration (s 19), register particulars for locally registered foreign lawyers (s 22) and refund mechanics where registration is suspended or cancelled (s 23). This affects foreign lawyers’ clients and firms that engage them.
Clients and members of the public: The regulation impacts clients via disclosure and bill‑related processes. For example, a law practice may withdraw trust money for costs only after giving a bill and following objection and costs assessment timeframes, or under an agreed costs agreement or instruction (s 58). Locally registered foreign lawyers not covered by the fidelity fund must provide clients with a written disclosure statement (s 18).
Other agencies and service providers: The regulation explicitly prescribes certain agencies for Act purposes (s 5) such as the Crime and Corruption Commission, Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Queensland Treasury Corporation, and Hospital and Health Services, which shapes when Act exemptions or special treatment apply. It also refers to PEXA and the Electronic Conveyancing National Law where external examination exemptions are concerned (s 62).
In short, the regulation primarily affects law practices and their principals and associates by imposing a comprehensive record‑keeping and internal control framework; it assigns oversight, investigatory and administrative roles to the law society, commissioner and chief executive; and it imposes disclosure obligations and specific limits on foreign lawyers, while also specifying how professional indemnity and fidelity fund arrangements operate for classes of practitioners.
Key duties and rights
The regulation creates concrete duties and limited rights across registration, trust accounting, disclosure, fidelity and disciplinary procedure. Below are the principal obligations most relevant to practitioners and law practices, grounded in the cited sections.
Trust accounting duties (ss 27-63)
Establish and maintain a compliant general trust account in this jurisdiction with an approved ADI when holding trust money (s 33).
For each receipt, create a receipt in duplicate with prescribed particulars (s 34), and for non‑direct deposits produce a duplicate deposit record and provide it to the ADI at the time of deposit (s 35).
Maintain and record particulars in trust account receipts and payments cash books, trust ledger accounts (separate ledger account per client/matter), and transfer journals with specific particulars, and record entries within prescribed timeframes (receipts/payments recorded within 5 working days, ss 40-42; monthly copies prepared within 15 working days, ss 29, 44).
Ensure computerised accounting systems meet specified anti‑tamper and audit‑trail requirements: no deletion or amendment except as new transactions recorded; disallow entry leading to debit balances without a contemporaneous permanent report; require input in every field; sequential printing and page‑control (s 31).
Keep backup copies monthly and store a complete set offsite to prevent common incidents affecting both records and backups (s 32).
Reconcile trust account balances and trust ledger balances monthly, have statements prepared within 15 working days, reviewed by a principal, and annotated to evidence review (s 44).
Keep controlled money registers and a single controlled money receipt system and follow prescribed receipting and recording rules (ss 48, 51).
Withdrawal and costs duties (s 58)
Withdraw trust money for legal costs only in set circumstances: following a bill and time for objection and costs assessment (seven days and 60 days depending on objection), or under a costs agreement or instructions authorising withdrawal, or for reimbursement with prior request for payment or written notice (s 58).
Keep permanently instructions given in writing or, if not written, confirm in writing before or within five working days after withdrawal (s 58(6)).
Notification and reporting duties (ss 13, 21, 46, 61, 63)
Give 14 days’ notice for termination of provision of legal services where required by the Act (s 13).
Notices of offences under s 204 of the Act are to be given to the secretary of the law society at the specified address (s 21).
Notify law society within 14 days after a general trust account event and regarding authorisation/termination of signatories either before or within 14 days (s 46).
Respond to written notices from the law society requiring statements about whether the practice has received or held trust money and its character (s 61).
Give at least 14 days written notice to the law society before ceasing to exist as a law practice or to cease receiving trust money; and within 14 days of ceasing to hold trust money, give written notice (s 63).
Foreign lawyer, registration and disclosure duties (ss 15-23)
Locally registered foreign lawyers who practise foreign law otherwise than as an associate must provide clients with a written disclosure that they are not covered by the fidelity fund; the disclosure must be in English or the client’s reasonable language and include specific statements (s 18).
Fees for grant/renewal of foreign lawyer registration are prescribed (325 fee units,s 19) and the law society must refund part of fees on non‑disciplinary suspension/cancellation (s 23).
Prescribed particulars for locally registered foreign lawyer registers are set out (s 22).
Fidelity and indemnity duties (ss 73-77)
Maintain professional indemnity insurance of at least $1.5m inclusive of defence costs and comply with indemnity rules of the relevant professional body depending on who issued the practising certificate (s 73).
Contribute to the fidelity fund where prescribed and observe the classes and payment rules in s 75.
Be aware claim caps (prescribed capped amount $200,000 per claim; apportionment from $2m total may apply, s 76), interest methodology (s 75A), and the law society’s capacity to enter fidelity protocols with corresponding authorities (s 77).
Procedural duties and rights in discipline and investigations (ss 80-90, 79)
Discipline applications must be made in the approved form and served (s 80, s 81).
Respondents must file and serve a notice of address for service within 14 days (s 82).
Parties must serve lists of documents and affidavits, and comply with timing rules for production (ss 87-88).
