The ‘Uberisation’ of lawyers is picking up pace
Professional services firms, such as legal entities, are now operating in a buyer’s market where digital technologies have fostered new customer expectations, according to a new Westpac report. Read more
Police want faster data from the US, but Australia’s encryption laws could scuttle the deal
Australian police could quickly access data held by companies like Google and Facebook under a planned deal with the United States. Read more
ACCC takes Google to court over misleading use of user location dataThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’) has launched proceedings in the Federal Court against Google, alleging the Silicon Valley giant misused users’ location data. Read more
Public servants should be punished for failing to report misconduct, legal experts say
Recommendation adds to a growing push for reforms to Australia’s whistleblowing laws, which fail to prevent reprisals against those who speak out. Read more
Will law firms record overtime of more than just their grads?
New industrial regulations will see 20 law firms record the hours undertaken by their most junior legal professionals. But, given that lawyers with a few years of experience are most dissatisfied with their employers, wouldn’t it make sense to monitor the work this demographic is burdened with, too? Read more
NSW trumpets ‘record’ number of female magistrates
Women now make up 47 per cent of magistrates in NSW, marking a 7 per cent increase from one decade ago, according to the state’s attorney-general. Read more
3 in 10 in-house counsel get asked to advise on matters that make them ethically uncomfortable
The “In Collaboration” report is titled “Which way is the wind blowing? Recalibrating the moral compass of in-house legal practice”, it highlights the “tightrope” that in-house lawyers are walking when it comes to business and ethical interests. Published by LOD the report showcases findings from a period of five years. Read more
