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

Opinion - Page 8

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.

Opinion

Tough love or workplace bullying? Five red flags you can’t ignore

Is your boss just blunt – or are they crossing a legal line?

July 30, 2025

Opinion

A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case

The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks.

July 18, 2025

Opinion

Court etiquette and a short judicial wish list

Court etiquette, considered from the perspective of a legal practitioner, refers to established rules of behaviour that a practitioner is expected to exhibit towards judicial officers and courts.

July 16, 2025

Opinion

The 12 timeless skills that keep you relevant

Even if you’re unclear on what you want to do with your life or feel you’ve lost your spark, there are timeless skills that not only remain valuable but also help you stand out in surprising ways.

July 8, 2025

Opinion

Enough is enough: it’s time to pay more for legal aid work

The underpayment of lawyers who undertake work for Legal Aid clients by way of grants has reached crisis point nationwide.

July 7, 2025

Opinion

Why public notaries are more important than ever

Notaries date back to ancient Rome. Although the profession developed initially in Italy and then throughout Europe, it eventually reached England and Wales.

July 7, 2025

Opinion

The vital role of empathy when letting people go

In many organisations, the idea of firing employees is seen as taboo. Even giving critical feedback is avoided by many leaders scared of being labelled a bully.

June 18, 2025

Opinion

Domestic violence at crisis point in Western Australia

In May 2024, Mark Bombara killed his wife’s friend and daughter before taking his own life. Police ignored multiple warnings about the impending danger.

June 9, 2025