The Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2012 ('ASCR 2012') replaced the Legal Profession (Solicitors) Rule 2007 on 1 June 2012. The ASCR 2012 was amended and those amendments came into effect for the Uniform States (i.e. NSW, Vic, and WA) in 2022. The Uniform States rely on the Law Council of Australia's Commentary which can be accessed here.
On the 27 September 2024, the Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2023 came into force in Queensland. Queensland adopted the majority of changes that the Uniform States agreed to above but retained the original 2012 wording for rules 23.2, 29.7, 29.12.5 and the definitions of "Principal" and "Serious Criminal Offence" in the Glossary. There was also a slight modification to rule 11A.
For further information, please contact the QLS Ethics and Practice Centre on ethics@qls.com.au.
The Qld ASCR Commentary will appear under each rule.
Changes to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023
Pursuant to section 223 Legal Profession Act 2007, the Queensland Law Society invites comments and submissions regarding proposed changes to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023 (ASCR). The ASCR aims to assist solicitors to act ethically and in accordance with principles of professional conduct in Queensland.
Comments and submissions can be emailed to ethics@qls.com.au, delivered to the QLS Ethics and Practice Centre, GPO Box 1785, Brisbane Q 4001 or in person to Law Society House, 179 Ann St, Brisbane.
Submissions close on 1 June 2026.