This past week has seen several disciplinary proceedings, including a lawyer who was struck off for tricking a fired employee with fake emails and another who used client money in a wages dispute. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 9 to 13 February, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Victorian lawyer to be disciplined for using client money in wages dispute
In the middle of a clash with her former law firm over allegedly unpaid wages and consultancy fees, a Victorian lawyer appropriated a client’s legal bill and tried to use it as leverage.
2. Married solicitor couple in strife pushes new sensational claims
Despite already being in hot water for allegations made against three lawyers, a married pair of solicitors have made a number of other far-fetched claims in an attempt to recover their practising certificates.
3. Sydney Barrister found dead amid child abuse material allegation
A leading Sydney criminal barrister, who had been charged with the alleged possession of child abuse material, has been found dead. (Editor’s note: This story contains references to suicide. Discretion is advised.)
4. Strike-off for lawyer who tricked fired employee with fake emails
After terminating his legal assistant, a West Australian lawyer created false emails – complete with compliments of himself – that purported to show his attempts to find her a job elsewhere.
5. National firm accused of contractual, fiduciary breaches
A major BigLaw firm has gone head-to-head with a former client who alleged it provided negligent advice more than a decade ago, leaving him on the hook for significant costs and a loss of opportunities.
6. WA Legal Practice Board inquiry a game changer, alleged unfit lawyer says
A Perth lawyer facing removal from the roll referred to the inquiry into the Legal Practice Board in an adjournment application, citing the outcome may have a “significant impact” on the disciplinary hearing.
7. Fake lawyer allegedly paid $1.4m by ‘number of firms’
Firms across Victoria employed and paid a woman $1.4 million despite her allegedly not holding a practising certificate.
8. MinterEllison names new chair
National law firm MinterEllison has announced a new chair, selecting a veteran of the firm with more than 15 years’ tenure.
9. Former Supreme Court Justice joins Carroll & O’Dea
A former justice of the NSW Supreme Court and president of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission has joined Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers.
10. Inside the agenda of the new NSW Law Society president
Taking the helm, the newly elected president of the Law Society of NSW has unveiled four key priorities set to shape his term, signalling a renewed focus on strengthening the profession and delivering greater support to more than 45,000 solicitors across the state.
