Advocacy Boundaries & Independence
This page explains where Clean Law’s role begins and ends, and how we stay independent. It also provides a link to download the full policy PDF.
Download full policy (PDF): Advocacy Boundaries & Independence Policy
Paramount duty
Our first and paramount duty is to the Court and the administration of justice. Within that duty, we act for our clients diligently and independently.
What we do (client-side role)
Cost and timing oversight through escrow, stage approvals, and fixed fees.
Strategy alignment: early settlement where sensible; trial if needed with a separate courtroom lawyer.
Portability of your file so you can change advocates without losing what you’ve paid for.
What we don’t do
Contested courtroom advocacy (trials, defended hearings, cross-examination).
Transactional or general practice (conveyancing, wills, standard contract drafting).
Act as both oversight lawyer and courtroom advocate in the same matter.
Limited appearances (narrow and time-boxed)
Procedural or uncontested steps
Examples: mentions, consent orders, default judgment applications, court-ordered mediation. Purpose: protect your budget and authority; keep ADR focused on early resolution.
Urgency
If time does not permit briefing your shortlisted advocates, we may step in temporarily to preserve your position (for example, to seek an adjournment or enter consent orders). We then withdraw and you appoint a separate courtroom counsel.
Exceptional instruction
In rare circumstances permitted under conduct rules (for example, a limited pro bono appearance), any scope will be clearly defined in your cost agreement.
How independence is protected
No referral fees or profit-sharing.
Escrow through a Law Society-audited trust account; funds move only with client approval.
ACNC governance and independent audits.
Annual review of this policy, with updates published here.
Engagement and scope
Your cost agreement sets out:
The scope of Clean Law’s role.
Any narrow authority to appear.
How escrow and approvals work at each stage.
The requirement for a separate courtroom lawyer in contested matters.
Frequently asked, briefly
Why split roles? Checks and balances. You see and approve spend before it happens; counsel focuses on advocacy; oversight reduces lien and bill-shock risk.
Who selects counsel? You do. We help compare proposals. We do not keep a panel or accept commissions.
Could you stay on after an urgent appearance? Not in the same matter. If we appear urgently, we withdraw from both advocacy and oversight once the urgency passes.
Related policies
Last updated: 2 October 2025
General information only — not legal advice.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