The committee may grant substituted service, extend or shorten time, and has discretion to waive noncompliance, set aside proceedings or make other orders (ss 83, 89-90).
The commissioner may require a complainant to pay or agree to pay costs of a costs assessor before a costs assessment, and may require a law practice to pay the costs assessor if the assessment reduces the law practice’s costs by at least 15% (s 79).
Rights and conditional discretions
A local legal practitioner may request the regulatory authority not to include particular register particulars on safety/wellbeing grounds; the authority must be satisfied and may still weigh public interest (s 10(2)-(3)).
The law society may grant exemptions from Part 3.3 requirements on any appropriate conditions, and may vary or revoke those conditions (s 68).
The law society may publish disqualification orders or otherwise publicise them as it considers appropriate; applicants for disqualification orders must notify corresponding authorities (s 14).
Collectively, the regulation converts many broad obligations in the Act into prescriptive duties,naming record content, system properties, time limits, authorisations, and reporting channels,and it grants discrete administrative discretions to the law society, commissioner and committee to manage enforcement, exemptions and proceedings.
Penalties and enforcement
The regulation itself contains limited standalone penalty provisions; enforcement mechanisms are mostly channelled through the Act’s disciplinary, investigative and fidelity fund processes, with the regulation detailing procedural and documentary requirements that support enforcement and enable investigatory access.
Enforcement enablers and administrative powers
Publicity and cross‑jurisdictional reporting: The regulation permits the commissioner or the law society to publicise disqualification or prohibition orders made under the Act (s 14(2)). The applicant for the order must give written notice to corresponding authorities in other jurisdictions and may notify other regulatory authorities; prescribed particulars for such notices are set out (s 14(3)-(5)).
Information requests: The law society may require a law practice to provide a statement about whether it has received or held trust money and of its character (s 61). The chief executive may require the law society to provide specific information about amounts in trust accounts (s 67). Those notices can apply indefinitely to recurring periods and may be varied (s 61(2)-(3)).
External examinations and qualifications: The regulation prescribes professional qualifications for external examiners (s 65) and the form of external examiner reports (s 66). The law society may require external examination reports in a law society approved form and may exempt examiners from that requirement (s 66). External examination regimes create the auditing capacity used in enforcement under the Act.
Costs assessor cost allocation: The commissioner may require a complainant to prepay or to agree to pay the costs assessor (s 79). The commissioner may require a law practice to pay the costs assessor where the costs assessment reduces the law practice’s costs by at least 15% (s 79(3)). These provisions shift some financial risk of unsuccessful assessments to complainants or to practices depending on outcome.
Fidelity fund enforcement mechanics
Claim caps and apportionment: Section 76 prescribes a cap per claim and a mechanism for the law society to apportion the $2m total where multiple claims arise from one practice. The law society must have regard to amounts that would have been paid absent limits and to hardship before apportioning (s 76(3)). These rules constrain remedies available to victims via the fund and place discretionary allocation choices on the law society.
Interest on payments: Sections 75A and 78A prescribe interest methodologies, including referencing bank bill yields, which affects the quantum payable on successful fidelity claims and other specified claims.
Disciplinary procedure and committee powers
The regulation delivers procedural enforcement by setting mandatory filing, service and evidence timeframes (ss 80-90). The committee has power to order substituted service (s 83), extend or shorten times (s 89) but must observe procedural fairness, waive noncompliance or set aside proceedings (s 90). The regulation therefore creates tools to manage process compliance and to proceed with hearings even where procedural missteps occur.
The commissioner must serve discipline applications personally on each respondent (s 81), which affects the practical enforceability and timing of proceedings.
Operational penalties
While the regulation does not itself set maximum fines for most contraventions, noncompliance with trust accounting obligations and other Act obligations can feed into disciplinary charges or fidelity fund claims under the Act. The regulation’s detailed record‑keeping and audit requirements (for example, computerised system constraints s 31; backup s 32; reconciliation s 44) are the evidential backbone investigators will use.
Risk allocation and administrative discretion
The law society’s power to grant and later impose, amend or revoke conditions on exemptions to Part 3.3 (s 68) is a source of administrative discretion that can be used in enforcement or compliance support.
The commissioner’s ability to require upfront payment for cost assessments (s 79) reallocates compliance costs for investigatory procedures and creates an enforcement lever to deter non‑meritorious assessments without imposing statutory fines.
In short, enforcement under the regulation is achieved by imposing strict documentary and system duties that enable detection and investigation (trust records, reconciliations, backups), by assigning reporting and investigatory powers to the law society and commissioner (s 61, s 67, s 79), and by directing proceeds and caps for fidelity fund claims (ss 74A, 75, 76), while leaving disciplinary sanctions and statutory penalties to the Act’s broader enforcement framework.
How it interacts with other laws
The regulation is explicitly framed as subordinate and supplementary to the Legal Profession Act 2007 and interacts with multiple external statutes and frameworks. It both implements cross‑references and, in one instance, declares a Corporations Act displacement.
