The home of news, views and analysis for the WA legal profession

Opinion

Views and opinions from across the profession.

Opinion

How partisan politics influenced the Senate inquiry into Australia’s wage theft offence

July 22, 2026

Irene Nikoloudakis argues that the wage theft offence needs further scrutiny - but politics must be left out of it.

Opinion·Practice updates

New AML laws and the “suspicious” client: must the retainer end?

July 21, 2026

Barrister Nilan Ekanayake questions what effect the requirement to make suspicious matter reports under new AML laws will have in practice.

July 20, 2026

The lost art of picking up the phone

Law firm leaders need to create a culture in which phone communication feel safe and normal, writes Leonie Green.

July 20, 2026

AML CTF in the spotlight: key elements overview

Dr Jim O'Donovan discusses topical elements of the new AML CTF compliance obligations.

Opinion

AML CTF made practical: A DIY compliance guide for legal practices

Dr Jim O'Donovan explains how his practical manual helps legal practices navigate Australia's complex new AML CTF compliance obligations independently.

July 13, 2026

In-depth·Opinion

The lady’s not for burning: Recognising the barrister in Britain’s longest serving Prime Minister

Dr Jessica Henderson looks back over the reign of Margaret Thatcher, barrister and longest running Prime Minster of the 20th century.

July 3, 2026

Opinion

Uncertainty and ambiguity under the Uniform Law

The WA profession deserves more guidance on cost estimate requirements under the Uniform Law, writes Daniel Coster.

July 2, 2026

Legal updates·Opinion

Ethical dilemmAI: Three challenges lawyers can no longer ignore

Marianne Rose considers how AI is reshaping legal practice, including demanding lawyers rethink productivity, strengthen critical thinking and lead ethical governance before technology outpaces regulation.

June 30, 2026

Opinion

Nobody is listening: Highlighting issues with WA’s youth justice system

Tim Stricklan of Hello Initiative explains how lawyers can do more to influence better youth justice outcomes.

June 23, 2026

Opinion

Advocacy as performance: What lawyers can learn from the stage

Louise Fenbury advocates for the performance of persuasion when precision and presence are non- negotiables in a courtroom.

June 17, 2026

Opinion·Wellbeing

Sustainable performance the challenge as leaders face ultimate test

People management must come to the fore like never before if law firms are to deliver sustainable excellence, writes Leonie Green.

June 16, 2026

Legal updates·Opinion

A snapshot of childhood in WA: Five key challenges shaping the future

Isobel Millward, Juris Doctor student at UWA, considers the trends and areas of concern identified in the 2026 report from the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA.

June 11, 2026

Opinion

Editor’s opinion: The LPB’s response to the cyber-attack shows it still needs to lift its game

Barrister and Brief Editor-at-Large Dr Michael Douglas questions why – almost a year after the 2025 cyber incident – the Legal Practice Board is still not telling lawyers what information about them has been stolen.

June 3, 2026

In-depth·Opinion

Charge negotiation and the rule of law

John McKechnie AO KC argues opaque charge negotiations undermine judicial oversight, risking distortion of criminal responsibility, sentencing accuracy and the rule of law.

June 3, 2026

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Opinion

How partisan politics influenced the Senate inquiry into Australia’s wage theft offence

New AML laws and the “suspicious” client: must the retainer end?

The lost art of picking up the phone

AML CTF in the spotlight: key elements overview

AML CTF made practical: A DIY compliance guide for legal practices

The lady’s not for burning: Recognising the barrister in Britain’s longest serving Prime Minister

Uncertainty and ambiguity under the Uniform Law

Ethical dilemmAI: Three challenges lawyers can no longer ignore

Nobody is listening: Highlighting issues with WA’s youth justice system

Advocacy as performance: What lawyers can learn from the stage

Sustainable performance the challenge as leaders face ultimate test

A snapshot of childhood in WA: Five key challenges shaping the future

Editor’s opinion: The LPB’s response to the cyber-attack shows it still needs to lift its game

Charge negotiation and the rule of law

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