QLS’s The Callover: Mistakes and Professional Development by Dan Rogers
Dan Rogers on QLS’s The Callover: Mistakes and Professional Development
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of featuring on the Queensland Law Society’s podcast The Callover, which focuses on unpacking issues for young lawyers. I spoke with host Georgia Athanasellis about practical steps that lawyers can take in the event of a mistake, and the importance of ongoing professional development and maintaining ethical standards throughout one’s legal career. This is against a backdrop of our firm regularly acting for solicitors and barristers who face complaints or professional discipline proceedings.
Mistakes
The most important thing when it comes to mistakes is to be upfront about them. We all make honest mistakes and mistakes are ok. The best way to deal with a mistake is to accept that it has happened, and be able to gain insight about how it happened so that it can be avoided in the future – it is better to fix the mistake than to try and hide them. I encourage lawyers, particularly young lawyers, who are faced with the consequences of a mistake, to turn to their supervisor where possible, or if confidential advice is required, to contact the QLS Senior Counsellors who are volunteers with 15 or more years of post-admission experience who provide advice on any professional or ethical problem. For information and practice support guidance regarding ethics, the QLS Ethics Centre also provides confidential guidance.
Professional Development
Professional development should remain a priority for lawyers of all ages. Constant learning is important throughout your legal career, to ensure that you understand and comply with your ethical obligations. I encourage lawyers to look to the QLS Guidance Statements, which are concise summaries of important conduct rules on specific topics.
Legal Services Commission Complaints
The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is a statutory body who receive and investigate complaints relating to the conduct of legal professionals. In serious cases, the LSC has the responsibility to file an application for disciplinary proceedings through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The nature of complaints vary greatly. However, one of the main ways to expose yourself to a complaint is failing to give clear and early cost estimates to a client. Improper communications and the making of unfounded allegations are also problem areas for many clients.
What to do in the event of a complaint: Robertson O’Gorman’s Services
In the event that a complaint is made against you, it is of utmost importance to seek independent legal advice. Too often, lawyers react emotionally and respond before thinking about the best course of action. Reputational and personal damage resulting from these allegations can be significant, so it is important to understand your rights and obligations.
Robertson O’Gorman specialises in presenting all professionals who may face the unfortunate experience of being subject to a complaint that leads to their professional disciplinary body becoming involved. As well as for complaints through the LSC against solicitors and barristers, we can assist public service employees, teachers, child care workers, accountants, tax practitioners, doctors, nurses and students who are subject to proceedings before a number of statutory bodies.
We assist our clients to respond to complaints, participate in the investigatory process, in the making of oral and written submissions and if necessary, appeal a decision to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal or other appellate Commission or Court.
We pride ourselves on a thorough analysis of complex factual issues and a timely resolution of matters.
If you have a professional discipline issue you would like to discuss, please contact us so that one of our Professional Discipline Specialists can assist you.
- You can listen to the episode (‘Mistakes and Professional Development’) through Spotify or iTunes, or read the episode’s transcript.
Contact us
Level 19, 179 Turbot Street Brisbane Qld 4001
ph: (07) 3034 0000
fax: (07) 3034 0099
email: mail@robertsonogorman.com.au
Robertson O'Gorman encourages emerging leaders - Robertson O'Gorman Prize in Criminal Law 2020
Robertson O’Gorman is a proud sponsor of the University of Queensland Law School.
Each year the law school recognises the brightest legal minds through awards to its top performing students.
The latest recipient is Ana Coimbra who was thrilled to receive this award:
"Being awarded with the Robertson O'Gorman Prize in Criminal Law 2020 has given me a fantastic framework from which to develop my legal career. I cannot express my gratitude to Robertson O'Gorman enough. Their generosity will not only financially support me in my studies but will also motivate my continued interest in criminal law. While I have always had an aptitude towards criminal law, being granted such an award has prompted me to consider how I may contribute to Queensland’s criminal law system. Ultimately, I hope to one day be in a position to encourage the academic pursuit of law students like Robertson O'Gorman has done for me. These are the kinds of opportunities that truly cultivate knowledge, determination and progress in students at the beginning of their professional journeys." Ana Coimbra
Robertson O'Gorman Solicitors, leading criminal defence firm is pleased to welcome Linda Cho to the team!
