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Millions misappropriated and a ChatGPT blunder: What’s hot in law this week (3–7 February)
This week, we saw BigLaw firms shore up their ranks with some major hires, while a high-profile unlawful termination case has been heard in the Federal Court. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
Lawyers Weekly
For the week from 3 to 7 February, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. ChatGPT blunder sees lawyer referred to regulator
A lawyer has been referred to a disciplinary regulator for filing two documents that relied on “non-existent” citations and quotes.
2. HopgoodGanim takes team of 8 from BigLaw rival
Australian mid-tier law firm HopgoodGanim has acquired a team of eight, including three senior lawyers, from a national law firm.
3. Struck-off lawyer misappropriated $4m but keeps secret identity
A principal lawyer will hold onto his anonymity despite being struck off for misappropriating $4.5 million and flouting orders not to practise.
4. Court tosses finding HWL Ebsworth ‘invalidly’ expelled partner
An appeal court has reversed a finding that HWL Ebsworth breached its partnership deed when it expelled a capital partner ahead of the failed IPO.
5. Why mid-level lawyers are so hard to find right now
Following the “silly money” being offered during the age of COVID-19, there is currently a “significant shortage” of mid-level lawyers in the Australian market. Here, six recruiters explain why.
6. AI ban in NSW courtrooms bends to pressure
With just under a week before the NSW Supreme Court’s GenAI ban comes into effect, the Chief Justice has issued an amendment that has addressed some criticism raised by the state’s legal practitioners.
7. Principal lawyer reprimanded for $300k loan to client
A Sydney principal lawyer was reprimanded for loaning $300,000 to a client in an agreement that saw him pocket an additional $50,000.
8. ‘Series of misunderstandings’: Former employee ends 8-year dispute with firm
Atanaskovic Hartnell’s former general manager has settled her workplace dispute and distanced herself from reports she was bullied.
9. ABC’s counsel grills Lattouf on social media use
In a line of questioning that saw him “chastised” by the judge, counsel for the national broadcaster questioned sacked presenter Antoinette Lattouf over social media posts she made in the lead-up to her termination.
10. Hamilton Locke adds 5 to partnership
International firm Hamilton Locke has bolstered its partnership ranks with five new hires, all of whom have come from BigLaw rivals.
