News

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‘Malicious and deliberate destruction’ of child-parent relationships must be addressed by inquiry

As debate about the new parliamentary inquiry into the family law system continues, one family lawyer explains how he has witnessed numerous instances of “baseless allegations” of domestic violence to prevent the other parent’s time with their child.

24 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy
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New Chief Magistrate appointed in Victoria

Her honour Judge Lisa Hannan has been elevated to Chief Magistrate of the Victorian Magistrates Court, having served for eight years as a magistrate and coroner, and 13 years as a County Court Judge.

24 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy
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Gadens extends pro bono support for community legal centre

Gadens has extended its pro bono support to a community-based legal centre to assist with family law-related matters with a focus on disadvantaged clients.

24 September 2019
By Naomi Neilson
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Public interest advocate needed to better protect media

To protect public interest journalism and prevent against future raids, the Law Council of Australia has called for federal Public Interest Advocate or Monitor role to provide greater scrutiny of search warrants relating to journalists and media.

24 September 2019
By Naomi Neilson
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Age is no factor in embracing legal design projects

Interest in legal design is gaining momentum in Australia, and one’s ability to adapt to change is more about mindset than experience, argues one professional.

23 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy
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Solicitor fined, reprimanded $10k for ‘gross overcharging’

A Brisbane-based sole practitioner has been found guilty of professional misconduct, reprimanded and fined for overcharging a client in excess of $160,000.

23 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy
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How to terminate an employee without it turning nasty

Recent unfair dismissal cases have offered lessons to employers as to how best to go about terminating workers, argues one partner.

23 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy
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Flexible working may not effectively address unpaid hours worked by women

Being able to work flexibly is a hugely attractive proposition for many lawyers. But, for women – who still work infinitely more unpaid hours than men – it may not be a perfect solution unless properly managed.

23 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy
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Lawyer X potentially lying about ‘mental anguish’, could appear before commission

It’s possible barrister Nicola Gobbo may not appear before the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants due to concerns over her “mental anguish”, but the commissioner notes there is reason to believe she could be faking.

23 September 2019
By Naomi Neilson
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Holistic change needed to fix ‘broken’ family law system

Change cannot occur unless there is a national discussion about the issues facing family law, the Law Council of Australia has argued, pledging support for the newly announced parliamentary inquiry.

23 September 2019
By Jerome Doraisamy