Episode Summary: Trust in public institutions and the rule of law is under threat. What happens when people stop believing courts are independent, accessible and fair? Legal sector analyst and forecaster Jordan Furlong explains why defending the rule of law is a daily professional obligation, how lawyers can lead the work of rebuilding public trust in institutions and what that looks like in the context of day-to-day of legal practice.GuestJordan Furlong, Legal sector analyst and forecaster, Law21Legal author, former legal journalist and adviser to law schools, regulators and legal organisationsAn internationally recognised systems thinker on lawyer formation, legal regulation, access to justice, legal business models and the future of legal serviceswww.linkedin.com/in/jordanfurlonghttps://www.law21.ca/HostDonna Cooper, General Manager, Policy, Professional Standards and External Affairs, LIVpodcasts@liv.asn.au | https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-institute-of-victoriaEpisode OverviewPublic trust in legal institutions depends on more than court decisions. Jordan Furlong connects the rule of law with lawyers’ everyday conduct, client communication and civic responsibility. In everyday practice, defending the rule of law and safeguarding trust in public institutions can be as simple as making clients feel heard, explaining legal processes clearly and challenging claims that normalise unequal treatment under the law.The conversation also examines lawyer formation and civic duty, access to justice for self-represented litigants, AI-enabled justice pathways and future legal business models. Against the backdrop of the LIV Call to Parties 2026 and the Victorian state election, Furlong argues that lawyers have institutional legitimacy and a distinct responsibility to speak up. He also considers how automation may free time for higher-value judgement, advocacy, professional development and civic contribution.Topics & Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and the acceleration of threats to judicial independence[03:21] Why lawyers must fill the public space and defend the rule of law[04:58] What fierce professional advocacy looks like in everyday practice[08:15] Lawyer formation and the profession’s commercial and civic roles[11:47] Client experience, communication and trust in legal institutions[16:04] Access to justice, self-represented litigants and system redesign[23:39] AI as both a source of pressure and a possible justice pathway[27:54] Citizenship education, structural reform and democratic literacy[31:54] Why nobody should be above or beneath the law[35:21] Legal business models, billable seconds and higher-value human work[42:47] Using liberated time for civic contribution and professional development[43:02] Victorian election context and the risks of politicising judicial appointments[48:57] Closing reflections on dignity, fairness and public trustKey TakeawaysThreats to judicial independence become more dangerous when repeated claims go unanswered. Lawyers can help prevent harmful ideas from becoming normalised.Every lawyer has both a commercial role and a civic role. Defending the rule of law is not reserved solely for constitutional lawyers or public interest advocates.Client communication is part of institutional stewardship. Prompt responses, clear expectations and respectful treatment affect whether people trust the legal system as a whole.Access to justice requires pathways proportionate to the problem. Courts remain expert systems, but many lower-complexity matters need robust and accessible alternatives.AI may increase the volume of claims while also helping to classify, guide or divert matters, provided systems are legally grounded and retain trained human oversight.As automation reduces the time taken by legal grunt work, lawyers’ value will shift towards judgement, humanity, advocacy, advice and accompaniment.The LIV Call to Parties provides a timely framework for strengthening Victoria’s justice system, safeguarding the rule of law and protecting democratic participation before the state election.Resources & LinksLIV 2026 Call to Parties | https://www.liv.asn.au/calltoparties From the President: Trust in the legal system” | LIJ article | Reflection on practical steps lawyers can take to support confidence in courts and the legal system | https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/02february/from-the-president-trust-in-the-legal-system.aspx“LIV warns independence of judiciary vital in face of polarising rhetoric” | LIV statement on judicial expertise, discretion and the courts’ democratic role | https://www.liv.asn.au/web/advocacy___media/web/advocacy/media_releases/2026/liv-warns-independence-of-judiciary-vital-in-face-of-polarising-rhetoric.aspxLaw21 | Jordan Furlong’s work on lawyer formation, legal regulation, access to justice and legal business models | https://www.law21.ca/American Arbitration Association AI Arbitrator | An example discussed ...
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