News

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the legal and creative industries, Australia’s Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland, has delivered a strong signal to law department leaders on where the federal government stands in the growing battle over copyright protections in the AI era.

MinterEllison’s revelation that AI was behind its decision to slash graduate hiring has sent shockwaves across Australia’s legal sector, sparking fears over what this could mean for the next generation of lawyers – and whether a wider BigLaw hiring shake-up is only just beginning.

With just a “change of attitude”, Australian courts could learn from New Zealand’s model of solutions-focused justice for young people caught between the Children’s Court and the adult jurisdiction.

Much hay has been made in the last week about the potential impact of Jim Chalmers’ proposed tax changes on small businesses, such as law firms. Getting less attention is the pivot that boutique practices will have to make as they adjust to a new economic environment.

Amid intensifying national debate over racial discrimination, not-for-profit legal services are playing an increasingly vital role in helping communities seek justice – but they should not carry the burden alone.

A West Australian lawyer who wasted two and a half years of the Supreme Court’s time and resources with a hopeless case has been found guilty of professional misconduct.

National law firm Gilbert + Tobin has moved to strengthen its tax disputes offering in a time of rising scrutiny and complexity, with the appointment of a team from big four firm EY.

Mid-tier firm Coleman Greig’s hiring spree has continued with the appointment of a second principal lawyer in less than a month, adding a highly experienced family lawyer with more than a decade of practice.

For many overseas qualified lawyers, relocating to Australia represents both opportunity and reset. While requalification pathways are well documented, the more subtle challenge lies in rebuilding credibility, adapting to professional norms, and learning how to reframe international experience in a new legal ecosystem, writes Sumitha Krishnan.

Mining giant Fortescue has been ordered to pay Yindjibarndi native title holders a record $150 million for cultural loss and an approximate additional $100,000 for economic loss following the destruction of 124 spiritually significant heritage sites, displacement of artifacts from another 116, and damage to sacred songlines and laws.