Robertson O'Gorman Solicitors, leading criminal defence law firm is pleased to welcome Linda Cho to the team!
Linda holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Political Science) from the University of Queensland. She obtained her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Australian National University and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2016. Prior to joining the team at Robertson O’Gorman, Linda practiced in the areas of criminal law, child protection, domestic violence, mental health and youth crime. Linda has a keen interest in rehabilitation and has experience working within the therapeutic courts in Brisbane. She has travelled on circuit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, such as Bamaga and Thursday Island and has represented clients from all walks of life and has appeared for clients in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Court, representing them for matters ranging from simple traffic matters to more serious matters.
Linda is also an active committee member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association, helping to promote the importance of cultural diversity in the legal profession. She also sits on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Advisory Council. She is a passionate advocate who strives to assist people who must go through the criminal justice system. She understands that it can be a daunting and frightening experience. When meeting with clients she ensures that any question can be asked so every client has a clear understanding of what is happening with their matter.
Robertson O'Gorman Solicitors striving for Excellence - Emma Higgins recognised in the 2020 Queensland Criminal Law Rising Star Rankings
Last week, Robertson O’Gorman was again recognised as a ‘First Tier Criminal Defence Firm’. Congratulations to our newest edition to The Doyle’s Guide, solicitor Emma Higgins! Emma has been recognised in the 2020 Queensland Criminal Law Rising Star rankings. Doyle’s is curated by fellow criminal lawyers and barristers, recognising the expertise of our firm’s criminal defence lawyers and we are proud of our firm’s commitment to excellence and the continuing professional development and mentoring we provide throughout our lawyers' career.
Robertson O’Gorman Principal recognised in national Doyle’s List for White Collar and Corporate Crime Professionals and Criminal Defence Lawyers
Robertson O’Gorman Principal recognised in national Doyle’s List for White Collar and Corporate Crime Professionals and Criminal Defence Lawyers
The Doyle’s Guide is an independent organisation that rates and recommends law firms and individuals based on interviews with clients, peers, and relevant industry bodies. The Doyle’s 2020 rankings are in and we congratulate our Principal, Dan Rogers for being recognised nation-wide as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer, in addition to a national recognition in the White Collar Crime, Corporate Crime and Regulatory Investigations Category. Congratulations also to Terry O’Gorman; another one of our team awarded nation-wide recognition as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer. All of the solicitors at Robertson O’Gorman strive for quality and superior customer service and we are very proud of their commitment to excellence.
Legal Wise Seminar - Criminal Law: Hot Topics
Our Principal and Legal Director, Dan Rogers presented today at the Legal Wise Seminar - Criminal Law: Hot Topics. He spoke about Criminal law and the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) with a particular focus on statutory interpretation and the right to a fair hearing; along with reviewing Sections 32 to 35 of the Act which set out certain specific rights that relate to those accused of a criminal offence. Case Studies were examined to provide context to these important areas. It is vital for anyone facing a criminal charge to get considered advice about how the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) may affect the best conduct of their case. Our solicitors are available to discuss your case.
Doyle's Guide 2020 Results - Robertson O'Gorman recognised again as a First Tier Queensland Criminal Defence Firm
We are pleased to announce for the sixth straight year, Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors has been recognised as a First Tier Queensland Criminal Defence Firm in the 2020 Doyle’s Guide.. The Doyle’s Guide is curated by fellow criminal lawyers and barristers, recognising the expertise of our firm’s criminal defence lawyers. The list can be accessed here. Terry O’Gorman and Dan Rogers have also been named as Preeminent Queensland Criminal Defence Lawyers. As a result, together, Terry and Dan make up two of only six places on the highest individual category. Leigh Rollason was also among the list of Recommended Queensland Criminal Defence Lawyers.
Congratulations to Dan, Terry, Leigh and all ROG solicitors who continue to strive for excellence!
