This past week, one of the world’s biggest firms set up shop in Brisbane, and law students have been advised that saying “no” can sometimes be the wisest course of action. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 10 to 14 November, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. High Court tosses $1.4m claim brought against WA firm
A former client who escalated a claim worth almost $1.5 million against a Perth law firm has been knocked back by the High Court.
2. Conduct of solicitors in Supreme Court ‘unfortunate’, judge says
The solicitors behind a complex dispute involving three different law firms were criticised for their conduct before a Supreme Court judge.
3. NSW lawyer claims to be stuck with useless practising certificate
A tribunal will not interfere with the NSW Law Society’s decision to impose a restrictive condition on a lawyer’s practising certificate, despite his pleas that it would stop him from working altogether.
4. Disciplinary action for potty-mouthed lawyer futile, tribunal finds
There was no longer a point to pursuing disciplinary proceedings against a lawyer who had already been struck off the roll for his discourteous, offensive language, a tribunal has determined.
5. HFW expands into Brisbane with team from boutique
Global law firm HFW has broadened its national operations into Brisbane, with the hire of a construction team, as Queensland experiences a “construction boom” ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
6. Firm offers way for lawyers to go solo without admin headaches
Lawyers wanting to branch out on their own, ditch billable hours, and explore niche specialities without the administrative headaches are able to do so under the umbrella of a well-established law firm.
7. Caution sticks to lawyer for misleading letter to costs assessor
A lawyer who was cautioned over an attempt to have a costs assessment stayed has failed to have the disciplinary action set aside.
8. WestConnex class action funder’s claims dismissed as abuse of process
The former solicitor behind a litigation funder has lost his bid to revive costly claims against the plaintiffs of a WestConnex tunnel class action.
9. Victorian Bar names new president for 2025–26 term
A highly experienced trial and appellate barrister has been appointed president of the Victorian Bar for the 2025–26 term.
10. Why saying ‘no’ could be the smartest move a law student makes
In a world where law students are told to say yes to everything – from clerkships and moots to endless readings and networking events – Hayder Shkara argues that true success comes not from doing it all, but from knowing what to leave out.
