Here, Lawyers Weekly counts down the most-read stories of 2024, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities faced by Australian sole practitioners and boutique firm owners.
10. 2 former HSF partners open Chord Advisory
Two prominent figures in Australia’s infrastructure law sector have established a “next-generation” law firm that aims to challenge traditional large firms.
9. Brydens Lawyers suffers alleged ransomware attack
A prominent Sydney law firm has revealed it was the victim of a serious cyber incident.
8. More court stoushes in store for boutique firm and vengeful training lawyer
In what appears to be a seemingly endless legal battle, a Parramatta boutique law firm has been dragged through yet another hearing with a man it provided supervised legal training to.
7. Ex-Wotton Kearney senior associate launches standalone practice
A former senior associate from a global law firm has opened the doors to his own practice, GopherWood Lawyers.
6. Legal team seeks damages for termination of ‘high-volume’ retainer
Having lost about $125,000 worth of work per month, the legal arm of a debt collection company fought against a client’s termination.
5. Why mid-level lawyers are so hard to find right now
Following the “silly money” being offered during the age of COVID-19, there is currently a “significant shortage” of mid-level lawyers in the Australian market. Here, six recruiters explain why.
4. Why this lawyer started his own firm as a ‘side hustle’
When establishing his own law firm, James d’Apice initially approached the venture with the intention of treating it as a “side hustle” and a “hobby”. Here, he reflects on the reasons behind this mindset and how he’s evolved since his doors opened.
3. Townsville firm fights investigation into claim-farming allegations
A Townsville law firm suspected of “claim farming” has challenged the part of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2019 that allowed for the appointment of an investigator to look into the allegations.
2. Boutique firm ordered to refund client over costs disclosure failures
A Melbourne family law firm was ordered to partially refund a client whose demands for an updated costs estimate were ignored.
1. Firm secures legal bill after client ignores advice
A Sydney law firm has fought and won against a client to hold onto a legal bill worth $64,000 after it and counsel withdrew from her case because she failed to accept and act on its instructions.
