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Salacious claims, bigamy accusations, and sickening one’s colleagues: What’s hot in law this week (21–25 Oct)
Barristers are calling for exemptions from the proposed AML/CTF changes, and a leading human rights lawyer has called out the “decline” in gender equality amid legal backlash to the Me Too movement. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
Lawyers Weekly
For the week from 21 to 25 October, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Fired lawyer who ‘sickened’ colleagues appeals Fair Work decision
An ousted solicitor who called an opposing lawyer a “c--t” and engaged in conduct that “deeply sickened” her colleagues has tried to overturn a Fair Work decision that her termination was fair.
2. Victorian barrister bids to reopen practising certificate fight
Amid a battle over her practising certificate, a Victorian barrister accused a solicitor from a major firm of making a “knowingly false” statement she represented her sons while unqualified.
3. The ‘legal backlash’ following the Me Too movement
In a recent keynote speech, human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson explored the “decline” in gender inequality and the problem with defamation claims stemming from the Me Too movement.
4. ACT lawyer’s salacious claims against Law Society on hold
A solicitor whose vendetta against the ACT Law Society has spanned dozens of proceedings and countless “scandalous” claims has been ordered to hand over $20,000 before he can move forward with yet another one.
5. Threatening Facebook message about bigamy lands lawyer in hot water
Years on from an unsatisfactory professional conduct finding, an NSW solicitor was unable to shake a reprimand for accusing a man of bigamy in a threatening and intimidating message over social media.
6. KPMG partner brings team to Holding Redlich
KPMG Law’s head of government and defence has moved to BigLaw firm Holding Redlich and is bringing a team of at least six professionals with him.
7. Barristers must be exempt from AML/CTF regime, bar associations argue
Bar associations have “critical concerns” about the inclusion of barristers in the proposed expanded regime for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
8. The biggest concerns for barristers coming into 2025
Here, barristers from across the country share their insights on the challenges and obstacles those at the Bar will need to navigate and overcome in the forthcoming year.
9. Is it possible for AI to win a court case?
In response to growing curiosity within the legal profession regarding AI advancements, a mock trial was conducted to determine whether AI could prevail in a courtroom setting against a seasoned lawyer.
10. Coles, Woolworths identify defence to price gouging allegations
Appearing for the first time in court to face the allegations they misled customers with dodgy promotions, Coles and Woolworths have outlined the defence they would rely on during the hearing.
