THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER THE

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP Legalwise Seminar 9 March 2011

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LAWYER? • 1763 – Bentham questions Blackstone • Member of a learned and noble profession • Practice of law is a privilege – wise and dispassionate advice • Duty to serve the public ethically, diligently and competently • Ethical Duties - to the Court, to the Client

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LEADER? • Good leader = ethical leader • Ethical leadership – self-knowledge • Connection between ethics and values • Moral activism

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN PRACTISE • Ethical leaders must model desired behaviours – creates trust • Focus on organisational purpose to set leadership path • Encouraging people to follow the path • Ultimate Goal – influence organisational culture

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER MANAGEMENT versus LEADERSHIP • Managers focus on day to day activities – drive and control approach • Managers are risk-averse – leaders are risk seeking • Management is a transactional role – authority • Leadership – strategic focus

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER 1. ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE – LAW FIRM STRUCTURES Establish an effective management infrastructure regardless of practice type 2. 3. Identify role and goal of management Example – incorporated legal practices – no “management speak” 4. Legal practitioner director – appropriate management systems 5. 6.

THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP “ALL LAWYERS ARE FRAUDS!” CONFRONTING REAL CHALLENGES - ETHICS v PROFIT