This past week, a Victorian barrister was refused a permit to hold a practising certificate until at least late 2027, and “scathing and hostile” criticisms levelled at a law firm by a tribunal member saw a visa decision overturned. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 26 to 30 January, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Barrister sidelined for 4 years over extensive misconduct
A tribunal refused to permit a Victorian barrister with a laundry list of misconduct to hold a practising certificate before late 2027.
2. Tribunal criticised for blistering ‘tirade’ against law firm
The Federal Court overturned a visa decision due to the “scathing and hostile” criticisms a senior tribunal member levelled at a law firm.
3. Accused ‘shadow director’ of failed legal, accounting firms to fight ASIC over ban
Five legal practices and a solicitor were ordered to hand over material to a man accused of acting as the “shadow director” of several law and accounting firms that all went under within the span of five months.
4. Victoria Police search powers ‘invalid’, court finds
Days before the Invasion Day rally, the Federal Court found a declaration that would have allowed police to conduct warrantless searches to be incompatible with human rights and unlawful.
5. Qld motorists going it alone in CTP claims are losing out
OPINION: Injured motorists who don’t have legal representation continue to receive just a fraction of the rehabilitation and damages that are paid to motorists who have lawyered up in the process, writes Travis Schultz.
6. Lawyer struck off after faking cancer diagnosis and forging medical records
An associate at an international law firm who faked a cancer diagnosis and submitted forged medical evidence to his employer has been struck off by a disciplinary tribunal.
7. 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.
8. Discipline for solicitor involved in ‘bitter’ costs dispute with client
A Victorian family lawyer accepted a reprimand for using a former client’s financial statements in a “bitterly contested costs dispute”.
9. The defining trend shaping young lawyers’ careers in 2026
The career trajectory for young lawyers has long followed a familiar path, but according to the Young Lawyers presidents in NSW and Victoria, one defining trend is set to turn that model on its head this year.
10. Sparke Helmore promoters 5, including 2 to partner
National law firm Sparke Helmore has announced the promotion of five lawyers to senior roles, spanning four key practice areas.
