In practice

In practice

AI law firm’s win at trial signals shift for Queensland

The AI-powered litigation assistant generated the client’s pre-action correspondence, issued the claim, produced the documents, prepared the witness statements, then briefed a human barrister.

David Bowles

In practice

Same law, different lens

This discussion is not about labels or diagnosis; it is about legal practice.

Clarissa Rayward

In practice

Is your Trusts Act notice of intention to distribute correct?

Notices of intention to distribute must be given in accordance with s 135 of the Trusts Act.

Sonia Smith

In practice

AUSTRAC issues further guidance on designated services

Practitioners are encouraged to enrol by 1 July.

Grace van Baarle

Case notes

ChatGPT creator sued over chatbot’s use as substitute lawyer

In a US lawsuit, an insurer is arguing OpenAI is engaging in the unauthorised practice of law.

David Bowles

Case notes

Penalties for NDIS Act breaches

Both proceedings were brought against a registered NDIS provider, which provides services to people with disability, including supported accommodation.

In practice

A rose by any other name?

Scent marks can be registered in Australia - but only in rare circumstances.

Cathryn Warburton

Case notes

Jurisdictional error in FWC decision

The Federal Court overturned workplace delegates’ rights terms in modern awards, in a recent decision.

Nadia Stojanova

In practice

The last seal in town: Why regional Queensland still needs notaries

In some Queensland regional communities, obtaining notarial services can require hundreds of kilometres of travel, significant delay, or reliance on already stretched notarial practitioners.

Guy Dunstan, Becana Devencorn

Family law

Efficiency of ‘hot tub’ process

Ashdown & Markin (No 2) [2026] FedCFamC1F 164

Craig Nicol, Keleigh Robinson

In practice

Support and assistance animals: An emerging head of damage?

Across Australia, research suggests that 73 per cent of homes have at least one pet and there are an estimated 7.3-7.4 million pet dogs in the country.

Travis Schultz

In practice

How safe is your safe custody?

Most of the documents held on behalf of clients contain information which is confidential and often sensitive; those documents must be secured in such a fashion that they are safe from theft or damage.

Shane Budden

In practice

AML/CTF regime about protecting integrity of financial and legal systems

QLS President Peter Jolly asks members not to lose sight of the broader purpose behind the 1 July obligations.

Peter Jolly

In practice

When oral health encounters hidden harm

The guide was launched digitally this month via the NQWLS website aligning with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

In practice, News

Beyond keeping up to date for specialist practitioners

The QLS Specialist Practice Conference, happening from 7-9 October at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, is now being developed.

In practice

Significant cuts to professional indemnity insurance rates on way

In addition to the substantial rate reductions, Mr Young confirmed that all major scheme innovations introduced in recent years will remain in place for 2026/27.

In practice

Registry guidelines for lodging scanned wills

It is recommended that practitioners prepare scanned copies of original wills and codicils before the originals are bound.

In practice

Lessor criminal and civil liability under illicit tobacco and nicotine product law

The amendments include significant shifts in Queensland leasing law with the imposition of criminal and civil liability on commercial lessors and the introduction of a statutory right to terminate leases of closed premises.

Sonia Smith