As 2025 draws to a close, Lawyers Weekly reflects on the past year’s most-read stories, highlighting the challenges law students face – from navigating the pressures of first year to discovering the best ways to prepare for life in the legal profession.
10. Trainee lawyer banned from profession after helping brother flee murder charge
A trainee property solicitor has been banned from the legal profession after being convicted of helping her brother flee overseas to avoid arrest for murder.
9. Bell CJ slams PLT costs, welcomes proposed changes
The escalating costs of practical legal training have raised concerns from NSW’s top judge, who cautions that these excessive fees place a significant financial burden on aspiring lawyers.
8. Universities respond to major law degree, PLT revamp
A proposed shake-up of the practical legal training program could bring major changes to law degrees. While some NSW universities were open to it, others have already considered and dismissed it.
7. 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.
6. What partners want from junior lawyers in 2025
Mindset, enthusiasm, and adaptability have long been sought-after traits for the next generations. This year, such traits are shaping up to be even more pertinent, according to these law firm leaders.
5. PLT ‘rethink’ required but changes to costs ‘unlikely’, says College of Law head
NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell has intensified his push for changes to PLT and advocated for a price reduction, but the nation’s largest provider of PLT says that while it supports a review and will “rethink” its criteria, it affirmed that the costs for such professional education are “unlikely” to change.
4. Chief Justice, admission board pushes for major PLT shake-up
Demands to overhaul practical legal training in NSW have included suggestions that it be further mandated or abolished altogether, but a working group comprising leading practitioners has ultimately made a recommendation that falls somewhere in the middle.
3. 30 Under 30 Awards winners unveiled for 2025
A total of 30 winners have been selected out of over 280 finalists at this year’s 30 Under 30 Awards.
2. Law grad accused of using relationship with cop to secure client
A graduate lawyer’s admission into the profession was stalled when she was accused of having a relationship with a police officer so she could allegedly feed information to her former law firm.
1. What led this tennis prodigy to pursue a legal career
From competing in the Australian Open to winning gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Jade Hopper opens up about what inspired her to trade in her tennis racket for a career in law.
