Connect with Law Society registered external examiners across all Australian states and territories. Your trusted partner for trust account compliance and audit requirements.
Every law practice in Australia that receives or holds client trust money is required to have their trust accounts independently examined by an approved external examiner. This critical compliance requirement protects client funds and maintains the integrity of the legal profession across all states and territories.
External examiners are qualified accountants or auditors who have been approved by the relevant Law Society or regulatory body in each jurisdiction. They conduct thorough examinations of trust account records, transactions, and reconciliations to ensure compliance with legal practice regulations and trust accounting rules.
The external examination period runs from April 1 to March 31 each year, and examination reports must be submitted by May 31 annually. This standardized timeline applies across all Australian jurisdictions, ensuring consistent regulatory compliance nationwide.
External examiners provide independent verification that law firms are properly managing client trust accounts, conducting regular reconciliations, and maintaining accurate records. This protects both clients and legal practitioners while upholding professional standards.
Each Australian state and territory maintains its own register of approved external examiners
Find Law Society of NSW registered external examiners in Sydney and across New South Wales.
Find VLSB+C registered external examiners in Melbourne and across Victoria.
Find Queensland Law Society registered external examiners in Brisbane and across Queensland.
Find LPBWA registered external examiners in Perth and across Western Australia.
Find Law Society of SA registered designated persons in Adelaide and across South Australia.
Find Law Society of ACT registered external examiners in Canberra and the ACT region.
Ensure your chosen external examiner is currently registered and approved by the Law Society or regulatory body in your state or territory. Registration requirements and approval lists are maintained by each jurisdiction's legal regulatory authority.
Look for external examiners with experience in your practice area and firm size. Some examiners specialize in boutique firms, while others have expertise with larger practices or specific legal specialties. Ask about their experience with trust account examinations and their understanding of current regulations.
With the May 31 deadline, it's crucial to engage an external examiner early in the year. The peak examination period runs from September through May, so booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred examiner and avoid last-minute compliance issues.
Choose an examiner who communicates clearly and provides responsive service. The examination process requires collaboration between your practice and the examiner, so good communication is essential for a smooth, efficient examination process.
External examination costs vary based on firm size, transaction volume, and complexity. Most law firms typically pay $1,500 - $3,500 for their annual examination. Request detailed quotes that outline the scope of services and what's included in the examination fee.
Many law firms maintain ongoing relationships with the same external examiner year after year. This continuity provides familiarity with your practice systems and can streamline the examination process. However, it's also acceptable to change examiners if your needs or circumstances change.
Understanding what to expect during an external examination helps you prepare effectively and ensures a smooth compliance process. Here's what typically happens:
Contact your chosen external examiner to schedule the examination. Provide basic information about your practice, including the number of trust accounts, transaction volumes, and any specific circumstances. The examiner will provide an engagement letter outlining their scope of work and fees.
Prepare all required documents including trust account statements, reconciliations, transaction records, and receipts. Ensure all monthly reconciliations are completed and accurate. The examiner will provide a checklist of required documentation based on your jurisdiction's requirements.
The examiner reviews your trust account records, tests transactions, verifies reconciliations, and checks compliance with trust accounting regulations. This may be conducted on-site at your office or remotely, depending on the examiner's practices and your firm's preferences.
After completing the examination, the examiner prepares a formal report on their findings. This report must be submitted to the relevant Law Society or regulatory body by May 31 each year. The report confirms compliance or identifies any issues that need to be addressed.
If any issues are identified, work with your examiner to resolve them promptly. Keep a copy of the examination report for your records (reports must be retained for at least 7 years). Implement any recommended improvements to your trust accounting procedures.
Our team can help connect you with qualified, Law Society registered external examiners in your state or territory.
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