1. Solicitor under investigation ordered not to leave country

A court has restrained a Melbourne solicitor from leaving the country pending an investigation into a missing $26.6 million.

2. Demand for $230k in fees backfires on national firm

A demand for a client to pay more than $230,000 in unpaid legal fees has backfired on a national firm.

3. SA solicitor struck off for ‘egregious’ misappropriation of trust money

A South Australian solicitor who took more than $30,000 meant for six barristers has been struck off the roll.

4. Lawyer claims privilege over material in disciplinary matter

A lawyer facing disciplinary action for allegedly sending an “emotionally manipulative” letter to his client’s ex-wife relied on legal professional privilege in an attempt to have material struck out.

5. Lawyers not advising clients on non-disclosure agreements, report finds

The culture of silence is so entrenched that half of respondent lawyers have never advised clients they have the option not to sign a non-disclosure agreement, “alarming” new research has revealed.

6. Hall & Wilcox takes partner from EY

Independent law firm Hall & Wilcox has appointed a new partner to bolster its corporate and transactional capability, who joins from Ernst & Young.

7. Where lawyers aged 40+ want to work right now

Following the recent release of the 2023–24 Top 25 Attraction Firms ranking, Lawyers Weekly has broken down the data by age – here, we reveal which of the nation’s biggest practices are most appealing to lawyers in their mid-late careers, if they were to leave their current employers.

8. 100-year-old firm merges with boutique

Boutique firm Thornton + King has merged with a 100-year-old firm based in Sydney, in a move the firm has described as a “Cinderella fit”.

9. HFW promotes 5 senior staff across Asia-Pacific, including 2 Australian partners

Global law firm HFW has promoted a range of senior staff in the Asia-Pacific region, in what the firm said is the largest round of partner and legal director promotions in the region in more than a decade.

10. $46.6m settlement reached in G8 Education class action

Plaintiff law firm Slater & Gordon has finalised a massive class action settlement with large childcare centre operator G8 Education, which is reportedly the first of its kind.