There were some major developments across the legal profession over the last 12 months. Here are the updates that stood out most.
The Australian legal profession heralded in some major changes and updates across 2025, including court decisions, warnings from major institutions, and the development of generative artificial intelligence.
In this wrap-up, Lawyers Weekly takes a look back at the articles that readers were most interested in reading and sharing.
10. Disciplined solicitor says misconduct was ‘commendable’
A Queensland solicitor punished for representing a man just moments before she appeared as the defendant in her own criminal proceedings said the misconduct should have been seen as commendable.
9. ATO coming for lawyers over tax failures
About 85 per cent of lawyers could be at risk of disciplinary action for failing to lodge tax returns, the Australian Taxation Office has revealed.
8. 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.
7. ‘Rude’ emails have no place in family law, tribunal says
In defending himself against an allegation he sent an inappropriate and rude email to an opposing solicitor, a Queensland lawyer said it was discourteous to respond “assertively” to an “arrogant bully”.
6. 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.
5. ‘Whoop-de-do’: Court says federal judge made inappropriate comments
A federal court judge made several inappropriate comments during her questioning of a party, including “whoop-de-do” and “what happens at mother’s group stays at mother’s group”.
4. ‘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”.
3. Lawyer’s admission revoked, name struck from roll for dishonesty
For breaching the duty of candour, a former Northern Territory lawyer had her admission revoked and her name struck from the roll.
2. ‘Sam Kerr clause’ passes Victorian Parliament
The Victorian government has enhanced its anti-vilification and social cohesion laws by passing legislation that features what MPs dubbed the “Sam Kerr clause”.
1. Squatter’s right claim falls apart for former lawyer
A lawyer turned real estate agent was booted out of a supposedly abandoned Sydney property when her squatter’s rights claim failed.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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