Benefits of Membership

Direct Benefits

  • An unlimited, well-structured, relevant and quality CPD program, including at the Annual Conference, which provides an opportunity for members to acquire the set number of points, including in the three mandatory areas of Ethics, Professional Skills and Practice Management, at no additional cost.  The entire program is included in membership fees.  Comparing that to other providers, this represents a substantial saving to each member.
  • A generous TPD Scheme with competitive premiums negotiated on behalf of members, which allows members to join the scheme without medical assessments or underwriting.
  • A Limited Liability Scheme, which caps the liability of members to an amount of $1.5 million.
  • A substantial Bar Readers’ Course that provides comparable introductory seminars and advocacy exercises that enable members to apply for mutual recognition amongst other ABA affiliate Bars.
  • Membership of the Australian Bar Association, and the benefits that flow from it at a National level, including the Member Benefits Scheme, which offers members discounts on goods and services, including car servicing and travel.
  • Membership of the Law Council of Australia and the benefits that flow from it at both State and National levels.
  • Bar Newsletter, keeping members abreast of legislative changes and other issues relevant to their practice.
  • Access to all CPD papers and select Submissions made on behalf of members via the Website.
  • Invitations to all Association functions, including the Annual Dinner and Bar & Bench Lunches throughout the year, offering members an opportunity to meet with their colleagues and members of the judiciary in a social setting.

Indirect Benefits

  • Advocating for, representing and supporting members with Government and the Courts.
  • Highlighting and endeavouring to improve barristers’ practice conditions and their right to practise in this State and Nationally.
  • Reviewing and commenting on relevant legislation.
  • Reviewing and advocating on the appropriateness of Bar Rules.
  • Development of broader policies in consultation with all Bars and the Law Council of Australia, including the Equitable Briefing Policy.
  • Representing the Bar’s interests through the voluntary input of the President, Executive and members of the Council on issues such as legal aid and indigenous incarceration.
  • Ongoing professional advice, assistance and Rulings including access to ethical and practical advice from senior barristers.
  • Access to seminar papers.
  • Membership of Council committees in areas relevant to the barrister’s practice.
  • Access to a quality mentoring program.
  • Access to the world-class presentations by the Advocacy Training Council.
  • Membership of a strong community of barristers who maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.
  • Advocacy on issues which threaten the independence of the justice system and the rule of law.