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Disappointing decisions and BigLaw poaching: What’s hot in law this week (18–22 Nov)
This week, the High Court decision in Bird v DP has left some practitioners disappointed. Meanwhile, lawyers from some of Australia’s biggest firms have switched sides. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for the legal profession.
Naomi Neilson
For the week from 18 to 22 November, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
A retired lawyer is on the hook for costs after she failed to allege an opposing party’s solicitor had “morning tea” with the magistrate.
2. ‘Staggering, inexplicable’ conduct by law firm stuns judge
A regional Victorian law firm relied on documents that were “no more than a jumble of legal gibberish” and was criticised for the inexplicable decision to share “obviously privileged communication”.
3. Qld lawyer reprimanded over emails about alleged domestic violence victim
A Queensland lawyer was disciplined for a number of discourteous emails to an opposing solicitor, including one that claimed her client’s allegations of domestic violence were “at the low scale”.
4. Dentons names first Australia female chair
A new Australia chair for global law firm Dentons has been elected and is the first female to hold the position.
5. Lawyers for abuse survivors ‘disappointed’ with High Court decision
In the wake of the High Court’s decision in Bird v DP, lawyers for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse have expressed disappointment and concern over what this will mean for their clients.
6. The ‘inflation-busting’ salaries Aussies can expect in London
It’s “no secret” that the salaries on offer for practitioners are much higher in the UK capital than Down Under. Here, a recruiter details what Australians can expect if they make the move.
7. Why greater support for women equals better retention
Research has long shown that women leave the legal profession in larger numbers than their male counterparts. Making the workplace more accommodating and supportive is not only a moral duty – it’s also best for businesses.
8. DWF to take 9 partners from Hall & Wilcox
Following its recent acquisition of an Australian claims management business, global practice DWF is set to swell its insurance offering with the appointment of nine partners from national firm Hall & Wilcox, who will transition in the next six months.
9. Law firm loses fight to delay action against former director
A law firm with “complex, long and involved” litigation against a former employee over his alleged plot to form a new partnership has failed to delay Supreme Court proceedings.
10. Sparke Helmore takes workplace team from HWL Ebsworth
National law firm Sparke Helmore continues to bolster its ranks with hires from BigLaw rivals, this time appointing a team from HWL Ebsworth for its workplace practice.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
