News

As the NSW government moves to prevent convicted offenders from using “good character” as a mitigating factor in sentencing, the reform has divided the legal profession – earning praise from some while raising concerns among others.

National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton has been questioned over his failure to explain his ties with the Australian Defence Force.

New laws passed by the Albanese government aim to streamline the Administrative Review Tribunal by expanding its ability to decide cases without hearings, accelerating decision making and lowering costs.

A Perth lawyer facing removal from the roll referred to the inquiry into the Legal Practice Board in an adjournment application, citing the outcome may have a “significant impact” on the disciplinary hearing.

The new spike in the cash rate reinforces the need for legal professionals to review their mortgage positions.

Taking the helm, the newly elected president of the Law Society of NSW has unveiled four key priorities set to shape his term, signalling a renewed focus on strengthening the profession and delivering greater support to more than 45,000 solicitors across the state.

Five lawyers, including a special counsel, have been promoted across Carter Newell’s Sydney and Brisbane offices.

National plaintiff law firm Maurice Blackburn has appointed a technology and innovation-driven chair.

This past week, a barrister was sentenced after breaching court orders, a national firm unveiled a new leadership trio, and a latest cache of Epstein files revealed correspondence in which the convicted sex offender offered advice to someone seeking employment at a Sydney-based law firm. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.

Despite already being in hot water for allegations made against three lawyers, a married pair of solicitors have made a number of other far-fetched claims in an attempt to recover their practising certificates.