UNE - University of New England

01/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 08:44

Addressing the critical shortfall of lawyers in the bush

Addressing the critical shortfall of lawyers in the bush

Published 23 January 2025
Image: Incentives to attract lawyers to regional areas continue to be considered. Photo by Isabella Álvarez

The legal profession is facing a growing workforce shortfall in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas of Australia, with many communities struggling to access quality legal services.

Australia's legal professionals, like the majority of its population, tend to gravitate toward coastal and metropolitan regions and now the Law Council of Australia is calling for financial incentives to attract lawyers to RRR communities.

To address the workforce shortfall, the Law Council proposed a financial incentive scheme aimed at encouraging legal professionals to commit to RRR practice. Their proposal required Lawyers to work in these areas for a minimum of two years, entitling them to significant financial benefits, including a reduction in their HELP (HECS) debt and a waiver of indexation on their remaining HELP debt.

The Law Council's proposed incentive model aligns with similar strategies used to attract healthcare workers and teachers to RRR areas. Offering reductions in HELP debt and waivers on indexation for those who commit to working in RRR locations for a set period is seen as a promising way to bolster the legal workforce in these regions.

Paul Akon, lecturer in law at the University of New England's School of Law, highlighted the importance of supporting legal practitioners in these areas.

"While the UNE Law School doesn't have a specific focus on RRR law, many of our law students already work in RRR firms while studying and continue practising in these areas after graduation. We have also introduced initiatives like the UNE Agriculture Law Centre and courses on agricultural succession planning."

Image: Paul Akon at UNE moot court with Emmaville School students.

Reflecting on his two decades of legal experience in RRR areas, Paul Akon shared the many rewards of working in these regions.

"I practised law in these locations for over 20 years, and I would absolutely recommend it to fellow solicitors. The quality of work, the interesting cases, and the opportunity to represent individuals against corporations and government agencies all contributed to high job satisfaction," Paul said.

The quality of work, the interesting cases, and the opportunity to represent individuals against corporations and government agencies all contributed to high job satisfaction.

"Additionally, there's the benefit of becoming an integral part of the community, enjoying a better work-life balance, and raising a family in a peaceful, welcoming environment."

A young, pre-academic, Paul Akon working as a solicitor.

Having more lawyers in regional, rural and remote areas is crucial for ensuring that local communities have access to sound legal advice and representation. With many residents in these regions facing challenges in obtaining legal services locally, the presence of legal practitioners is a vital component of community wellbeing and justice.

"We used to pay a salary premium to attract new graduates to RRR practices," Paul said.

"Combined with the Law Council's proposal, this could make RRR practice much more attractive, particularly for young lawyers looking to establish themselves in the profession."

This could make RRR practice much more attractive, particularly for young lawyers looking to establish themselves in the profession.

UNE Law School offers students a well-rounded generalist law degree, with a compulsory unit in advocacy that equips graduates for a range of legal careers. While there may be some differences in the way law is practised in metropolitan versus RRR areas, the fundamental skills remain the same. RRR lawyers are more likely to represent members of their community, while their city counterparts often work with corporations.

To those considering a legal career in RRR Australia, Paul Akon has this message: "Give it a go. You may get a nice surprise."

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