Oceania/Australia - Page 25
Clients are losers in law firm partner competition
Law firms need to put client needs above their billings, according to an Australian law firm partner.
Legal crisis as Nauru bars chief justice
The world's smallest republic, Nauru, has deported its one and only magistrate and cancelled the visa of the Australian citizen who acts as its Chief Justice.
More boutique closures predicted in Australia
Lack of succession planning, rather than financial problems, will see the closure of more small Australian law firms, according to a legal consultant.
Australian boutique firms close down
As difficulties continue within the Australian legal market, two boutique practices have decided to close down.
Australia moves towards 50/50 divorce splits
The Family Court of Australia has just decided a divorce case which could lead to 50/50 splits of assets, over-ruling the status quo which recognised and rewarded a 'special contribution' by one partner.
Push to oust lawyer-free conciliation continues in Australia
Plaintiff law firms are targeting superannuation disputes - an area which can be resolved by conciliation in Australia - in another sign of a worldwide trend for lawyers to get a foot in the door in lawyer-free resolution arenas.
Bilateral Investment Treaties - providing unlimited opportunities
Bilateral Investment Treaties are exploding around the world as governments seek to trade. Russell Thirgood of McCullough Robertson discusses the Australian perspective.
Thomson Reuters closes Australia legal magazine
Australasian Legal Business is closing its online legal breaking news service and magazine in Australia.
Aussie lawyers worried by bonus payments to law firms
A scheme through which state agency WorkSafe Victoria pays bonuses to law firms which minimise compensation claims from workers is causing concern among the local legal community.
Enforcement of arbitral awards in Australia
Australia is well placed to become an important player in the competitive world of arbitration, says Russell Thirgood of McCullough Robertson.
Seyfarth Shaw opens two offices in Australia
Six months after it announced its intention to go to Australia, Chicago-based law firm has opened up in Sydney and Melbourne.
Herbert Smith augments Australian pay system to keep top talent
The partner remuneration system at Herbert Smith Freehills in Australia is to include an extra component in order to encourage top players to stay on at the law firm.
Australia could suffer economic loss after closing legal body
Controversy is being stirred in Australia by the closure of the International Legal Services Advisory Council by the government - after claims were made that it has helped bring business to the country.
A&O wins anti-trust partner from Herbert Smith
Peter McDonald is jumping ship, after a decade at Herbert Smith Freehills, to become a partner in Allen & Overy in early 2014.
KWM litigation head joins Quinn Emanuel
Beau Deleuil, global chief of disputes, is joining the Sydney office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan.
Pinsents merger lacked Maddocks support
Support for a merger with UK-based Pinsent Masons was under 50 per cent among the partners in Australian law firm Maddocks, so blocking the quick tie-up which the London-based firm wanted.
Infrastructure team defects to Colin Biggers
A team of 13 fee earners has left Herbert Geer and started work at the Brisbane office of Colin Biggers & Paisley this week.
Pinsents set to launch in Australia
UK-based Pinsent Masons is planning an Australia launch in March 2014 and has recruited the CEO of law firm Maddocks to begin the process.
Law students and dean fall out at Sydney University
The dean of the law school at Sydney University has described students as 'precious' after they wanted the chance to resit a law exam which was interrupted by a fire alarm.
Norton Rose caps Australia layoffs
Norton Rose Fulbright has said that the 30 layoffs in Australia will be the only ones taking place.