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This past week, we saw disciplinary proceedings, and some of the nation’s biggest law firms appointed new managing partners. In addition, Microsoft’s AI chief predicted that, within 18 months, legal work may be fully automated. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
For the week from 23 to 27 February, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. Firm on hook for $323k cancellation fee, leading silk claims
A prominent King’s counsel is pursuing a $323,000 cancellation fee from a law firm that retained him for a 13-week trial but then settled the proceedings within a three-week period.
2. ‘Cavalier’ barrister to be penalised for ‘blatant disregard, disrespect’ to court
In finding him guilty of professional misconduct for his behaviour in family law proceedings, an NSW tribunal was highly critical of a barrister for having a “loose and cavalier” attitude towards his legal obligations.
3. Principal solicitor’s pooch at centre of legal fight with ex-EA
A boutique Sydney firm has sued a former executive assistant for an alleged failure to properly care for the principal solicitor’s dog.
4. Court lateness, false attendance note cost solicitor his career
A lawyer who arrived 30 minutes late to court and tried to cover it up with a fake attendance note has been struck off the roll.
5. Hamilton Locke names new managing partner
International law firm Hamilton Locke has appointed a new managing partner, with the incumbent moving into the role of executive chairman.
6. Legal work could be fully automated within 18 months, Microsoft AI chief predicts
As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates with no sign of slowing, Microsoft’s AI chief has sounded the alarm, warning that most white-collar jobs could soon be fully automated – and lawyers are firmly in the spotlight.
7. The hidden dangers of constant ‘urgency’ for lawyers
In the relentless, ever-changing world of legal practice, urgency is increasingly treated as a feeling and instinct rather than a clearly defined concept – a shift that one principal lawyer warns is quietly straining the very fabric of the profession.
8. Disciplinary action taken against solicitor amid court referral
The NSW Law Society has refused to renew a practising certificate for a lawyer whose Kazakhstan-based firm has been embroiled in lengthy legal action with a former colleague and director.
9. Kennedys names new Aussie, APAC managing partners
Global law firm Kennedys has appointed a new regional managing partner for the Asia-Pacific region and a new Australian managing partner.
10. Court protects lawyers, firms assisting hacked companies
Orders have been made to protect individual lawyers, firms, and expert witnesses who would otherwise be at risk of “retaliation and pressure campaigns” by the hackers who have gone after their clients.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of professional services (including Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily, and Accounting Times). He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
You can email Jerome at:
