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Federal Court goes its own way with AI practice note
The Federal Court has taken a more permissive approach to the use of generative AI than the NSW Supreme Court, allowing tools like ChatGPT to be used in creating affidavits with the proviso that the use must be disclosed.
Banksia silk says he’s already been punished, should not go to jail
Former silk Norman O’Bryan argued Thursday for no prison time after pleading guilty in a criminal case over his role in the Banksia Securities class action. And he could win the argument, with a judge saying she was considering a community service sentence.
Construction PRO
Council’s lawyer hit with $1M costs for ‘incredible’ testimony, refusal to settle
The former lawyer for Broken Hill Council, who was ordered to return over $2 million in unauthorised fees, has been socked with a $1 million order for indemnity costs for “exceptional” conduct in a case over his firm's rates.
Construction PRO
Court won’t up $300K damages in negligence case against Sydney firm
A former client of a Sydney law firm has lost his bid to up a $300,000 damages award against the firm over a defective notice in a proposed $7.8 million land sale.
Judge’s wife faces probe for forwarding client files to husband
The solicitor wife of South Australia Court of Appeal president Justice Mark Livesey is under investigation by the state's legal watchdog for forwarding client files to her husband.
Appeals court to hear extension bid by lawyer criticised by judge during adjournment
The Victorian Court of Appeal will rule on whether to grant a lawyer an extension to appeal a tribunal decision ordering that he be removed from the roll and barred from practicing for nine years, after he argued a judge's adverse comments about him during an adjournment rendered a tribunal decision void. 
Silk fights default judgment in client’s negligence case
A Melbourne silk wants to set aside a default judgment in a negligence case brought by a former client, claiming he should have the chance to defend his professional reputation. 
Class action silk pleads guilty over Banksia counsel fees
Former silk Norman O’Bryan has pleaded guilty in a criminal case over his role as senior counsel for the Banksia Securities class action.
Judge approves orders bringing Banksia receivership to an end
A judge has approved orders bringing the receivership of Banksia Securities to an end, with the special receiver opting to not pursue $650,000 in costs against Victorian debenture holders who dropped their case alleging breaches to the scandal-ridden class action.
‘Please don’t mislead’: Minister tells lawyers not to take hopeless migration cases
An irritated Labor MP has said that taking hopeless migration cases amounts to unconscionable conduct and urged lawyers not to waste their clients' money.