Outcome and conduct: the test of reasonableness in professional negligence
Solicitors are not expected to be infallible or guarantee an outcome, but they must not be doomed to fail in adversarial contexts.
Solicitors’ duties to remind clients
Recent Court of Appeal decision has confirmed that a solicitor is not obliged to repeat advice previously given to a client.
Navigating historic institutional abuse claims in an evolving legal environment
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has brought about significant legal reform that lawyers should be aware of.
Foreign surcharges update: Exemptions for New Zealand, Finland, Germany and South Africa
Effective immediately, citizens of New Zealand and certain countries are no longer liable for surcharge purchaser duty and surcharge land tax in NSW.
Traps for junior lawyers: Acting for friends and family can be risky business
Although it might be tempting to act for family and friends, there are various risks and pitfalls from a professional negligence and insurance perspective.
Solicitors’ duties: Avoiding conflicts of interest
Although it may be tempting to act for both sides of a transaction, conflict of interest may arise and the consequences may include disciplinary action.
Managing risk and implied undertakings
Recent decision examines obligations under Harman undertakings. Solicitors should ensure that clients understand their obligations or risk contempt of court.
Solicitors acting as trustees: When beneficiaries seek access to trust documents
Practical tips for solicitors on avoiding conflict with beneficiaries whilst acting as a trustee.
High conflict personalities and legal disputes
Parties are often locked in lengthy litigation due to the high conflict personalities involved and this exacts a huge toll on parties and professionals involved.
The cost of litigation: Avoiding personal costs orders
A solicitor may be liable for costs orders if they conduct litigation unreasonably, incompetently or without reasonable prospects of success.
Russia/Ukraine sanctions: are you or your clients at risk of breaching the sanctions?
Lawyers should ensure they are aware of and be able to advise their clients in relation to whether they may be in breach of sanction…