So how do you cultivate a commercial mindset as a lawyer? We spoke with Wenee Yap, a trained lawyer who now coaches lawyers on developing their entrepreneurial edge. Wenee co-authored Riding the Unicorn: The Startup Guide You'll Want To Read, a comprehensive ‘idea-to-IPO’ guide to building and scaling businesses.

The work of a lawyer can be demanding, and not simply in an intellectual sense. Emotional stakes can run high, and client trauma may intertwine with a practitioner’s own psychological well-being. The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC offers invaluable insights on the essential skill of professional debriefing.

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC is no stranger to conflict. Having served for nearly sixteen years as a judge on the Family Court of Australia, Robert has also been a Commissioner for Tasmania’s Inquiry into Government Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings. It’s a career that has seen him navigate the complex human dynamics of the courtroom. Robert shares his practical framework to navigate tricky conversations, specifically designed to help lawyers deliver unwelcome news to clients.

Managing professional development across a team can be overwhelming. Deadlines loom, client demands grow, and compliance remains non-negotiable. Training shouldn’t add to the stress—it should empower your team to thrive.

If you’re only doing CPD to stay compliant, you’re missing out. The real power of professional development is about building the skills, confidence, and expertise that make you stand out (along with staying up-to-date of course).

Mortgagee sales may be alluring to many property bargain hunters. However, hidden within the troubled title deeds of mortgagee sales can be caveats that can hinder the sale, or even more significantly impact subsequent buyers. We spoke to property lawyer Greg Stilianou to uncover what issues might impact mortgagee sales, why it’s important to address caveats early on, and what lawyers need to know when providing advice on a mortgagee sale.  

  Major reforms to South Australia’s succession laws came into force on 1 January 2025. The new year saw the repeal of three Acts (the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA), the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972 (SA) and the Wills Act 1936 (SA)), replacing these with a single Succession Act 2023. These are the most significant changes to be made in 30 years, Lawyer Megan Horsell outlines what you need to know.    

The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 10 December 2024. These amendments are a result of recommendations made by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review of the family law system as well as feedback from stakeholders. These recommendations include changes to provisions concerning companion animals, taking a less adversarial approach, disclosure, divorce, protected confidences, and costs orders.

From practical legal guides on cross-qualifying in the US and UK markets to insights on working with neurodivergent clients, our top ten legal stories highlight the profession's commitment to adaptation and excellence. As we head into 2025, these stories paint a picture of a profession in transition, where understanding the diverse needs of our clients matters as much as updates to the law itself. Let’s explore what captured your attention in 2024.

Discover the College of Law’s CPD bundles: cost-effective course packages to deepen your expertise, meet CPD requirements and advance your career.