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Commissioner misconduct findings and BigLaw poaching: What’s hot in law this week (28 Oct–1 Nov)
The latest chapter in a “sad history of litigation” between a solicitor and barrister played out in court, and the head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission was found to have engaged in officer misconduct. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
Naomi Neilson
For the week from 28 October to 1 November, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly:
In the latest chapter in a “sad history of litigation between the parties”, the NSW Supreme Court dismissed appeal proceedings brought by a barrister against a solicitor who retained him.
2. NSW solicitor fails to escape reprimand, unsatisfactory professional conduct finding
While a tribunal accepted the mistake that led to a solicitor’s reprimand was not “egregious”, his behaviour during a disciplinary investigation meant his conduct still fell “well below the standards of competence and diligence” expected of a legal practitioner.
3. Fired legal secretary’s ‘spiteful’ campaign against Gadens
A resentful legal secretary has pursued a lengthy, “determined and spiteful” campaign against her former law firm, Gadens, over what she alleged was an unfair termination in 2018.
4. NACC commissioner engaged in officer misconduct, inspector finds
Judge Paul Brereton, the head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, engaged in officer misconduct amid a decision not to investigate six referrals from the robodebt royal commission.
5. The implications of proposed new franchising laws
The floated changes to Australia’s franchising laws, for which the consultation period is still open, could have material impacts on the viability of some franchising models in Australia, argues one BigLaw partner.
6. Sparke Helmore takes another team from Clyde & Co
Having recently launched a corporate and commercial offering, national law firm Sparke Helmore bolstered its ranks in that area with the hire of a team from global rival Clyde & Co – the second team it has taken from that BigLaw firm in six months.
7. The billable hour may be incompatible with GenAI innovation
In the face of client perceptions about their providers’ use or otherwise of generative AI, we may soon see more movement away from traditional billing models towards value-based pricing, a new report suggests.
8. Central Bank Digital Currencies and the future of Australia
The potential implantation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in Australia could bring about wholesale benefits across the country, but would also have significant implications for law reform.
9. AI v human lawyers in mock trial form
BigLaw firm Lander & Rogers recently undertook an experiment in which a senior associate was pitted against artificial intelligence in a courtroom setting, which offered insights into the future of advocacy.
10. How systematic racism is impacting Asian Australian lawyers
In response to a recent AHRC report, the president of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association has underscored the pressing necessity to address systemic racism within the legal profession to ensure that all feel safe and respected, regardless of their background.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
