The Law Society of New South Wales Professional Standards Scheme

The Law Society of New South Wales has continuously administered Schemes as an exclusive benefit for its Members in private practice since 1996.

These Schemes are specifically designed to promote professional standards, enhance consumer protection and to enable private practice members to limit their civil liability to selected amounts provided they meet the Scheme’s requirements.

The Law Society of New South Wales Professional Standards Scheme (the Scheme) commenced on 22 November 2018.

There are some important changes to both the benefits under this new Scheme and its operation.

For the first time, an Incorporated Legal Practice (ILP) may apply for participation in or exemption from  the Scheme (provided the ILP entity itself is an ILP Member of the Law Society). 

Mutual recognition of the Scheme has also been approved.

The new Scheme, as approved by the Professional Standards Councils and in accordance with the relevant professional standards legislation, requires Society Members in private practice to apply for exemption from the Scheme if they do not wish for the Scheme to apply to them.

If you have any queries regarding the Scheme, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Society Scheme Administration team by email scheme@lawsociety.com.au or on 02 9926 0189 for assistance.

Information on the Scheme

• The Law Society of New South Wales Professional Standards Scheme brochure
• Frequently Asked Questions
• ILP fact sheet
• Guidelines for Discretionary Higher Caps

Online Scheme Application Portal

For the 2020-2021 Scheme Year

Applications to register participation in, or exemption from, the Scheme year (commencing 22 November 2020) can be made through the online Scheme Portal.

Scheme applications

Important notice about credit card payments for Scheme applications 

In accordance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) the Law Society is unable to accept (hard copy) Scheme applications submitted by email that contain credit card holder details. If received, such applications will be treated as incomplete and immediately deleted to comply with the Society’s obligations under the Standard.

We therefore encourage you to make your application through the Online Scheme Portal.

• Online Scheme Application Portal
• Hard copy application for registration of participation or exemption
• Application for discretionary higher cap

Professional Standards Council

• Scheme Instrument (commenced 22 November 2018)
• General information on disclosure requirements for members of occupational associations

Legislation

• Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW)
• Professional Standards Regulation 2019 (NSW)
• Treasury Legislation Amendment (Professional Standards) Act 2004 (Cth)