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.
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.
The College of Law celebrates 50 years of service to the legal industry. Since it opened its doors in 1974, the College has empowered over 100,000 professionals to achieve their career aspirations in the law. We take a look at the College’s many legal education milestones and hear from long-standing CEO Neville Carter and Chairman Joseph Catanzariti AM.
A proposed ban on deepfake pornography has been introduced sparking debate among legal experts, privacy advocates, and technologists. The College caught up with Raymond Sun, an award-winning technology lawyer and full-stack developer, on the potential implications of this legislation.
A recent case before the New South Wales Court of Appeal, Gan v Xie [2023] NSWCA 163, resurfaced issues regarding direct speech, and how it ought to appear in an affidavit. Barrister Jonathan Tsang, a College of Law graduate, spoke to us about the key implications following this decision, and what lawyers need to know moving forward.
While divorce and separation are difficult for any child, for children with neurodivergent needs, these transitions can present their own set of challenges. The College sat down with Kathryn Schuck, Principal of Inclusive Family Law and Mediation, to delve into effective strategies family lawyers can employ to advocate for these children and navigate the complexities of custody agreements.
Nothing captures the public’s imagination quite like a great court case. From Trump’s declaration that he is a “very innocent person” to Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation-chasing criminal trial, watching people have their day in court is oddly compelling. The College decided it was high time we looked at the headline-making trials from the 21st century and the flow-on effects these rulings had. Here are the top ten court cases that have held Australia’s collective attention.
The REIQ contract for houses and residential land and REIQ contract for residential lots in a community title scheme have been amended as of 7 June 2024. Tara Cush, lecturer at the College of Law Queensland, provides an overview of how these amendments will impact REIQ contracts.
Working with neurodivergent clients can present unique complexities. From communication barriers to navigating sensory sensitivities, lawyers must possess a specialised skill set to effectively represent these individuals. The College delves into proven strategies that build trust and foster clear communication with Kathryn Schuck, Principal of Inclusive Family Law and Mediation.
To understand where legal AI use cases are showing up within family law, the College spoke with two highly experienced practitioners who have incorporated AI into their legal practice in different ways. Fiona Kirkman, principal at Kirkman Family Law, embraced ChatGPT early on in her practice, while Jenna Downy, solicitor at Family Law Matters, helped train LawY, an AI legal research assistant.