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

Opinion - Page 3

Views and opinions from across the profession.

When the machine predicts, who still judges? AI, the Courts, and legal education in Western Australia

September 14, 2026

Akila Elpitiya discusses how AI is reshaping legal education and practice, raising questions for lawyers regarding developing professional judgment required to verify AI-generated work responsibly.

Opinion·Wellbeing

A matter of trust – why AI guard rails are crucial

August 31, 2026

Amid commentary around the potential change to the staffing mix in law firms relating to AI, Mark Andrews explores the notion of trust and the legal profession.

August 27, 2026

The 2026 Federal Human Rights Bill: Why now is different

Katrina Williams considers independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie's private member's bill, the Human Rights Bill 2026.

August 26, 2026

Two AI announcements, one lesson for the profession

Andrew Cooke says AI adoption in legal practice requires preparation, governance and human oversight, with platform choice secondary to responsible implementation and evaluation.

In-depth·Opinion

Using AI in judicial decision-making

Sir Geoffrey Vos encourages urgent debate as to what human rights people should have in light of ever more capable AI.

May 25, 2026

In-depth·Opinion

The access to justice crisis

Juliana Warner, Law Council of Australia President notes critical services are at risk as practitioners are forced to withdraw from legal aid work.

May 21, 2026

In-depth·Opinion

The critical shortage of criminal lawyers

The Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA authors an opinion piece for Brief magazine on why we need more skilled and passionate advocates for justice.

May 18, 2026

Opinion

Independent, essential and here to stay

Jess Border, Managing Lawyer WA, and Ruby Hamilton, Special Counsel WA of the EDO discuss the critical work of CLCs in delivering access to justice.

May 18, 2026

In-depth·Opinion

Law school days: an essay

Nicholas Hasluck recounts early Western Australian law school history in relation to a recently donated literary journal.

May 7, 2026

Legal updates·Opinion

Robodebt and public responsibility: a corporate reimagining

Elise Bant, Professor of Private Law and Commercial Regulation, UWA argues for a new model of public responsibility.

April 30, 2026

Legal lifestyle·Opinion

It’s okay to be nervous: reflections on confidence, success and collegiality for new lawyers

The Honourable Justice Stephen Lemonis of the Supreme Court of Western Australia delivered the keynote address at the Law Society’s annual Welcome to the Profession breakfast on 17 April 2026.

April 29, 2026