A shortage of criminal lawyers is putting pressure on Tasmania's ability to deliver effective justice, a new report from the University of Tasmania has confirmed.
The report, titled Attracting and Retaining Criminal Lawyers in Tasmania, examined recruitment and retention challenges in the state's criminal law workforce.
Produced by researchers in the School of Law, it found that high workloads, limited resources and financial pressures are driving some lawyers away from the sector and deterring new entrants.
"Tasmania's criminal justice system relies on a dedicated and hard-working legal workforce that services a dispersed population largely assisted by legal aid," lead author Associate Professor Yvette Maker said.
"This workforce is under significant strain. Pressures on lawyers and legal agencies, services and firms are flowing through to the courts, government services and the wider community."
The project team received input from legal practitioners, members of the judiciary and students to identify both the reasons for workforce shortages and potential solutions.
While many participants highlighted the meaningful and rewarding nature of criminal law work, including its contribution to social justice and community service, these benefits are often outweighed by demanding workloads, stress, limited career pathways and inadequate remuneration.
The report makes 20 recommendations aimed at strengthening recruitment and retention, improving working conditions and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Tasmania's criminal justice system.
Among the key recommendations are:
- Increasing legal aid funding to better reflect the cost and complexity of criminal work and to improve incentives for private practitioners;
- Reviewing resourcing for Tasmania Legal Aid and other legal assistance services;
- Establishing formal mentoring programs to support early-career lawyers;
- Exploring a graduate program and expanded career pathways;
- Strengthening mental health and wellbeing support for practitioners working in high-pressure environments;
- Improving workplace safety and addressing cultural issues within the profession, including mechanisms to respond to concerns about judicial behaviour;
- Enhancing law student exposure to criminal law careers through education, placements and internships.
"The options and recommendations are intended to address both immediate pressures and longer‑term workforce sustainability across the Tasmanian criminal legal system, with responsibility shared across government, courts, legal assistance bodies and the profession," Associate Professor Maker said.
"If not addressed, these issues will continue to inhibit the proper functioning of the criminal justice system and put access to justice for all Tasmanians at risk."
Photo: Law Society of Tasmania President Amelia Higgs (left) and Associate Professor Yvette Maker
