This past week, research showed that two in five lawyers aren’t happy with their pay, and proceedings about alleged discrimination by a women-only social media platform continued. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 4 to 8 August, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. ‘Stick it up your a--e’: Foul-mouthed lawyer recommended for strike-off
Controversial solicitor Nathan Andrew 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”.
2. Qld firm seeks to justify pregnant associate’s dismissal
A Gold Coast firm accused of unfair dismissal claimed the associate had “very little work to perform”, despite allegations that indicated she was contacted late into the night and began work as early as 5am.
3. Gender identity questioned in Giggle for Girls appeal
On the first day of a four-day appeal hearing, the company and owner behind a “women-only” social media platform has challenged findings that it discriminated against transgender woman, Roxanne Tickle.
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 has shared.
5. Ex-barrister cleared of contempt conviction still shut out from practice
Despite evidence he was cleared of a criminal contempt conviction, the Queensland Supreme Court confirmed a barrister was not a fit and proper person to hold a practising certificate.
6. NSW solicitor tries to have previous workplace wound up
In the five years since he was escorted by police out of a Parramatta law firm, a solicitor has launched proceeding after proceeding but has consistently come up short. His latest attempt to have the legal practice wound up was just tossed by the Federal Court.
7. Allan’s proposed WFH guarantee ‘unusually crude’, lawyers warn
In response to the Victorian government’s plan to legislate working from home as a legal right, leading lawyers across the state are weighing in on what this could mean for the legal profession.
8. Perth firm has alleged loyalty tested by former client
The loyalty of a Perth-based law firm was called into question by a previous client, which told a court it was troubled by the solicitors’ representation of a former director it has brought action against.
9. ‘Not the way litigation works’: Bupa says class action is hopeless
Counsel for Bupa told a court that trying to make sense of the claims about its residential care homes was like “wrestling jelly”.
10. Almost 40% of lawyers dissatisfied with salary, report says
New research from the College of Law has shown that corporate salaries continue to be the best in the legal profession, with 38 per cent of lawyers unhappy with their current pay.
