Preparing a response
When preparing a response, lawyer’s should keep in mind that their communications with the Commissioner will be seen by the complainant, and if the matter proceeds to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and/or the Supreme Court then by the Members and Judges. Legal professional privilege should also be considered.
For assistance in preparing a response, the Law Society of South Australia provides support services for members including;
[note: lawyers need to be members to access the sections of the website listed above]
The Commissioner must consider a lawyer’s response submission before deciding what action to take.
Response extension
An extension may be granted to prepare a response if a request is made to the Commissioner’s office before the specified deadline.