The Federal Circuit Court and Family Court in Sydney shut down on Tuesday after a family law practitioner advised of a positive COVID-19 test, but the courts said they would re-open on Wednesday.
The number of lawyers working at home continues to grow as the coronavirus spreads in Australia, with four law firms ordering staff to pack up and work from home, and more expected to follow their lead.
The corporate watchdog has brought two post-Hayne Commission proceedings against the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, alleging it upped the credit limit of a known problem gambler and overcharged more than $8 million in fees on its agricultural lending products.
Two law firms have mandated that staff begin working from home to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, while others begin shifting their workforce offsite as firms test their ability to weather what is expected to be a prolonged public health crisis.
A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit against ‘Underbelly’ actor Damien Walshe-Howling alleging he sexually harassed an extra on the set of Channel Ten’s ‘Bikie Wars’ when he grabbed the actress and forced his tongue into her mouth.
The Federal Court will take comprehensive steps to protect court staff, lawyers and litigants from the coronavirus, including expanding the use of videoconferencing and avoiding formal hearings when possible.
A Federal Court judge has acknowledged concerns raised by the accused in a criminal cartel case against mobility equipment provider Country Care and two employees about how an upcoming jury trial will proceed if the coronavirus pandemic worsens, telling the parties the court had already taken measures to control the spread of the virus.
A judge has given his blessing to a $49.7 million settlement of two class actions that alleged infant food maker Bellamy’s misled investors about its China growth strategy and declining market share in Australia.
Westpac has been hit with another class action over alleged anti-money laundering breaches, teeing up a high-stakes beauty parade over which firm will lead the class action against the bank.
The Law Council of Australia has come out against proposed Victorian legislation that would allow lawyers to charge contingency fees, saying lifting the current ban would compromise solicitors’ ethical duties to their clients.