This past week, Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal hearing took place, while a judge took lawyers to task over AI-generated submissions. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 18 to 22 August, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Barrister will face strike-off for preparation blunders
A recommendation has been made to remove a barrister whose conduct during a District Court matter was so egregious that the judge felt compelled to refer the matter to the Legal Services Commissioner.
2. Sex pest lawyer has name recommended for removal
The name of a lawyer who repeatedly sexually harassed employees and posted one’s personal number on an advertisement for sexual services has been recommended for strike-off.
3. Winners unveiled for Australian Law Awards 2025
Lawyers Weekly has announced more than 30 winners in this year’s Australian Law Awards.
OPINION: A senior member of the (now extinct) Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) was not entitled to an AAT salary from the moment of her appointment overseas as a deputy judge, writes Sergio Zanotti Stagliorio.
5. The legality of living in your car
OPINION: Until we care enough to intervene, Australia will remain a country where our very comfort will continue to blind us to our housing problems, writes Adam Abbasi-Sacca.
6. Lehrmann’s appeal submissions stump court
Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal hearing opened with a back and forth between his solicitor and the full court on some of her more puzzling submissions, including a claim that Lehrmann had been “surprised” by Justice Michael Lee’s findings on how the rape occurred.
7. The Good Guys’ $13.5m settlement weighed up against ‘prompt’ redress
The Federal Court considered whether The Good Guys’ “prompt” response to its multiple contraventions should be considered against the $13.5 million settlement it reached with the consumer watchdog.
8. Reprimand for NSW solicitor who borrowed funds from client
A reprimand and $10,000 fine have been handed to a Baulkham Hills solicitor who borrowed funds from a client.
9. Judge rips lawyers for submitting AI-generated blunders in murder trial
Lawyers representing a boy accused of murder have come under fire from a Melbourne judge for submitting AI-generated documents riddled with errors and misleading information.
10. Mills Oakley poaches principal from global rival
National law firm Mills Oakley has strengthened its South Australian insurance practice with the appointment of a senior lawyer from global competitor Barry Nilsson.
