Courts & Legal
Litigation funders still waiting for judgment day
| Michael Bailey
The lack of a legal judgment on shareholder claims could be playing into the hands of plaintiff litigation funders.
Lure of class action profits
| Tony Featherstone
Featherstone | Given the lumpy nature of Centro’s revenue stream and the prospect of regulation, it’s not a stock for all.
Fraud is here, there, everywhere
| Jeanne-Vida DouglasEconomic crime and related activity has a similar look all around the world.
Proposed ASX rules have upside
| Damon Frith
Frith | The planned changes at the ASX will bring the bourse in line with international competitors.
Yankees doodle in
| Georgina Dent
Now that the big British law firms have set up shop in Australia, American law firms are expected to follow.
Beyond the boundaries
| Georgina DentThere are some big differences between US law firms and their Australian counterparts.
Bookies welcome a win
| Michael Bleby
On-course bookmakers in Victoria have received a welcome piece of good news.
Easy does it
| Georgina Dent
The government is reviewing the complex area of contract law with the aim of cutting red tape.
Charting a course
| Georgina Dent
Amid tough times and intense competition, a top firm is putting 500 of its lawyers on a management program.
Hard road to a float
| Georgina Dent
Preparing a company for public listing is no walk in the park and means accepting exposure to public scrutiny.
For all the IP in China
| Michael Bleby
Take care you don’t get burnt when expanding your brand in the dragon economy, experts say.
CEO Q&A: Chris Freeland
| Samantha Hutchinson
The managing partner of Baker & McKenzie discusses his first job and his most challenging task.
Patriot missile incoming
| Georgina Dent
Australian companies should be under no illusion – the long arm of the US Patriot Act is able to reach them.
Corporate espionage new threat
| Leo D’Angelo Fisher
Companies in the developed world face an additional threat: state-sponsored spying.
Border security
| Michael Bailey
National firms dominated the ‘best in state’ 2012 BRW/Beaton Client Choice Awards.
A game of value
| Georgina Dent
Selling quality, not just a cheap service, is a key practice of our winners.
The research method
| Mel CheeBeaton Research & Consulting conducts the world’s largest study of clients of professional services.
Lew’s loot locked up
| Michael Bleby
Billionaire rag trader Solomon Lew is fighting to keep the former spouses of two of his children away from money.
Minter boosts China presence
| Georgina DentMinter Ellison has moved the head of its London finance practice, Nigel Clark, to Beijing to boost its presence in China.
Making the most of one year
| Georgina Dent
A family solicitor, Justin Dowd, has been elected president of the New South Wales Law Society
ACCC sides with buyers
| Nassim Khadem
The consumer watchdog is making business more aware of its obligations to consumers on faulty goods.
More than social
| Georgina Dent
The best way to manage the legal risks of social media is to implement a comprehensive policy
Join the queue
| Jessica Gardner
Few business owners are aware of a major change to the way they can manage their terms of credit with customers.
Call for rescue laws
| Nassim Khadem
Business is calling for US-style Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Australia.
Join hands and chose your partners
| Georgina Dent
Growth through mergers and acquisitions is a priority for law firms of all sizes
Damages control
| Georgina Dent
Employment claims have the capacity to cripple small and medium-sized businesses.
Retailers to steal a trick on theft
| Jackie RangeNSW retailers will soon be able to step up their fight against crime.
Cut down to size
| Michael BaileySmall proved beautiful in this year’s BRW/Beaton Client Choice Awards for professional services.
Ruffling legal eagle feathers
| Georgina DentMid-size firms dominated the legal pack this year, as clients sought more economic advice.
On your marks
| Kath WaltersThe world economy is uncertain, but the BRW Fast Starters are sure-footed, global and delivering results.
Recalling a dilemma
| Georgina Dent
How to ensure a product recall doesn’t escalate to a commercial and legal disaster.
Pitfalls of property
| Nassim KhademATO rule changes have seen a rush of SMSFs getting into property, but the same cautions need to be in place as for any investment.
One minute with : Eddie Sheehy
| Georgina Dent
The chief executive of software company Nuix says law firms could cut e-discovery costs.
More than run of the Mills
| Georgina Dent
Melbourne’s Mills Oakley has re-invented itself and its low-cost approach has helped it stand out from the crowd.
Qantas dispute highlights next battleground
| Michael Bailey
The dispute between Qantas and the unions entered compulsory arbitration this week.
Ditch the formalities
| Georgina Dent
Metcash company secretary Greg Watson shares his wisdom the benefits of an internal lawyer.
Does ACCC have the muscle?
| Nassim KhademThe Competition and Consumer Act gives the ACCC several levers to act if they suspect unfair conduct by big business.
Auditors: on a path to extinction in rural Australia?
| Nassim Khadem
Long hours, low pay and greater regulation have all led to a radical decline in the number of auditors – and rural areas are particularly hard hit.
Legal briefs
| Georgina DentMallesons in outsourcing agreement; Minter Ellison and Corrs Chambers Westgarth appoint new partners.
Evidence points to the internet
| Georgina Dent
US Judge Andrew Peck tells local lawyers they have to get on board with electronic evidence.
Franchisors attack changes
| Jessica GardnerNew legislation in South Australia has upset franchisors operating in the state.
Small but mighty
| Georgina Dent
Advising small players in the energy and resources sector is a successful niche for HopgoodGanim.
Fair Work found wanting
| Leo D'Angelo Fisher
The Qantas grounding revealed the shortcomings of the Fair Work Act.