News

Former Perth lawyer jailed over encrypted messages with bikie gang

A former Western Australia-based lawyer is set to be imprisoned after being found guilty of attempting to obstruct the course of justice, via encrypted communications with an outlaw bikie gang.

21 July 2026
By David Hollingworth
Top casino lawyer challenges findings on disclosure duties

Star’s top legal officer has appealed against a major Federal Court judgment that criticised how she handled money laundering risks as the casino’s group general counsel and company secretary.

21 July 2026
By Naomi Neilson
How laws actually change (even when ‘that’s just the law’)

When the rule bends: In a system that prizes certainty, reform is careful, not accidental, writes Rebecca Ward, MBA.

21 July 2026
By Rebecca Ward, MBA
DLA Piper promotes 11 professionals, including 3 special counsel

Global law firm DLA Piper has celebrated the strength of its internal talent, elevating 11 legal and business professionals across its Australian offices.

21 July 2026
By Grace Robbie
‘Is anyone really coping?’: Why the ‘ideal law student’ is becoming an impossible benchmark

Earning top grades, securing a clerkship, and building the perfect CV have long been seen as the hallmarks of the ideal law student. But one future lawyer has warned that the pursuit of this ever-growing checklist has become an impossible standard – one that places unprecedented pressure on aspiring lawyers.

20 July 2026
By Grace Robbie
‘Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not’: How equity scholarships can open doors for law students

For countless aspiring law students, talent and ambition alone are not enough to pursue a legal education, with financial barriers derailing even the brightest students. Here, one law graduate reveals how scholarships can break down those obstacles, opening doors to a legal career that might otherwise have remained closed.

20 July 2026
By Grace Robbie
Strike-off recommended for lawyer who abandoned clients, left firm a ‘mess’

A Queensland lawyer accused of abandoning his practice and clients, which left some unable to access their own money, has been recommended for removal from the local roll.

20 July 2026
By Naomi Neilson
More than a cheeky Nando’s: Solicitor convicted over fake police ruse to spy on ex

A director of a law firm has impersonated a police officer in a brazen attempt to obtain CCTV footage of his ex-girlfriend while she was dining at Nando’s.

20 July 2026
By Grace Robbie
Sparke Helmore promotes 46, including 3 to partner

As part of its commitment to its people, Sparke Helmore has promoted three to partner, 13 to special counsel, and 30 senior associates.

20 July 2026
By Naomi Neilson
Do lawyers deserve their bad reputation? A harder look at the caricature

Lawyers will probably never be universally admired. They were never meant to be. The profession exists to stand between power and the individual, between emotion and punishment, and between certainty and fairness. That role has always attracted suspicion, writes Tony Taouk.

20 July 2026
By Tony Taouk