Direct Act relationship
The regulation is structured to reflect the part numbering and content of the Act; many sections are direct prescriptions for how specific Act provisions operate (for example ss 7, 8, 33, 58, 62, 73). Where the Act delegates to regulation to set detail (fees, forms, timeframes, prescribed classes), the regulation supplies that detail.
Corporations legislation displacement
Section 12 declares s 112(2) of the Act to be a Corporations legislation displacement provision for the Corporations Act s 5G, meaning a State law can displace inconsistent provisions of the Corporations legislation to the extent necessary. The regulation therefore operates in a space where certain state restrictions (for example, on incorporated legal practices carrying out managed investment schemes) are permitted to override federal Corporations provisions to the extent of inconsistency (s 12).
Banking and ADI interaction
Compliant general trust accounts must be established with an approved authorised deposit‑taking institution and kept in this jurisdiction (s 33). Deposit records and other records must record BSB numbers and the ADI branch for cheques (s 35). Controlled money and PEXA interactions reference ADI accounts (s 48, s 62). The regulation thereby relies on commercial bank systems and requires law practices to use onshore ADIs.
Electronic conveyancing and PEXA
Section 62 creates an exemption from external examination requirements where a law practice’s only trust money is transit money or money in a PEXA source account. The section defines PEXA and the PEXA source account and cross‑references the Electronic Conveyancing National Law (Queensland) (ECNL (Qld)) and the Banking Act 1959 (Cth) for ADI definitions. This integrates electronic conveyancing infrastructure into the state regulatory regime and recognises PEXA’s special operating model for settlement funds.
Civil Proceedings Act and interest rates
Section 72 prescribes the rate of interest on unpaid legal costs as equal to the Civil Proceedings Act 2011 (Qld) prescribed rate for money order debts as at the relevant date (s 72). Sections 75A and 78A prescribe interest rates by reference to bank bill yield rates published by the Reserve Bank of Australia, establishing financial cross‑references to national monetary statistics.
Uniform Civil Procedure Rules
Section 87 references the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 for copying costs when a party asks for documents listed in a discipline proceeding (s 87(2)).
Acts Interpretation Act
Section 2A relies on the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, s 48C(3), when rounding fee unit amounts into dollar amounts, and sets the rounding rules (s 2A).
Legal Aid and other State Acts
The regulation treats Legal Aid Queensland as a prescribed community legal service (s 6) and notes that under the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997, s 72 part 3.6 of the Act may not apply to Legal Aid lawyers performing duties under that Act (s 74(2)). This establishes how the regulation dovetails with other Queensland statutes that govern legal aid and public service lawyers.
Corporations Act section references in external examiner qualifications
Section 65 references the Corporations Act (for example for auditor registration and tertiary course prescriptions under s 1280(2A)) in prescribing external examiner qualifications. This binds external examiner eligibility to national corporate/auditing standards.
Electronic funds transfer and BSB requirements
Requirements for EFTs and record particulars (s 38) interact with banking operations and technology platforms.
Overall, the regulation is designed to be complementary to national and state frameworks: it imports interest and auditing standards, links with banking and electronic conveyancing systems, and, where necessary, asserts state law primacy in a narrowly defined area (corporations displacement). Practically, law practices must ensure their internal systems and contractual arrangements with banks, PEXA and insurers align with the regulatory prescriptions and with the referenced federal statutes and national infrastructure.
Amendment history
The regulation text includes embedded amendment notes indicating discrete changes since the original 2017 instrument. The embedded notes in the text supply the following amendment markers and insertions (as expressed in the regulation):
Section 2A (Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units) was inserted in 2022 (s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 103). That section prescribes rounding to nearest 5 cents for results not more than $100 and to nearest 10 cents for results more than $100 but not more than $1,000, with half rounding upwards,illustrated in the text.
Section 7 (Prescribed legal practice) was amended in 2020 (s 7 amd 2020 Act No. 15 s 146) to add paragraph (c) covering representation arrangements between publicly funded non‑profit corporations representing community legal services or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander legal service corporations.
Section 19 (Fees for application for grant or renewal of registration as foreign lawyer) shows a series of amendments: 2018 SL No. 72 s 71; 2019 SL No. 105 s 71; 2020 SL No. 143 s 72; 2021 SL No. 84 s 71; 2022 SL No. 79 s 104. The present text prescribes a fee of 325 fee units.
Section 29 includes an amendment note to include computerised system requirements and printing obligations (the section text appears as amended).
Section 62 (Exemption from external examination requirement) appears as inserted or amended to address PEXA source account treatment. While the insertion note is not present in the body text, the section references ECNL (Qld) and PEXA parameters and functions added post‑2017.
Section 74A (Maximum payment from fidelity fund for educational and other programs) was inserted in 2021 (s 74A ins 2021 SL No. 39 s 4) prescribing $750,000 as the annual maximum payment for a financial year.
Section 75 (Prescribed classes of local legal practitioners) shows amendment in 2018 (s 75 amd 2018 SL No. 47 s 3) and contains the $10 payment prescription for community legal service employee practitioners.
Section 75A (Interest rate for amount payable for fidelity fund claim) was inserted in 2023 (s 75A ins 2023 SL No. 84 s 3), prescribing the bank bill yield rate methodology for interest for claims made from the commencement date specified.
Section 76 (Capped amount) shows a 2021 substitution note (s 76 sub 2021 SL No. 39 s 5) prescribing $200,000 per claim and a $2m apportionment pool for multiple claims from a single practice, together with apportionment criteria.
Section 77 on fidelity protocols and s 78 on notice by interstate legal practitioners include insertion notes (s 78A and s 75A insertions noted).
Section 92A (Allowances and expenses for person required to attend for examination) was inserted in 2022 (s 92A ins 2022 SL No. 146 s 4) to prescribe allowances and expenses in line with District Court witness entitlements.
Section 93 repeals the prior Legal Profession Regulation 2007 (SL No. 153) when this Regulation commenced.
Transitional provisions (ss 94-95) include insertion notes; s 95 was inserted in 2018 (s 95 ins 2018 SL No. 47 s 6) to deal with payments for the 2017-18 financial year.
The embedded amendment notes in the text identify specific statutory instrument numbers and years where provided. The regulation also contains references to consequential cross‑references in the Act that remain in force. The schedule of fees (schedule 1) and definitions (schedule 2) are referenced; schedule 1 is prescribed by s 8 and schedule 2 is the dictionary referenced in s 3. The regulation’s amendment history therefore shows iterative layering: rounding and fee unit rules (2022), fidelity fund cap and interest rate methodology (2021-2023), foreign lawyer fee updates (2018-2022), community legal service practitioner classes and low‑rate fidelity contributions (2018), and PEXA‑related exemptions and electronic conveyancing interactions (dates indicated for later insertions).
This summary limits itself to the amendment markers and notes shown in the regulation text itself; it does not infer amendment history beyond those explicit insertions and amendment footnotes provided in the source.
Litigation history
The regulation text supplied contains no judicial decisions, case citations, or litigation history. It does include procedural cross‑references to disciplinary and investigatory chapters of the Act (for example the committee functions in ss 80-90), but the regulation contains no reported cases, appeals or tribunal decisions. Where the regulation mentions the committee, commissioner, law society or chief executive, it prescribes administrative processes rather than reporting past litigation. Therefore, based solely on the material provided, there is no litigation history to report for this instrument.
Users seeking case law applying or construing particular provisions (for example the trust accounting rules, fidelity fund caps or foreign lawyer disclosures) will need to consult court or tribunal databases and the Act’s case law, as none is contained in the provided regulation text.
Gotchas
The regulation contains numerous specific operational prescriptions and timing rules that can produce compliance traps if overlooked. Below are concrete items to watch for, each tied to the relevant section.
Computerised accounting system constraints (s 31): Systems must prevent deletion of trust ledger accounts unless the balance is zero and outstanding cheques presented, and when deleted a permanent copy must be kept (s 31(2)). Systems must not permit amendment of transaction particulars except by a separately recorded amendment transaction (s 31(5)). They must require input in every field for trust records (s 31(6)). Off‑the‑shelf cloud or legacy systems that permit silent deletion, retroactive alteration of entries, or partial field uploads will be non‑compliant without specific controls.
Timing for recording and producing records (ss 29, 40-42, 44): There are tight, different timeframes: (a) copies of monthly trust account receipts/payments and reconciliation statements must be prepared within 15 working days after the end of each named month (s 29(3)); (b) receipts/payments and ledger entries must be recorded within 5 working days from the day the receipt was made out or the payment made (ss 40(4), 41(4), 42(9)); (c) reconciliations must be prepared within 15 working days and reviewed by a principal and annotated (s 44). Failure to synchronise system processes with these deadlines is likely to create retrospective compliance issues.
Printing and archiving requirements (ss 29(2), 31(3)-(4)): A law practice must print a paper copy of trust ledger accounts, controlled money movement records and the trust transfer journal before archiving or deletion of the system record (s 29(2)). Printed records must be sequentially numbered or printed to prevent page extraction (s 31(4)). Practices that rely exclusively on online archive windows without printed copies or permanent archival exports risk failing this requirement.
Backups and offsite storage (s 32): Monthly backups must be made and kept, with a complete set stored at a separate location to avoid an incident affecting both records and backups (s 32). Cloud providers that co‑locate backups with primary data in a manner that could be affected by the same incident may not meet the “separate location” requirement.
Withdrawal for legal costs procedural traps (s 58): The regulation allows withdrawals for legal costs only in specified circumstances. Notably, a bill followed by a 7‑day window for objection, with a 60‑day window for costs assessment where objected to, establishes that unilateral withdrawals without complying with cost agreement or instruction authorization may be contested. Where an instruction authorises withdrawal but is not in writing, the practice must confirm in writing before or within 5 working days after withdrawal and keep a permanent record (s 58(6)). Failure to obtain or retain the writing or confirmation creates a compliance risk.
Name and location requirements for trust accounts (s 33(3)): A compliant general trust account must include the law practice’s name and the expression “law practice trust account” or “law practice trust a/c” and be established and kept in this jurisdiction with an approved ADI (s 33(3)(a)-(d)). Accounts established before 1 July 2007 are partly exempted from the naming requirement (s 33(4)). Practices using shared banking structures, centralized group accounts or offshore ADIs may be non‑compliant.
