Let’s kick things off with some big firm news: Gilbert + Tobin has rewarded its staff with pay rises and increased its parental leave entitlements. The latter is something big that’s rolling out across a number of firms lately, cementing their positions on achieving equality in the workplace and ensuring that parents receive benefits.

2: Can small firms capitalise on a ‘Great Resignation’ in BigLaw?

Are you following this big series we’re doing here at Lawyers Weekly? If not, you should be aware that there are major predictions that a number of legal professionals will leave their jobs in the coming months for something bigger and better. Why? We explore what firms are doing wrong and what they should be doing differently.

3: Justice system strengthened with disclosure laws following Lawyer X inquiry

If you’re a Victorian lawyer, you should be ready for a number of new disclosure laws that are coming into place soon. It all stems from the inquiry into Lawyer X (AKA Nicola Gobbo, the former barrister-turned-police-informant). This cements Victoria’s promises that it will implement all of the royal commission’s recommendations.

4: Inquiry into political fees established amid failed Porter investigation

Look away! No Christian Porter investigation here. But to keep the public appeased, the federal government will establish a broad inquiry into the anonymous fees that public servants use to pay their legal bills. Just not for the most recent scandal.

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5: Solicitor challenges Law Society over its investigation into COVID posts

Nathan Buckley has made a name for himself – and not just on his public and very controversial Facebook page, where he has been known to advise his followers to collect COVID-19 fines and take them straight to court. After a disciplinary finding, Mr Buckley is challenging the Law Society. Did we mention that he’s also asked his followers to donate upwards of $1 million for this same fight? No refunds, BTW.

6: ‘Cycle of deceit’: The firms buying into media scams to fool clients

OK, so big investigation here, with the incredibly helpful support of Sue Parker, Nic Hayes and Ben Thorn. It turns out that not only are law firms paying for accolades (which they’re completely entitled to do), but they’re turning around and advertising it on their socials and to their clients as if it’s a genuine win. In this explosive article, we break down why this is such a terrible idea and how to spot a fake win.

7: ‘Having a diverse and inclusive profession puts us in a stronger position’

In (positive – see above) Law Society of NSW news, president Juliana Warner has announced a new guide for firms and legal executives on how they can become more culturally diverse and inclusive. A culture shake-up is a long time coming, and we’re hoping that firms jump on board and make these changes ASAP.

8: New scholarship launched to support women in dispute resolution

To increase the number of women working in determinative dispute resolution, the Resolution Institute has introduced a new scholarship named for NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC QC. It’s an incredible opportunity for female lawyers who are considering a new path – or new lawyers pursuing dispute resolution!

9: Bar Association labels Victoria’s new pandemic legislation ‘appalling’

The Andrews government ruffled some feathers when it announced that it was granting full and final COVID-19 powers to Dan Andrews. The powers themselves were not welcomed by the Victorian Bar, but it was especially frustrated they were named as stakeholders in the decision because they certainly weren’t.

10: The journey from writing to law and how this lawyer found a way to do both

Frequent Lawyers Weekly contributor Stefanie Costi made her podcast debut with Protégé to discuss how she had to make the really tough decision between her passion for journalism and the stability of law. Although the choice led her into a very exciting legal career, Stefanie also found a way to keep writing too.