News

Could restraint reforms supercharge BigLaw team poaching?

Australian law firms could find it easier to poach entire teams from rivals under proposed federal reforms that would prohibit employers from using co-worker non-solicitation restraints.

07 October 2026
By Emma Musgrave
When AI makes it easier to litigate, who pays the price?

AI is lowering the barriers to litigation – including some that once kept weak claims out, and others that kept legitimate claimants from getting in. As courts and tribunals grapple with the consequences, the challenge is preserving access to justice without rebuilding the barriers AI has begun to dismantle.

07 October 2026
By Emma Musgrave
WA lawyer dodges strike-off for false legal aid claims

A West Australian practitioner who admitted to several dishonest and deliberate legal aid claims and lied about them during an audit has dodged an order that she be recommended for strike-off.

07 October 2026
By Naomi Neilson
Government needs legal counsel on its ‘tax on the poor’, lawyer says

One tax lawyer has questioned whether the government knows what a trust really is, highlighting the unnecessary legislative fatigue and administrative burden advisers face.

06 October 2026
By Carlos Tse
Wotton Kearney adds partner, special counsel to general liability team

The addition of a highly experienced partner and special counsel to Wotton Kearney has strengthened its insurance capabilities.

07 October 2026
By Naomi Neilson
Dissociative identity disorder in the courtroom

The legal profession needs to be trauma- and dissociation-informed in the courtroom and throughout the legal process, write experienced clinicians and researchers.

07 October 2026
By Naomi Halpern, Kate McMaugh, Diane Clare, Prof. Martin Dorahy, Prof. Warwick Middleton
KPMG leadership shake-up continues as global GC exits

KPMG’s global general counsel has retired following a tumultuous 12 months.

06 October 2026
By Matthew Taylor
Interim counsel ‘no longer primarily a backfill solution’

The first half of 2026 has seen a shift in how law departments are engaging contractors, with the age of AI playing a role in accelerating trends.

06 October 2026
By Jerome Doraisamy
Flex hours fight ends in defeat for DPP solicitors 

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has heard claims by five former ODPP solicitors over concerns regarding alleged victimisation as a result of overtime and forfeited flex hours following their employment.

06 October 2026
By Matthew Taylor
Clayton Utz lures senior lawyers back to BigLaw

Former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer lawyers who left for a boutique practice have opted to shut its doors and rejoin BigLaw.

06 October 2026
By Naomi Neilson