Controlled money particulars (s 48): Controlled money receipts must include the controlled money account name unless the account is not established yet; if not established the duplicate receipt must be updated with the account details when established (s 48(7)). Practices must maintain a single controlled money receipt system for all controlled money accounts (s 48(2)); fragmented processes can breach this obligation.
Trust ledger account naming and deletion (s 42, s 31(2)): Ledger account titles must contain the name of the person, address and matter particulars (s 42(2)). Deleting a trust ledger account is permitted only when the balance is zero and outstanding cheques presented and a copy is kept (s 31(2)). Practices that reuse ledger references or that do not maintain an auditable history will struggle to comply.
Locally registered foreign lawyers and fidelity fund disclosure (s 18): A locally registered foreign lawyer practising foreign law otherwise than as an associate must provide written disclosure in English or in another language the client reasonably understands that states lack of fidelity fund cover and that Australian legal practitioners generally are covered (s 18(2)-(3)). Failure to give the precise wording and format means the foreign lawyer may not lawfully act on behalf of a client in this jurisdiction (s 18(2)).
Fidelity fund caps and apportionments (s 76): For defaults resulting in multiple claims, each claim may be limited to the lesser of $200,000 or an apportioned share from a $2m pool. The law society must have regard to what would have been payable absent limits and to hardship in apportioning (s 76(3)). Claimants for large losses should be aware the fund may not cover full loss amounts where multiple claims exist for a single defaulting practice.
Exemptions and law society discretion (s 68): The law society may grant, condition, vary or revoke exemptions from Part 3.3 requirements. Relying on an informal understanding with the law society without a formal exemption risks enforcement when the society amends or revokes a condition.
External examiner form and qualifications (ss 65-66): External examiner qualifications are tightly defined. Only those meeting the prescribed qualifications or recognised by the law society can be appointed (s 65), and reports must be in an approved form unless an exemption is granted (s 66). Practices must verify examiners’ credentials and report format in advance.
Notices and timing (multiple): Many obligations require notices within 7, 14 or 15 working days (for example s 13: 14 days notice for termination; s 46: 14 days for trust account events; s 29/44: 15 working days for monthly prints and reconciliations). Confusion between calendar and working days and misunderstandings about running timeframes produce compliance risk.
Costs assessment payment obligations (s 79): The commissioner can require a complainant to pay upfront to cover a costs assessor, or to agree to pay the cost if the assessment does not reduce billed costs by at least 15%. If you are a complainant initiating a costs assessment, be aware of this potential upfront exposure.
Copies, sequential numbering and cheques (s 37): Cheques must be crossed “not negotiable,” payable to named payees not bearer or cash, and include the law practice name and “law practice trust account” expression (s 37(2)). Written records or cheque butts must be kept and, where recorded by computer, independently verifiable written records must also be kept (s 37(4)-(5)). Practices that rely solely on bank images may not satisfy the requirement to keep original cheque butts or equivalent records.
These are concrete, technical obligations that will require coordination between practice management, accounting, banks and software providers. Non‑compliance commonly arises where procedures are adapted gradually without aligning core system properties, backups and documentary flows to the exact textual requirements.
How to comply
Compliance requires translating the regulation’s specific prescriptions into operational policies, system configurations and documented routines. Below is a checklist of concrete steps, mapped to the relevant sections, that a law practice should follow to align with the regulation.
Trust account establishment and naming (s 33)
If you receive trust money required to be paid into a general trust account, ensure you have a compliant general trust account established in this jurisdiction with an approved ADI. Confirm the account name includes the law practice name (or business name) and the phrase “law practice trust account” or “law practice trust a/c” (s 33(3)(a)-(c)). Document board/principal approval of the account and ADI selection and keep ADI approval evidence.
Computerised accounting system configuration and audit trail (s 31)
Ensure your trust accounting software cannot:
accept a transaction for a trust ledger account that produces a debit balance unless a contemporaneous permanent chronological report of such occurrences exists (s 31(1));
delete a trust ledger account unless its balance is zero and all outstanding cheques have been presented and a permanent copy is retained (s 31(2));
amend particulars of an already recorded transaction other than by a separately recorded amendment transaction (s 31(5));
proceed without mandating input in every field for data required by the division (s 31(6));
produce printed records where pages are sequentially numbered or printed to prevent extraction (s 31(4)).
Procure written certification from software vendors evidencing these controls or maintain documented internal controls and change management evidence.
Receipting and deposit practice (ss 34-35, 48)
Adopt a standard receipt template that records all required particulars for trust receipts and controlled money receipts (s 34(5), s 48(6)). Make receipts in duplicate or ensure the computer system captures required particulars into the receipts cash book (s 34(4)). For direct deposits, obtain and keep written/electronic confirmation from the ADI before generating receipts (s 34(3), s 48(4)).
For non‑direct deposits, prepare a duplicate deposit record with drawer name, ADI branch/BSB and cheque amounts, and present the deposit record to the ADI at the time of deposit (s 35(2)-(4)).
