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This week, another law firm has been caught citing AI-fabricated citations, while numerous recommendations to strike lawyers from state rolls were issued. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 7 to 11 July, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Melbourne firm busted using AI-fabricated citations
A Melbourne law firm was caught using citations in court documents that were fabricated by generative artificial intelligence.
2. Barrister’s admin error serves as warning to others, court says
Disciplinary action taken against a family law barrister who failed to properly renew her practising certificate should serve as a reminder that legal professionals must stay on top of their practice management responsibilities, a Supreme Court has said.
3. Hall & Wilcox accuses taxation service of multiple breaches
Hall & Wilcox has accused an accounting advisory firm of breaching its contractual obligations during the six years it provided tax services.
4. ‘Yeah, you’re fired’: Legal assistant unfairly dismissed from Qld firm
A remote legal assistant has successfully won an unfair dismissal case after being abruptly terminated during a Skype call, following allegations of repeated mistakes and failure to follow instructions.
5. Strike-off to follow solicitor’s $290k superannuation failure
A recommendation was made to strike off the name of a Queensland solicitor who failed to pay almost $300,000 in superannuation contributions for six former employees.
6. Solicitor to be struck off over child sexual abuse
CONTENT WARNING: A recommendation was made to strike off the name of a solicitor who was convicted of the sexual abuse of a child.
7. Psych injury lawsuit alleges bullying, excessive hours, discrimination at MinterEllison
MinterEllison is facing a lawsuit in the Federal Court from a former employee who alleges that she was bullied, discriminated against, overworked, and subject to “humiliation” during her tenure.
8. Judge accused of sexually harassing former associate
A former judge of the Northern Territory Supreme Court will be investigated for alleged sexual harassment against an associate, including a claim he suggested they share a bed.
9. PwC Australia names 11 new tax and legal partners
Big four firm PwC Australia has unveiled its partner intake for the new financial year, including 11 new tax and legal partners.
10. HWL Ebsworth acquires Botten Levinson Lawyers
National law firm HWL Ebsworth has bolstered its environmental and planning offerings in South Australia by acquiring Adelaide-based firm Botten Levinson Lawyers, with four of its six principals joining the BigLaw player.
