Another chapter in the colourful life and times of Sydney solicitor Leigh Johnson … NSWCA knocks out her fees of $2 million plus … Working for more than 24 hours a day … Australian Institute of Music … A “most unusual” bill of costs … Estoppel, with “extremely unusual” facts … Hannah Ryan reports 

Deliriums on the Derwent … Fear and loathing at the Taswegian bar n’ grill … Terrifying missives … Unauthorised threats … Dealing with a “hive of Sydney insects” … The Map all shook-up 

Lawrie v Lawler … Case that has riven the Top End legal community … Foreign judges brought in for appeal that basically clears the former president of the NT bar of misconduct findings … Commission of inquiry set up by political opponents of former minister … Full examination of the judgment from Hannah Ryan 

Attorney General Brandis asserts political influence over Solicitor General Justin Gleeson … Government access to the Solicitor General to be controlled by AG … More outsourcing of constitutional advise to the private bar … Ideological agenda at play  COMMENT: EMAIL: URL: The AG and the SG, by George …

Justin Gleeson he opines, but his opines don’t quite suit mine
His independence? Unimpeded! It’s just his view that is not needed
I’m the Attorney. I’ll decide, whose opines to over-ride
My position? Much more deserving. I’m his master, it’s me he’s serving

Make no mistake, I am in charge. Advice from Justin? No, not at large
Through my gate you must first pass, and I’ll determine who can ask
I’ll outsource questions to my mates, to get the answer my view mandates
Don’t give me grief about this matter, I work much better without the chatter

Separation of powers, just what is that? If that’s a concept, it’s old hat
Circumvention? That’s not my word. Beyond my powers? That’s absurd
Let’s just get the view we need, the view want just to succeed
Statutory independence? It just impedes my own ascendance

The Murray Scheme … Trust account interest for unemployed lawyers … Cocktails on the pier … Judge’s gastronomic experiences in Manchester … Notes from The Map

Wyvill gets a breather from NT appeal court … Grant Samuel rejigs Slater & Gordon … Barrister suggests that if his client had more money someone else would have been briefed … Bluto Watch 

Big defamation action grips Banana-Benders … Concrete Kings v Mouth from the South … Big Al Jones doubles down … Taxpayers pick up the tab for Can Do’s and Jiving Jarrod’s apology-free zone 

Special law to enforce respect for judges … Legislative loopiness … Closing the gap between contempt and disrespect