Keep original receipts available for delivery on request (s 34(6), s 48(8)) and maintain sequential receipt numbering and cancellation retention (s 34(7)-(8), s 48(9)-(10)).
Ledger, cash book and journal entries (ss 39-43)
Maintain trust account receipts and payments cash books and trust ledger accounts per the prescribed particulars (ss 39-42).
Ensure receipts and payments are recorded within 5 working days from the day the receipt was made or the payment was made (ss 40(4), 41(4), 42(9)).
Maintain a transfer journal for journal transfers containing the required particulars and keep authorisation records for transfers (s 43(3)-(6)). Ensure journal pages are consecutively numbered.
Monthly printing, reconciliation and principal review (ss 29, 44)
Prepare and print the monthly copies specified in s 29 within 15 working days after each named month: receipts/payments cash book copy, reconciliation statement and lists of ledger accounts and controlled money account balances.
Reconcile the general trust account balance with ADI records and reconcile trust ledger balances with cash books. Record the dates, have the statements reviewed by a principal and annotate to evidence the review (s 44(2)-(3)).
Keep paper copies or readable printable copies of these records (s 29(1)-(2)).
Backups and offsite storage (s 32)
Implement monthly backups of all trust records, keep each backup, and store a complete set at a separate physical location not susceptible to the same incident as the primary records (s 32(1)-(3)). Maintain backup logs and test restoration periodically.
Controlled money and investment registers (ss 47, 51, 55)
Keep controlled money accounts under a name that includes the law practice name and “controlled money account” or “CMA” and particulars identifying the purpose (s 47).
Operate a single controlled money receipt system and maintain the controlled money movement register with required particulars entered at or immediately after receipt/payment (s 48(2), s 51(5)).
Keep a register of investments of investment money with prescribed particulars and supporting documents (s 55).
Withdrawal procedures and authorisations (ss 37-38, 43, 50, 58)
Implement a written authorisation matrix for signatories and persons authorised to effect EFTs or sign cheques. Ensure cheques and EFTs include the legal practice name and “law practice trust account” and are crossed “not negotiable” (s 37(2)(c), s 38(5)).
Ensure withdrawal authorisations conform to the hierarchy set out in the regulation (authorised principal; authorised legal practitioner associate; unrestricted practising Australian legal practitioner authorised to receive trust money; or 2 or more authorised associates jointly) (see s 37(3), s 38(2), s 43(2), s 50(3)).
For withdrawals for costs, ensure the bill and objection timelines and the requirements under costs agreements or client instructions are followed. If relying on instructions not given in writing, obtain written confirmation before or within five working days after withdrawal and keep a permanent record (s 58(3)-(6)).
Notifications to the law society (ss 13, 21, 46, 63)
Notify the law society of establishment or closure of general trust accounts within 14 days and, prior to or within 14 days after authorisation events, send written notices of associates and authorised practitioners as at 1 July and on changes (s 46(1)-(2)). For closure or cessation of trust money practice, give at least 14 days’ notice and post‑cessation notice within 14 days (s 63).
Provide the secretary of the law society with notices of offences under s 204 at the specified Law Society House address if required (s 21).
Record retention (ss 29-32, 36, 49, 59-60)
Keep monthly printed copies and backup copies, and retain trust records for 7 years after the only or last transaction entry or after finalisation of the matter depending on the type of record (s 59). Records required by s 30 (computer audit trail) must be kept for 7 years after finalisation (s 60).
Keep written directions regarding non‑deposit or deposit of trust and controlled money for 7 years after finalisation of the matter (s 36, s 49).
External examination and auditor arrangements (ss 62, 65-66)
If you are subject to external examination, ensure appointed examiners meet prescribed qualifications (s 65) and that their reports use the law society approved form unless the law society provides a written exemption (s 66).
Identify whether your practice is exempt from external examination under s 62 (if the only trust money is transit money or held in a PEXA source account) and document the basis for exemption.
Foreign lawyer compliance and disclosure (ss 15-23)
If engaging locally registered foreign lawyers, ensure they have provided the required written disclosure regarding lack of fidelity fund cover if practising foreign law otherwise than as an associate (s 18). Keep copies of such disclosures in the client file.
Ensure foreign lawyer registration fees are paid per schedule and that the law society is notified where registration is suspended or cancelled (s 19, s 23).
Professional indemnity and fidelity contributions (ss 73, 74A, 75, 76)
Maintain professional indemnity insurance at or above $1.5m inclusive of defence costs and ensure the insurer or policy complies with indemnity rules applicable to the issuing authority (s 73). Maintain evidence of compliance with the relevant indemnity rules.
Ensure fidelity fund contributions are recorded and, where applicable, pay the $10 amount for community legal service employee practitioners (s 75(1)(a)(ii)).
Discipline and proceedings readiness (ss 80-90)
Maintain a practice file with up‑to‑date contact details and addresses for service to meet discipline application requirements (s 80-82). Implement an internal protocol for responding to discipline applications, preparing lists of documents at least 14 days before hearings, and filing affidavits at least 5 days before hearings (ss 87-88).
