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The biggest legal stories of 2017
As we begin the New Year, Lawyers Weekly takes a look back at the legal stories which made the most sound over the past year.
Emma Musgrave
The year just gone was arguably the most exciting and shocking for news in Australia’s legal profession, captivating readers until the very end.
Kicking off our top 10 was the story which announced HopgoodGanim would be merging with Perth-based resources and projects firm, Hunt & Humphry.
9. Finalists revealed for Australian Law Awards
Lawyers Weekly’s biggest annual awards ceremony recognised an enormous amount of talent within the legal fraternity. Readers displayed strong curiosity in finding out which of their peers nabbed finalist positions.
8. Lawyers caught in sticky situation
A story concerning a post-it note and a Jindabyne lawyer caught readers by surprise, consequently causing it to nab our number eight spot in the year’s most read.
7. Partners call it quits in wake of merger notice
The merger of Australian mid-tier stalwart Henry Davis York with global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright struck controversy in August with readers showing an avid interest as the story developed.
6. Partner of the Year finalists revealed
Readers were keen to see who made the cut across 23 hotly contested categories in the annual Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards.
5. Judgment in on Australia’s BigLaw partnership fracas
The courtroom showdown between White & Case and Herbert Smith Freehills sent readers in a spin for weeks, making it clear why the reveal of the decision gains a firm slot in the top 10 most read stories of 2017.
4. QLS condemns actions of disgraced lawyer as ‘stain on the profession’
The legal body’s endorsement of the imprisonment of a high-profile criminal lawyer gained the attention of many in the profession.
3. This year’s 30 Under 30 finalists revealed
A keen interest in the profession’s rising stars saw the story detailing the finalists in Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 Awards nab the third place spot for most reads.
2. Exclusive: 27 staff forced out of mid-tier in major cutbacks
When news broke that Henry Davis York had axed more than 20 personnel in May readers were glued to their screens to see what the cause was and whether it had anything to do with persistent rumours that the mid-tier would be merging with global giant Norton Rose Fulbright.
1. World’s best (and worst) lawyer jokes
Both surprising and unsurprising this story nabbed our number one spot, proving that despite their perceived serious nature even lawyers need some comedic relief.
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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