It is the professional association for solicitors in Victoria, making rules to regulate their practice, and representing them to governments and other bodies.

In 1905, Flos Greig became the first woman to be admitted to practise as a solicitor in Victoria, and shortly after, was the first female member of the institute.

Former presidents of the institute include Alfred Brooks Malleson, Arthur Palmer Blake, John Gavan Duffy (brother of Frank and son of Charles), Sir Arthur Robinson, William Slater, Bernard Teague and John Cain II.

[4] In May 2021 Awty, whilst still serving as CEO, joined the board of legalsuper, a superannuation fund for the Australian legal profession.

[5] In 2019 the LIV published: Solicitors and the Law Institute In Victoria 1835-2019: Pathway To A Respected Profession, by leading legal history scholar and author, Dr. Simon Smith.