Train nominated principals about the requirement to review monthly reconciliations and to annotate evidence of review (s 44(3)).
Policies, training and third‑party contracts
Update written trust account procedures, client engagement letters and cost agreements to reflect the regulation’s timelines and requirements (s 58). Provide staff training about receipting, deposit handling, ledger entries, journal transfers and authorisations.
Where services rely on third parties (banking platforms, PEXA, accounting software vendors), obtain contractual assurances or written confirmations that their processes and records will enable compliance with s 31, s 32 and s 33 naming/ADI requirements.
Audit and testing
Arrange periodic internal or external audits against the regulation’s requirements (including system control testing for deletion/alteration prevention, backup restore testing, and review of printed monthly reconciliations). Ensure external examiners meet the qualification and reporting requirements (ss 65-66) when appointed.
Use law society and regulator resources
Apply to the law society for exemptions where compliance is practically impossible, and obtain written exemptions with conditions to reduce enforcement risk (s 68). Where in doubt about interpretation, seek formal guidance or written approval from the law society or the commissioner.
Following this checklist will not eliminate all legal risk, but it translates the regulation’s prescriptive obligations into concrete, auditable actions: configure systems to preserve immutable audit trails; adopt disciplined record production and backup regimes; ensure careful authorisations for withdrawals; comply with notification windows; and maintain insurance and fidelity fund contributions as prescribed. Where discretion or uncertainty exists (for example, exemptions under s 68 or bank product approval), obtain formal law society decisions in writing and keep them with the practice’s compliance records.
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this regulation.
sec.4 Prescribed home jurisdiction criteria— Act , s 8
sec.4 Prescribed home jurisdiction criteria— Act , s 8
For section 8 (3) (b) (iii) of the Act , the following criteria are prescribed in relation to an associate of a law practice—
the jurisdiction of the associate’s place of residence in Australia;
if the associate does not have a place of residence in Australia, the jurisdiction of the associate’s last place of residence in Australia.
(a) the jurisdiction of the associate’s place of residence in Australia;
(b) if the associate does not have a place of residence in Australia, the jurisdiction of the associate’s last place of residence in Australia.
sec.5 Prescribed agencies— Act , s 12
sec.5 Prescribed agencies— Act , s 12
For section 12 (1) (a) of the Act , each of the following is prescribed as an agency—
the Australian Government Solicitor;
the Board of Architects of Queensland;
the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland;
the Crime and Corruption Commission;
each Hospital and Health Service under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 ;
the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland) ;
the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment;
the Office of the Ombudsman;
the parliamentary service;
the Queensland Building and Construction Commission;
the Queensland Treasury Corporation;
the Residential Tenancies Authority.
(a) the Australian Government Solicitor;
(b) the Board of Architects of Queensland;
(c) the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland;
(d) the Crime and Corruption Commission;
(e) each Hospital and Health Service under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 ;
(f) the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland) ;
(g) the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment;
(h) the Office of the Ombudsman;
(i) the parliamentary service;
(j) the Queensland Building and Construction Commission;
(k) the Queensland Treasury Corporation;
(l) the Residential Tenancies Authority.
sec.6 Prescribed community legal service— Act , sch 2 , definition community legal service
sec.6 Prescribed community legal service— Act , sch 2 , definition community legal service
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition community legal service , paragraph (b) , Legal Aid Queensland is prescribed as a community legal service.
pt.2.2 Reservation of legal work
Reservation of legal work
sec.7 Prescribed legal practice— Act , s 24
sec.7 Prescribed legal practice— Act , s 24
For section 24 (2) (e) of the Act , the following kinds of legal practice are prescribed—
the provision of legal services to the community, or a section of the community, by a community legal service;
the provision of legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
the provision of legal services, by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation (the representing corporation ) whose primary purpose is to represent a corporation mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (the represented corporation ), to a client of the represented corporation, under an agreement between the representing corporation and the represented corporation.
s 7 amd 2020 Act No. 15 s 146
(a) the provision of legal services to the community, or a section of the community, by a community legal service;
(b) the provision of legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
(c) the provision of legal services, by a publicly funded, non-profit corporation (the representing corporation ) whose primary purpose is to represent a corporation mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (the represented corporation ), to a client of the represented corporation, under an agreement between the representing corporation and the represented corporation.
pt.2.3 Admission of local lawyers
Admission of local lawyers
sec.8 Prescribed fees— Act , s 42
sec.8 Prescribed fees— Act , s 42
For section 42 of the Act , the fees stated in schedule 1 are prescribed.
pt.2.4 Legal practice by Australian legal practitioners
Legal practice by Australian legal practitioners
sec.9 Completion of periods of supervised legal practice
sec.9 Completion of periods of supervised legal practice
This section states how to work out whether a person has undertaken a period of supervised legal practice required under section 56 (1) or 77 (1) of the Act (each the required period ).
The person may undertake the supervised legal practice as—
1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a full-time basis, that is equal to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a part-time basis, that is equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
2 or more periods of supervised legal practice, worked on either or both a full-time basis or a part-time basis, that together are equal or equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis.
