Commissioner releases statement about Rule 57 of the Barristers Rule 2007
Commissioner issues Guidelines for charging fees in speculative personal injury matters
Court of Appeal clarifies 50/50 Rule in speculative PI matters
All firms and practitioners involved in personal injuries should note the significant ramifications of the Court of Appeal decision in Legal Services Commissioner v Dempsey:-
On 23 May 2008, the Court of Appeal upheld the Orders made by Chesterman J on 25 September 2007 regarding the application of section 481C of the Queensland Law Society Act 1952 (the 50/50 Rule), namely that a disbursement is a disbursement irrespective of how it is funded and the statutorily capped amount of professional fees is inclusive of GST.
- Legal Services Commission announcement following the Court of Appeal decision (PDF, 66.2 KB)
- Queensland Law Society announcement following the Court of Appeal decision (PDF, 60.5 KB)
Complaints against Stephen Keim SC
On 1 February 2008 the Legal Services Commission dismissed complaints made against barrister Stephen Keim SC relating to the "leaking" of a record of interview between the Australian Federal Police and his client Dr Mohammed Haneef.
The Legal Profession Act 2007 prohibits the disclosure of any information obtained in the course of administering the Act except in limited circumstances. In this matter, Mr Keim has given his consent for the release of information and documentation relating to the investigation and decision.