Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics in Queensland

Book Overview:

"Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics in Queensland" by Stephen Corones, Nigel Stobbs, and Mark Thomas is a comprehensive textbook that focuses on the ethical and regulatory aspects of legal practice in Queensland, Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes:

1. Ethical Principles: The book provides an in-depth exploration of ethical principles and their application in the legal workforce. It covers various aspects of professional responsibility, including client relationships, confidentiality, and conflict of interest.
2. Legislative Developments: The authors discuss the relevant legislation and statutory instruments governing legal practice in Queensland, such as the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2021 and the Barristers’ Conduct Rules 2018.
3. Regulatory Environment: The book explains the ethical and regulatory environment for Queensland lawyers, including changes in enforcement mechanisms and their impact on legal practice.
4. Diverse Practice Structures: It addresses the diverse practice structures and legislative developments that affect lawyers' work and their interactions with clients, other lawyers, and the courts.

Plot Summary:

The book is structured to provide a practical approach to identifying and resolving ethical issues that may arise in daily legal practice. It includes detailed explanations and analyses of the legislative framework governing legal ethics in Queensland. The authors aim to equip practitioners and students with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex ethical landscape of legal practice.

Critical Reception:

• Academic Review: The book has been praised for its comprehensive overview of the legislative and common law rules applicable to legal practice in Queensland. It is considered an invaluable reference for practitioners and an important student resource.
• Practical Approach: The third edition of the book is essential reading for Queensland practitioners and law students due to its practical approach to resolving ethical issues, making it a crucial resource for those navigating the evolving national legal services market.
• Author Credentials: The authors, Stephen Corones, Nigel Stobbs, and Mark Thomas, are academics from the Queensland University of Technology, which adds credibility to the book's academic rigor and practical relevance.

Editions:

The book has undergone significant revisions, with the first edition published in 2008 and the second edition addressing changes related to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Australian Solicitor Conduct Rules. The third edition, published more recently, includes updates on the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2021 and the Barristers’ Conduct Rules 2018, as well as changes to enforcement mechanisms.

Availability:

The book is available in various formats, including hardcopy and digital versions, and can be found in academic collections such as the Sunshine Coast Law Collection.