Both of the following count towards the required period—
public holidays during the period, whether or not the person engaged in legal practice on those days;
normal periods of leave taken during the period.
This section applies to supervised legal practice whether undertaken before or after the commencement.
(sec.9-ssec.1) This section states how to work out whether a person has undertaken a period of supervised legal practice required under section 56 (1) or 77 (1) of the Act (each the required period ).
(sec.9-ssec.2) The person may undertake the supervised legal practice as— 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a full-time basis, that is equal to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a part-time basis, that is equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or 2 or more periods of supervised legal practice, worked on either or both a full-time basis or a part-time basis, that together are equal or equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis.
(sec.9-ssec.3) Both of the following count towards the required period— public holidays during the period, whether or not the person engaged in legal practice on those days; normal periods of leave taken during the period.
(sec.9-ssec.4) This section applies to supervised legal practice whether undertaken before or after the commencement.
(a) 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a full-time basis, that is equal to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
(b) 1 period of supervised legal practice, worked on a part-time basis, that is equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis; or
(c) 2 or more periods of supervised legal practice, worked on either or both a full-time basis or a part-time basis, that together are equal or equivalent to the required period worked out on a full-time basis.
(a) public holidays during the period, whether or not the person engaged in legal practice on those days;
(b) normal periods of leave taken during the period.
sec.10 Prescribed particulars— Act , s 81
sec.10 Prescribed particulars— Act , s 81
For section 81 (2) (b) of the Act , the following particulars are, subject to subsection (3) , prescribed for each local legal practitioner recorded in the register—
the name of the practitioner;
the type of local practising certificate held by the practitioner;
the name of the law practice of which the practitioner is an associate or, if the practitioner is not an associate of a law practice, the name of the entity of which the practitioner is a director, officer or employee or with which the practitioner is otherwise engaged in legal practice;
the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity in this jurisdiction;
by way of separate additional entry, the name of the law practice or other entity and the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity—
in this jurisdiction; and
in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice;
any other particulars about the practitioner, law practice or other entity that the regulatory authority considers should be included.
A local legal practitioner may, by written notice to a regulatory authority, request that the authority not include any, or any stated, particulars (the notified particulars ) about the practitioner, law practice or other entity in the register, on the ground that special circumstances justify the notified particulars not being publicly available.
if the safety or wellbeing of a person would be substantially affected by making the particulars publicly available
If the regulatory authority is satisfied the special circumstances exist, the authority must not include the notified particulars in the register, unless the authority considers the public interest in keeping public access to the notified particulars outweighs any individual interest in the notified particulars not being publicly available.
Subsection (1) does not limit other information being included in the register at the request, or with the consent, of a local legal practitioner to whom the information relates.
a special area of legal practice the legal practitioner engages in.
In this section—
contact details , of an office, means—
the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and
the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and
the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any.
register means the register kept under section 81 (1) of the Act .
(sec.10-ssec.1) For section 81 (2) (b) of the Act , the following particulars are, subject to subsection (3) , prescribed for each local legal practitioner recorded in the register— the name of the practitioner; the type of local practising certificate held by the practitioner; the name of the law practice of which the practitioner is an associate or, if the practitioner is not an associate of a law practice, the name of the entity of which the practitioner is a director, officer or employee or with which the practitioner is otherwise engaged in legal practice; the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity in this jurisdiction; by way of separate additional entry, the name of the law practice or other entity and the contact details of the office of the law practice or other entity— in this jurisdiction; and in any other jurisdictions in which it has an office, except if the regulatory authority considers those particulars need not be included in relation to an entity that is not a law practice; any other particulars about the practitioner, law practice or other entity that the regulatory authority considers should be included.
(sec.10-ssec.2) A local legal practitioner may, by written notice to a regulatory authority, request that the authority not include any, or any stated, particulars (the notified particulars ) about the practitioner, law practice or other entity in the register, on the ground that special circumstances justify the notified particulars not being publicly available. if the safety or wellbeing of a person would be substantially affected by making the particulars publicly available
(sec.10-ssec.3) If the regulatory authority is satisfied the special circumstances exist, the authority must not include the notified particulars in the register, unless the authority considers the public interest in keeping public access to the notified particulars outweighs any individual interest in the notified particulars not being publicly available.
(sec.10-ssec.4) Subsection (1) does not limit other information being included in the register at the request, or with the consent, of a local legal practitioner to whom the information relates. a special area of legal practice the legal practitioner engages in.
(sec.10-ssec.5) In this section— contact details , of an office, means— the street address of the office (the address where the office is physically located); and the postal address of the office (a post office box number and the location and postcode of the post office), if any; and the DX address of the office (the number of the exchange box in a document exchange (DX)), if any. register means the register kept under section 81 (1) of the Act .
(a) the name of the practitioner;
(b) the type of local practising certificate held by the practitioner;
(c) the name of the law practice of which the practitioner is an associate or, if the practitioner is not an associate of a law practice, the name of the entity of which the practitioner is a director, officer or employee or with which the pr
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