The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 reshapes solicitor obligations: are your workflows, advice templates, intake forms and disclosure protocols ready?
By Daniela Faggionato and Catherine Hing - 2 min read
The Federal Court clarifies dominant purpose, joint privilege and evidentiary standard, providing critical insights for in-house counsel managing discovery risks.
By Elissa Baxter and Alex Haslam - 1 min read
Not your client, not your problem? Think again. How third parties can hold solicitors accountable for what they say and do.
By Malcolm Cameron and Gina Tasoulis - 2 min read
Where a client wishes to object to a subpoena that ‘catches’ allegedly privileged documents, it is important that the objections be made prior to the…
By Tony Cavanagh - 2 min read
When advising on or drafting an option deed/agreement, ensure that the need for such an arrangement has been adequately considered and there are no ambiguous…
By Alex Haslam - 2 min read
Lawyers should be careful to ensure that their social media usage does not breach their professional obligations. By LUCY WILLIAMS and JULIA CLEMENTE.
By Lucy Williams and Julia Clemente - 2 min read
Solicitors can work with an expert to narrow the issues on which the opinion is provided so that the report is directly relevant to the…
By Matthew Harding and Kaveetha Kumar - 3 min read
Although courts have a protective role in such settlement approval applications, particular care must nonetheless be taken by those acting for vulnerable parties. By ALEXANDRA…
By Alexandra Bartlett - 2 min read
Ensure your client has capacity; consider an informal will in appropriate cases. By PETER MORAN and TOBY BLYTH.
By Peter Moran and Toby Blyth - 2 min read
Keep client lunches focused on building relationships not taking instructions or providing advice. By MELISSA FENTON and CRAIG HOLLAND.
By Melissa Fenton and Craig Holland - 2 min read
Solicitors, whatever their level of expertise, must give attention to the issues considered by counsel and not blindly accept counsel’s advice. By MATTHEW HARDING and…
By Matthew Harding and Kaveetha Kumar - 2 min read
Solicitors must be conscious of the difference between financial and legal advice and know when to advise a client of the need to obtain independent…
By Toby Blyth - 2 min read
Protect yourself against a client’s anger towards their ex-partner – it can lead to the client looking for someone to blame and a subsequent negligence…
By Kristy Nunn and Felicity Wardhaugh - 2 min read