While technology breakthroughs and wellness trends generated plenty of buzz, it was the high-stakes legal battles involving in-house teams that truly captured readers’ attention this year. Here, we count down the 10 most-read stories that shaped Australia’s in-house legal landscape over the past 12 months.
10. Over half of in-house lawyers eyeing moves to law firms
A new Axiom survey finds a retention crisis brewing as almost half of in-house lawyers look for new roles – but most concerning, 56 per cent are considering leaving in-house positions for law firms.
9. The path for in-house lawyers to step into executive leadership roles
As in-house lawyers increasingly strive for a seat at the decision-making table, Kirstin Follows reveals her personal journey and the crucial lessons that guided her leap into top-level leadership.
8. Could AI be the new devil’s advocate for in-house lawyers?
While most people turn to AI for quick answers, LexisNexis’s APAC head of legal shared that in-house lawyers are discovering that its true power lies not in what it tells you – but in what it makes you question.
7. Webjet responds to claims it unfairly fired general counsel
Webjet has alleged it terminated a company secretary and general counsel over “ongoing underperformance”.
6. In-house roles becoming ‘incredibly competitive’ despite earning potential in private practice
While lawyers have traditionally worked in private practice before moving to in-house roles, as in-house departments and teams grow in size, higher average salaries and better benefits could be a drawcard for junior lawyers to bypass private practice altogether.
5. Overwhelming work volume remains a significant challenge in-house
Law departments and their external providers are combating onerous workloads by focusing on short-term solutions, research shows.
4. Winners revealed for Corporate Counsel Awards 2025
Lawyers Weekly and principal partner Lawyers on Demand (LOD) and Consilio are thrilled to unveil over 30 winners for the 9th annual Corporate Counsel Awards.
3. In-house lawyer alleges CEO engaged in pattern of ‘unwanted sexual advances’
A legal counsel of software company Dovetail has accused the co-founder and CEO of persistent and unwanted sexual advances.
2. ‘The GC waiting room’: Why in-house lawyers are feeling stuck
Determined in-house lawyers are increasingly finding themselves stuck in what one executive general manager has dubbed “the GC waiting room”. But what impact does this have?
1. Former company secretary and legal adviser charged following ASIC investigation
Three former Irexchange executives, including a former company secretary and legal adviser, have today appeared in the Local Court of NSW, having been charged with breaches of the Corporations Act.
