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Opinions count: 2018’s most read
Opinion pieces can unite, inform, invoke debate and divide.
Grace Ormsby
Over 2018, Lawyers Weekly has collated a number of opinions on every topic imaginable: from gender diversity, to wellbeing and health, tech, legislation, pregnancy, flexible work, contracting, clerkships, lunches and education.
So without further ado, here are Lawyers Weekly’s top five for most read opinion pieces this year.
5. Electronic signatures: A guide for lawyers
In a year dominated by hype around technology, it’s no surprise that electronic signatures made the list. But while innovation is constantly thrown at us, there’s often time a lag before legislation catches up. Timothy Perry has given some easy-to-understand insight into the practicality and enforceability of electronic signatures.
4. A letter to my law student self
From culture change and job-seeking, to networking and dealing with colleagues, Mediation Answers’ principal Zoe Durand hit us with some truth bombs, and did it in the most relatable way possible. A must read for all young lawyers, and lawyers-to-be “about all the things no one will have the guts to tell you to your face, but you will eventually figure out (the long hard way).”
3. The myth of the well-rounded law student
Continuing the law school theme, Monash Law student Flynne Tytherleigh busts the myth of the “perfect law student” while gently criticising the systemic nature of the clerkship and graduate process.
2. EY’s acquisition of Riverview Law – A strategic disaster
Joel Barolsky gave five reasons why the managed services model will struggle to take hold in the legal profession, and we can’t argue with his logic. A fascinating article, with an interesting backstory and important lessons to be learned.
1. To all the clerkship applications I’ve cried over before
This one seemed to strike a lot of chords with a lot of readers, so we aren’t at all surprised it came in at number one.
In her second appearance on this list, Flynne provided a reflective and emotive, yet poignant look at the clerkship process that resonated much further than her own turmoil.
“If we spent as much time celebrating the things which make us special as we did framing our achievements to look like the most desirable candidate, we wouldn’t be such a sad bunch,” she wisely reflected.
