Ahead of the Australia Day long weekend, there have been some extraordinary criminal matters involving legal professionals. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 19 January to 23 January, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. ‘Intolerable’: Mega litigation a drain on justice system, Chief Justice says
Efforts to provide meaningful access to justice to more Australians will be in vain as long as court resources are tied up by large and lengthy proceedings, Chief Justice Peter Quinlan told Lawyers Weekly.
2. Qld lawyer penalised for making speculative allegations
The principal solicitor of a boutique Queensland firm was publicly reprimanded for making unfounded allegations about his client’s ex-husband, despite a tribunal accepting that he had a “real reason” to be concerned about a potential breach of court orders.
3. ‘Inappropriate’: Court slates solicitor for costs application failure
A solicitor has been criticised for a “clearly inadequate” costs application, which included the “inappropriate” suggestion that the judge could specifically request additional material.
4. Lawyer’s discrimination claim against Southern Cross Uni fails
A Queensland lawyer and former tutor with the Southern Cross University has failed to make out a claim that his ex-employer subjected him to disability discrimination and acts of victimisation.
5. Sydney barrister charged over alleged child abuse material, ‘disturbing’ chats with minors
A Sydney-based criminal barrister has been charged with possessing child abuse material, with police alleging he possessed images of child pornography and engaged in “very disturbing” conversations involving minors.
6. Qld barrister fails to claw back practising certificate
A Queensland tribunal upheld the Bar Association’s decision to refuse to renew a practising certificate for a barrister who failed to make a timely disclosure about the winding up of his company.
7. High-profile Sydney lawyer charged with domestic violence offences
A prominent Sydney-based criminal defence solicitor has been charged with domestic violence and is expected to contest the allegations in court later this year.
8. Which law schools did 2026’s 30 Under 30 finalists attend?
Following the announcement of this year’s 30 Under 30 finalists, Lawyers Weekly can reveal which Australian law schools produced the next generation of legal trailblazers for 2026.
9. Thieving solicitor struck from roll after prison time
A Queensland solicitor guilty of stealing more than $80,000 from clients over a seven-year period has been struck from the roll.
10. WA Legal Practice Board takes another stab at disciplinary action
Disappointed with the outcome of its disciplinary application, the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia turned to the Supreme Court seeking stronger findings against a solicitor who misled Legal Aid.
