In the second episode of The Protégé Podcast, we sit down with Nonye Duru to discuss the profession’s issues with diversity and how she and her new organisation are taking it on. We also chat about what it was like to create an organisation while still a student, the opportunities in these experiences and what law societies can do better. 

2. HWL Ebsworth pulls ASX debut plans 

In some news dominating the legal profession over the last few weeks, HWL Ebsworth was considering listing on the ASX (read why that would have been such a big move here) but pulled out right when we thought it was about to go down. In this piece, Lawyers Weekly looks at the reasons why it was a bust.

3. 2020’s top 25 attraction firms revealed

Each year, Lawyers Weekly partners with Momentum Intelligence to reveal the top 25 firms that lawyers (and you guys) most want to work with. The survey is now in its sixth year and paints a really interesting picture as some of our former top-listing firms slowly fall down the rankings. Take a look at the most wanted firms here! 

4. 50% of lawyers view their firm more highly since COVID-19

Speaking of that survey, Lawyers Weekly also delves into what lawyers feel about the firms they work at after the effects of COVID-19. The pandemic was a testing time for our law firms and would have really put the spotlight on how much they handle change, how well they value staff and the lengths they would go to in order to protect it all.

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5. 1,800 lawyers admitted into profession during 2020

Amid digital transformations brought on by the global pandemic and an unprecedented adjustment in studying practice, 1,500 lawyers were welcomed into the profession this year and another 300 are due to join the ranks before 2021. To celebrate them with a (virtual) event, the Law Society of Victoria has put a little something together.

6. Peak legal body calls for Morrison government to reconsider Porter’s position

At a time when the profession is reeling from sexual harassment allegations, the major legal body for women lawyer organisations has called on Scott Morrison to reconsider whether Christian Porter is still the best fit for the Attorney-General position. It is a big question to ask of Parliament now—but one that must be considered. 

7. ‘Nothing could come of it but trouble’: McDonald Murholme legal director found guilty of sending offensive letters to opposing solicitor

After a seven-year legal battle, the legal director of McDonald Murholme was fined and reprimanded for sending an “offensive” letter to an opposing solicitor. His conduct has been severely criticised for potentially undermining the integrity of the profession.

8. LIV welcomes plan for lawyers to return to office

With COVID-19 creating large delays in the administration of justice, Victoria’s premier legal body has welcomed the Andrews government’s staged return-to-office plan—so, welcome back Melbourne lawyers and soon-to-be lawyers! 

9. Lawyers react to NSW budget

Following the NSW budget being handed down, the NSW Law Society was quick with a statement welcoming funding allocated which seeks to improve justice infrastructure in the state and support the community’s most vulnerable. Similarly, the Law Institute of Victoria welcomed a large investment into the legal assistance and justice sectors. 

10. Law societies perceived more ethically relative to previous years

Perceptions of Australian law societies have improved in 2020 after a couple years of declining community impressions, according to new research. 

CREDIT: Image source.