This past week, judicial officers issued a warning about threats faced by those on the bench, and one advocate expressed concern about the trend towards self-representation in litigation. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 28 July to 1 August, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Court security manager sacked after prematurely granting person’s freedom
A court security manager challenged his dismissal through the Fair Work Commission after his employer sacked him for releasing a person in custody too early.
2. ‘Stick it up your a--e’: Foul-mouthed lawyer recommended for strike-off
Controversial solicitor Nathan Buckley of “wet dildo” infamy could have his name struck off for a number of offensive social media posts, including a suggestion a judge ruled “no one has any rights” and comments that told users to “go f--k yourself”.
3. Strike-off follows lawyer’s drunken court appearance
The smell of liquor followed a “grossly intoxicated” solicitor into the Magistrates Court, where he was observed “red and flushed”, unsteady on his feet, and slurring his words.
4. Primary carer decision a game changer for employers and their lawyers
A court decision on paid parental leave has set the tone for disputes between new parents and their employers, a special counsel shared.
5. Erudite Legal’s bid to postpone bankruptcy hearing falls apart
Two directors and an ousted lawyer behind the controversial firm Erudite Legal made one last attempt to put off a final hearing into bankruptcy proceedings brought by the Victorian Legal Services Board.
6. No winners in Ruby Princess appeal
Both the cruise line and a passenger aboard the coronavirus-laden Ruby Princess have failed to appeal a class action over the decision to set sail despite the very real risk of infection.
7. Threats to Australian judges soar at alarming speeds
Threats made against Australian judicial officers have surged in recent years and are only expected to worsen in the coming months.
8. ‘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”.
9. Self-representation in the Family Court is on the rise – and it’s undermining the system
OPINION: The sharp rise in self-represented litigants is a trend within the Australian family law space that is quickly becoming hard to ignore, writes Michael Tiyce.
10. 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.
