Federal Court Chief Justice Debra Mortimer has flagged possible limitations on cashed-up parties in commercial disputes running overly complex cases that tie the court’s resources down.
Pianist Jayson Gillham’s claims against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will go to trial after a judge rejected its argument that his case should be dismissed because the protections of the state Equal Opportunity Act do not constitute workplace law.
The Federal Court is in no rush to issue guidelines on the use of AI in court proceedings, as other courts have done, despite its wide adoption in the legal profession and uses that have already raised judges’ hackles.
A judge has approved a $180 million settlement in a stolen wages class action but has criticised the plaintiff’s law firm for the costs incurred in the case and raised doubts about the value of litigation funding.
A Perth magistrate who wanted to sit solely on the Children’s Court has had her challenge knocked back again on appeal, with the Full Court finding court heads can allocate magistrates as necessary.
Funder LLS has urged the court to approve its 20 per cent cut of a $202 million settlement in a stolen wages class action, saying that reducing the “bottom end” rate could deter investments in public interest class actions.
The Commonwealth says funder LLS should not be allowed a 20 per cent cut of a stolen wages class action settlement of up to $202 million, arguing it could produce an “excessive deduction”.
A court has approved a settlement worth up to $202 million in a stolen wages class action against the government, but will hear further argument on the legal costs of the case.
The Federal Court’s top judge has attacked what she sees as “absolutist” public criticism of a spate of suppression orders in high-profile cases, saying open justice is just too, well, open.
Shine Lawyers wants to claim $24.5 million in legal costs in a stolen wages class action on behalf of Northern Territory First Nations people, a sum a judge called “eye watering”.