In practice

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

In practice

Changes to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023 – Submissions invited

Queensland Law Society invites comments and submissions regarding proposed changes to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023 (ASCR).

Grace van Baarle

In practice

New lessor termination rights aim to disrupt illicit tobacco and nicotine trade

The amendments, which came into effect on 24 November 2025, are aimed at disrupting the trade of illicit tobacco and nicotine products in Queensland.

Sonia Smith

In practice

Practitioners urged to renew their practising certificates

From 1 to 31 May, Queensland solicitors practitioners can log into the myQLS portal to renew their practising certificates.

In practice

Seller disclosure laws won’t slow Queensland’s property market – they’ll make it fairer

Seller disclosure does not create gazumping, and it does not meaningfully increase its likelihood.

Professor Sharon Christensen

In practice

AML/CTF – Do I need to do anything if I am not providing a designated service?

QLS shares tips for practitioners to consider regarding designated service under the AML/CTF Act.

Grace van Baarle

In practice

Cyber-attack response not privileged

The recent decision in Medibank Private Limited v McClure [2026] FCAFC 38 (20 March 2026) emphasises the attachment of privilege to work done will depend on what was the dominant purpose of the lawyers' involvement.

Shane Budden

In practice

Sanctions compliance – what lawyers need to know

In March 2026, the Australian Sanctions Office released new guidance aimed specifically at the provision of legal services.

Bridget Smith

In practice

AI legal advice tools risk waiving client privilege, courts warn

The advent of the internet exacerbated this problem, with clients able to search articles and opinions – with sources of various levels of expertise – to challenge a practitioner’s guidance, advice and strategies.

Shane Budden

Tribunal matters

Practitioner’s capacity central to disciplinary proceedings

The disciplinary proceedings against the respondent practitioner had been ongoing since 2019.

Matisse Fennessy

In practice

Warning against winding back protections for Queensland workers

'Just because an injury can’t be seen on a scan doesn’t mean it isn’t real.'

Sarah Grace

Case notes

The price of ‘free’ legal advice

The strategy was orchestrated not on the advice of lawyers, but on the advice of ChatGPT.

David Bowles

In practice

Discount on courses as CPD deadline approaches

The 15 per cent discount applies just in time to finalise points before the CPD deadline on 31 March.

Tribunal matters

Lawyer’s escalating dispute with realtor leads to unprofessional conduct finding

In 2022, the respondent solicitor became involved in a tenancy dispute with the complainant, a real estate agent who managed the residential property he occupied.

Matisse Fennessy

In practice

Brain injuries remain under-reported

Brain Injury Awareness Month is an opportunity to advocate for improved concussion care and support for those affected.

Nickelle Morris

Tribunal matters

Queensland solicitor removed from roll after nine misconduct findings

The respondent solicitor’s conduct was ‘bundled up’ into four overarching categories including issues with trust account management, acting twice in a conflict of interest, providing false or misleading information to QLS and failing to pay employees’ superannuation contributions.

Matisse Fennessy

Case notes

Will drafted by accountant leads to court

There was no evidence that either of them received any legal advice prior to executing the new wills.

Shane Budden

Family law

Brief phone call not enough to create conflict of interest, Family Court rules

The routine act of taking a file note carried substantial evidentiary weight when placed before the court.

Matisse Fennessy

Case notes

AA v Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

The High Court has reshaped institutional liability by confirming that organisations caring for children and other vulnerable individuals owe a non-delegable duty that can render them strictly liable for intentional criminal acts committed by their delegates, regardless of the systems or safeguards they had in place.

Luke Geary, Sonya Parsons

Case notes

Tribunal finds conflicting capacity advice no excuse for solicitor’s slow compliance

QCAT has delivered a decision touching on the professional obligations binding practitioners when matters involve a client with borderline or otherwise declining capacity.

Matisse Fennessy

Latest

Profession updates

Arrangements for Atherton Mags Court closure

News

DNA testing delays reduced, rape kit backlog cleared

News

Bush dance promises good time and funds for RAILS

News

QSAC visits regions to gather insights

News

How a pro bono secondment reshaped a graduate lawyer’s view of the profession

In practice

In practice

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

Changes to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023 – Submissions invited

New lessor termination rights aim to disrupt illicit tobacco and nicotine trade

Practitioners urged to renew their practising certificates

Seller disclosure laws won’t slow Queensland’s property market – they’ll make it fairer

AML/CTF – Do I need to do anything if I am not providing a designated service?

Cyber-attack response not privileged

Sanctions compliance – what lawyers need to know

AI legal advice tools risk waiving client privilege, courts warn

Practitioner’s capacity central to disciplinary proceedings

Warning against winding back protections for Queensland workers

The price of ‘free’ legal advice

Discount on courses as CPD deadline approaches

Lawyer’s escalating dispute with realtor leads to unprofessional conduct finding

Brain injuries remain under-reported

Queensland solicitor removed from roll after nine misconduct findings

Will drafted by accountant leads to court

Brief phone call not enough to create conflict of interest, Family Court rules

AA v Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Tribunal finds conflicting capacity advice no excuse for solicitor’s slow compliance

Latest

Arrangements for Atherton Mags Court closure

DNA testing delays reduced, rape kit backlog cleared

Bush dance promises good time and funds for RAILS

QSAC visits regions to gather insights

How a pro bono secondment reshaped a graduate lawyer’s view of the profession

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

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We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and keepers of this land and acknowledge all elders past, present and future.

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