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‘Wankers’, tax debts, and unspoken privilege: What’s hot in law this week (21–25 July)

This week, a lawyer who faced disciplinary action for “grossly discourteous” language was struck from the role, and a BigLaw head discussed the need for lawyers to think in 24-month increments. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.

July 26, 2025 By Lawyers Weekly
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For the week from 21 to 25 July, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):

1. Perth lawyer reprimanded, fined $20k, ordered to pay $30k in costs

 
 

A Perth-based legal practitioner has been publicly reprimanded for conduct that fell “substantially below” a reasonable standard of competence and diligence expected.

2. Barrister fails to keep defamation damages out of solicitor’s hands

A barrister who sued Nine for falsely suggesting she was a dog thief failed to overturn an order for the damages to be paid into court until a fee dispute with her former solicitors has been decided.

3. ‘Wankers, clowns’: Solicitor’s last meltdown before strike-off

To cap off disciplinary action for his “grossly discourteous” language, an NSW lawyer shot off a few more barbs before he was struck from the roll, including calling some at the Law Society “wankers”.

4. Director sues law group for $255k in tax debts

A law group and its director were sued by a former colleague who was hit with penalty notices worth over $255,000 for the company’s tax debt.

5. The unspoken privilege embedded in the legal profession

PREMIUM CONTENT: While the Australian legal profession is often regarded as a bastion of prestige, intellectual rigour, and tradition, beneath its polished veneer of tailored suits lies a largely invisible web of systemic advantages, leaving individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds struggling to keep pace.

6. Firm founder faces referral to disciplinary board

A law firm founder and solicitor, who pressed ahead with a “baseless” recusal case against an NSW judge, was ordered to explain why he should not be referred to a legal disciplinary board.

7. Blackmores investigated for alleged B6 toxicity in vitamins

Blackmores is being investigated for a potential class action over the allegedly toxic levels of B6 in its vitamin supplements.

8. Law Partners names new head of institutional abuse practice

Australian personal injury firm Law Partners has appointed a new head of its institutional abuse practice group, following significant growth in this area of the firm’s work.

9. Clifford Chance’s head on why lawyers should only plan 2 years in advance

In a recent video interview, the Australian managing partner of global firm Clifford Chance reflected on some of the best career advice he’s received over the years, including the need to be wary of advice you’re receiving, and avoiding being too patient or not patient enough.

10. Millions could be compensated over major Qantas data breach

A national law firm has lodged a representative complaint against Qantas, seeking compensation on behalf of millions of customers whose personal data was compromised in the airline’s recent cyber-attack.

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