This past week, NSW’s top judge said he is not prepared to lift the court’s rules around GenAI yet, and more BigLaw firms are onboarding AI technology. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 15 to 19 September, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Court refers NSW solicitor to disciplinary body
Rather than deterring the Court of Appeal from making a referral to the NSW Legal Services Commissioner, a solicitor’s affidavit confirmed that his fitness to practise in the state should be investigated.
2. Clayton Utz the latest BigLaw firm to onboard Harvey
Clayton Utz the latest BigLaw firm to onboard Harvey for firmwide use.
3. Graduate cleared to practise law after violent spree and police punch
A law graduate convicted of a string of violent offences – after being capsicum-sprayed by police during a substance-induced psychosis – has been granted permission to continue pursuing a legal career.
4. Qld lawyer jailed for child exploitation material to be struck off
A Queensland law lecturer who was caught with dozens of explicit images of victims he secretly filmed, including an underage girl, has accepted a recommendation that he be struck from the roll.
5. Expelled migration agent twice rejected from legal profession
Two years on from his failed bid to join the legal profession, a disgraced migration agent made yet another unsuccessful attempt to be admitted.
6. NSW solicitor, accountant hit with 10-year ASIC ban
A solicitor and accountant who advised clients to invest in his own companies was barred from providing financial services for 10 years.
7. Chief Justice not ready to scrap restrictive GenAI rule
In the seven months since the NSW Supreme Court’s generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) practice note came into effect, Chief Justice Andrew Bell said some of his concerns have increased.
8. Malicious prosecution payout considers victim’s fitness to practise law
A man who spent 22 days behind bars on the back of a police officer’s false statement said he deserved greater compensation because the ordeal prevented his admission to the legal profession.
9. First-ever Aussie lawyer sanctioned for AI use
A Victorian lawyer has made Australian legal history – for all the wrong reasons – becoming the first practitioner to face professional sanctions for using artificial intelligence in court.
10. NSW magistrates get important title change
NSW’s local judicial officers will have their titles upgraded from magistrate to judge under new legislation.
