For lawyers seeking deeper insights, exclusive professional content, and the latest legal trends, Lawyers Weekly has launched Lawyers Weekly Premium. Here, we count down the top 10 must-read premium stories in 2025.
10. The reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination and its implications for employment law
The assassination of conservative campaigner, activist, and podcaster Charlie Kirk at a Utah-based university campus recently has ignited a firestorm in the United States – a nation whose social cohesion is already hanging on by a thread. In the aftermath of that killing, there has been a torrent of activity to “cancel” those expressing unsavoury, or even politically unaligned, commentary online. Australian employees, like lawyers, may not be immune from this.
9. ‘Hard rule’: AI cannot ethically exist without qualified lawyers
There is a non-exhaustive and growing list of cases in both Australia and beyond where AI-generated material has been placed before a courtroom, pressing home the urgent need for legal practitioners to only utilise the technology if they have hard and fast rules in place
8. Stopping firms from ‘ghosting’ law students
Across Australia, law students face a frustrating and disheartening challenge during their job searches: being “ghosted” by law firms. Here, those most affected by this trend and most familiar with it speak out on the situation, offering advice on how students can navigate this all-too-common challenge.
7. How Henry Davis York’s head realised the firm needed to combine with NRF
In a recent episode of Legal Firesides, the former managing partner of Henry Davis York (now part of Norton Rose Fulbright) reflects on how and why the former national firm became part of one of the biggest global practices – and what he learnt in the process.
6. Why are unfair dismissal claims on the rise?
In its newly released annual report, the Fair Work Commission said it received 44,075 lodgments in 2024–25, making a 10 per cent increase on the number from the previous corresponding year.
5. How much stress is too much for lawyers?
The existence of stress for lawyers is not inherently a bad thing – in fact, it can be incredibly useful, both personally and professionally. What is critical, however, is being able to identify if and when that stress crosses the threshold into territory that is objectively unhealthy and unsustainable for a practitioner.
4. Judges told to draw on unique position to stabilise public confidence
Safeguarding public trust in the courts demands active leadership from the judiciary, chief justices and legal leaders have stressed.
3. Why boutique firms are beating BigLaw at its own game
In Australia’s legal profession, prestige and success have long been tied to securing a place at a large law firm and climbing the partnership ladder. Yet a quiet but steady shift is underway, sparking debate over whether boutique firms may in fact offer the better path.
2. In-house roles becoming ‘incredibly competitive’ despite earning potential in private practice
While lawyers have traditionally worked in private practice before moving to in-house roles, as in-house departments and teams grow in size, higher average salaries and better benefits could be a drawcard for junior lawyers to bypass private practice altogether.
1. Inside K&L Gates’ game plan to dominate Australia’s legal market
Global law firm K&L Gates is doubling down on its ambition to remain a dominant player in Australia’s legal market, with senior leaders outlining a deliberate and sharply focused growth strategy across its national offices.
