The recent sentencing of Victorian paralegal Athena Razos to over five years in prison for embezzling $1.56 million from a prominent Australian law firm has sounded alarm bells across Victoria’s legal community. This incident underscores the critical vulnerabilities within law practices regarding the hiring and oversight of non-legal staff. The Victorian Legal Services Board and…
Anti-Money Laundering vulnerabilities analysis
The Law Council of Australia recently commissioned an independent analysis of the risks facing the Australian legal profession in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing. This analysis reveals that while there are positive attitudes and behaviours regarding integrity and risk awareness, certain vulnerabilities still persist. These vulnerabilities vary across jurisdictions and practice types, with…
New artificial intelligence tech regulations do not need to reinvent the wheel
Brett McGrath, President of the Law Society of New South Wales (NSW), emphasized the importance of not “reinventing the wheel” in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) during his address to a NSW Upper House Inquiry into AI. McGrath advocated for the NSW government to consider both domestic and international efforts in AI regulation, suggesting…
Maintaining a strong focus on enforcing the law
In her opening address at the General Counsel Summit on August 7, 2023, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Deputy Chair Sarah Court outlined for lawyers working in the companies it regulates, how it intended to approach enforcement over the coming year. Ms Court highlighted greenwashing, where misleading environmental claims by companies can significantly impact…
Chief Justice Andrew Bell flags generative AI as major challenge for justice system
In a landmark address marking the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of NSW, Chief Justice Andrew Bell highlighted generative AI as a pivotal challenge facing the justice system. Speaking to an assembly of senior judges from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, Bell emphasised the evolving complexities that AI introduces to the work of the courts….
Victorian Legal Services Board 2024 Risk Outlook
The Victorian Legal Services Board’s (VLSB) “2024 Risk Outlook” outlines the major risks facing Victoria’s legal sector in 2024. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, as the Board has noted the growth of cyber attacks over the past year. Law practices are urged to implement robust security measures like multi-factor authentication and regular software updates whilst…
The Law Society of New South Wales to establish a taskforce to help solicitors navigate AI
The Law Society of New South Wales, under new President Brett McGrath, will establish a taskforce of legal and tech experts to aid 40,000 solicitors in navigating AI opportunities and challenges while guiding government regulations. This initiative, announced during the 2024 Law Term opening, underscores the society’s commitment to supporting the profession amid technological advancements…
The Victorian Law Foundation of Australia publishes report exploring costs in legal services
The Victorian Law Foundation conducted research commissioned by The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB+C) examining factors influencing the pricing of legal services, practitioner-client communication regarding anticipated costs, and the impact of service costs on the lawyer-client relationship. Findings indicate that time is a central measure for price-setting, even for fixed-fee services, with practitioners…
New report highlights the need for an increase in legal aid funding in Australia
A new report commissioned by National Legal Aid (NLA) entitled “Impact Economics Justice on the Brink” highlights the urgent need for increased funding for legal assistance services in Australia. The report emphasizes that current under-resourcing of legal aid services creates a significant justice gap, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged Australians. Law Council of Australia President Luke Murphy…
Law Society of New South Wales, Australia, develops form allowing sole practitioners to nominate a personal representative
The Law Society of New South Wales has developed a form to help sole practitioners safeguard their practice. Law Society President, Cassandra Banks, has urged the approximately 6,600 sole solicitor or single principal practices in New South Wales to plan for the future by nominating a personal representative and an alternate through a new online…