Knowledge

The mindful lawyer: how to turn habits into opportunities

We recently invited Paul Pitsaras, Managing Director of The Open Mind Institute, to speak with the team about maintaining positive mental health. His talk was part of a week-long mental well-being exercise for the team. Read for his key takeaways.

What are your options when it comes to chasing a client for an unpaid invoice?

You have been chasing a client for weeks and they just won’t pay your invoice. So, why not send a Statutory Demand? Ben Ryan looks at the risks of issuing Statutory Demands and other recovery options available.

How the sale of a bull for $18,000 cost a vendor more than $200,000

Michael Morris looks at a District Court of NSW decision which provides a timely reminder that a vendor can be liable for loss suffered by a purchaser far in excess of the contract price.

Does an employee’s request for flexibility have to be approved?

New changes mean employees can request flexible working arrangements. However, a recent case demonstrates there are limits to how far an employer needs to go to accommodate a request. Caitlyn Wessels & Robert Lamb review.

New changes to First Home Super Saver Scheme make home ownership more accessible for young Australians

Recent changes to the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme create a golden opportunity for forward-thinking individuals looking to buy their first home. Zac Herps looks at the key changes.

Do you trust that your family trust was set up properly? The benefits of a corporate trustee to minimise risk

Craig Hong looks at the benefits of setting up a trust with a corporate trustee and eliminating the need for an appointer. He weighs up the advantages and disadvantages with particular focus on estate planning purposes.

What does the new Medicare Shared Debt Recovery Scheme mean for medical professionals?

The Medicare Debt Recovery Scheme means doctors and medical practices now face new levels of liability for any over-payment of Medicare benefits. Craig Hong looks at how medical professionals can protect themselves.

Why you need to protect your intellectual property?

Your intellectual property is what sets you apart from your competitors. So, is your intellectual property protected? Ben Ryan looks at what a trade mark is and why it should be a key aspect of your business.

The uber difference between a contractor and an employee

A recent investigation into an unfair dismissal claim against Uber Australia raises further questions about the difference between a contractor and an employee. Robert Lamb looks at why it pays to check all agreements.

Procedural fairness or systemic apprehension? Why it’s important to follow key procedures when terminating employment contracts

The increasing number of unfair dismissal claims with Australia’s Fair Work Commission is making some employers nervous. Robert Lamb looks what employers need to know and the key learnings from a recent case with Virgin Australia.

How a recent court case could have significant ramifications for sick leave entitlements in Australia

Robert Lamb looks at a recent court case between the owners of Cadbury and their workers regarding sick leave entitlements and how this could impact more than a million Australian workers who don’t work traditional hours.

‘Lemon laws’ – when consumers are given lemons, can the government make them into lemonade?

Changes have been introduced to help protect consumers buying used vehicles and increase the ability to resolve disputes in QLD. Ben Ryan looks at whether these changes will make lemons into lemonade.

What you need to know before hiring an electric scooter. Warning, it’s not as straight-forward as it may seem

Hiring an electric scooter may be tempting, but it can also be a costly decision with riders usually not covered by insurance. Michael Morris looks at what you should know about your potential exposure to liability.

Key questions you should ask before committing to a franchise

The allure of buying into a franchise can be strong with promises of a business ready to step into, but these agreements are often heavily weighted in favour of the franchisor. Ben Ryan lists four key questions you should ask before buying into a franchise.

New Family and Domestic Violence Leave – Key Changes to the Fair Work Act Every Employer Should Know

Robert Lamb writes about recent and significant changes to the Fair Work Act and other laws impacting an employer’s obligations when an employee experiences family and domestic violence.