Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

05 November

Sticky

Suitability Disclosures for Admission as a Lawyer

Suitability Disclosures for Admission as a Lawyer So, you want to be a lawyer. The big question is, are you suitable for admission to the legal profession? We have previously written an article on How to get Admitted as Lawyer in Queensland, which we suggest you read for greater context on the admissions process. This article will focus on your suitability for admission. As part of the admissions process, the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board and the Supreme Court of Queensland will review your application to determine whether you are suitable to be admitted as a legal practitioner. Beware of the admissions process should you...

27 October

0 Comments

Sticky

“Post and Boast Laws” – Changes to Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Posted by Adam Veneran

in Dangerous Driving, Traffic Law

“Post and Boast Laws” – Changes to the Charge of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle The prevalence of offenders ‘boasting’ about their criminal behaviour on social media has long sparked societal debate. In response, the Queensland Government introduced legislative changes to address this behaviour and put offenders on notice. These changes specifically target offences involving the unauthorised use of motor vehicles. A person may record themselves driving dangerously and publish the footage on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat. Since changes to Queensland law commenced in 2024, publishing this content can result in further legal consequences. These...

22 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Employee vs Contractor in Australia

Posted by Ashleigh DoRozario

in Employment Law, Litigation

Employee vs Contractor in Australia: How to Determine a Worker’s Employment Status At Potts Lawyers, we are regularly called to advise both employees and employers about the employment status of workers. Often, workers have been engaged as contractors, but arguments have arisen that they were in fact employees of the company. This has caused subsequent issues for the company not holding the relevant workers’ compensation insurances for employees. If a worker is injured at work, and the company does not have the appropriate insurance, the financial implications and consequences to the company can be dire. No matter if that worker is engaged as...

19 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Using a Carriage Service to Menace, Harass or Cause Offence

Posted by Adam Veneran

in Assaults And Violence Offences, Criminal Law, Criminal Law & Offences

Using a Carriage Service to Menace, Harass or Cause Offence The use of mobile phones, social media and online messaging has made communication easier than ever. However, communications made online can also result in criminal charges. Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) makes it an offence to use a carriage service in a way that reasonable people would regard, in all the circumstances, as menacing, harassing or offensive. The offence can apply to a wide range of communications, including text messages, emails, social media posts, private messages, photographs, videos and telephone calls. The maximum penalty for the offence is 5 years...

14 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Beware ChatGPT – It Is Not Your Lawyer

Posted by Ashleigh DoRozario

in General Legal Advice

Beware ChatGPT – It Is Not Your Lawyer There has been an increase of enquiries to Potts Lawyers from people who have either consulted Artificial Intelligence (AI) or ChatGPT about their legal issue, or have utilised AI to prepare a claim or demand, or respond to an issue without success. We get it - knowledge is power, and lawyers are expensive. The problem we are finding, however, is that ChatGPT has significantly harmed the enquirer’s position and we are then engaged to wind back that harm, which causes us to work on your matter for a lot longer than would have been necessary,...

19 May

0 Comments

Sticky

What Happens in a Criminal Trial in Queensland?

Posted by Jack Bendall

in Criminal Law

What Happens in a Criminal Trial in Queensland? Understanding what happens during a criminal trial can help ease uncertainty if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges. This article provides a clear overview of what to expect in Queensland criminal courts, including how trials work, who decides the verdict, and what happens at each stage. Will There Be a Jury in a Criminal Trial? A jury will only be present if the criminal trial is held in the District Court or Supreme Court. These are Queensland's higher courts and deal with indictable offences that are too serious to be dealt with...

30 March

0 Comments

Sticky

Dog Bite Liability in Queensland: Who Is Responsible for Personal Injury Claims?

Posted by Ashleigh DoRozario

in Personal Injury Claims

Dog Bite Liability Queensland: Laws, Claims and Owner Responsibility Dog bite liability in Queensland is becoming an increasingly important issue as personal injury claims continue to rise. Incidents often involve postal workers, delivery drivers, or visitors entering private property, only to be attacked by a resident dog. So who is legally responsible when a dog causes injury? While many assume liability is straightforward, Queensland law has evolved significantly. Understanding your obligations as a dog owner or your rights as an injured person is essential. Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Queensland The Historical Scienter Rule Traditionally, Queensland followed the scienter rule. Under this rule, a dog...

10 March

0 Comments

Sticky

Right to Silence Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law

Right to Silence in Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When “You have the right to remain silent.” Most people believe this statement always applies. However, the right to silence in Queensland is not absolute. While police cannot force you to answer every question, the law does require you to provide certain information in specific situations. If you refuse in those circumstances, police may charge you. Understanding when you must speak and when you can remain silent protects your legal position. Below, we explain how the right to silence works in Queensland, what information you must provide, and when you should contact a...

06 March

0 Comments

Sticky

Assault Charges in Queensland: Laws, Penalties and Defences

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Assaults And Violence Offences

Assault in Queensland: What Counts as Assault and What Are the Penalties? When most people hear the word assault, they imagine a physical fight. However, assault in Queensland covers far more than punching someone. The law includes threats, minor physical contact, and even certain non-physical conduct. If you face an assault charge, or you want to understand your legal risk, you need clear and accurate information. This guide explains what counts as assault in Queensland, the different categories of offences, and the penalties you could face. What Is Assault in Queensland? Under Queensland law, assault includes: Striking another person Touching or moving another person...

02 March

0 Comments

Sticky

Department of Child Safety Investigations Into Alleged Harm of a Child (Carers in Queensland)

Posted by Jean Choi

in Criminal Law

Child Safety Investigation for Carers in Queensland Department of Child Safety Investigation Into Alleged Harm of a Child as a Carer If you are a carer and have received a letter from the Department of Child Safety requesting an interview about alleged harm of a child, it is critical to seek independent legal advice immediately. A Department of Child Safety investigation for carers can feel overwhelming, especially when you do not know what the process involves or what the possible outcomes may be. At Potts Lawyers, we offer a 20-minute obligation-free consultation. Contact our team on 07 5532 3133 to speak with an experienced...

Suitability Disclosures for Admission as a Lawyer

“Post and Boast Laws” – Changes to Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Employee vs Contractor in Australia

Using a Carriage Service to Menace, Harass or Cause Offence

Beware ChatGPT – It Is Not Your Lawyer

What Happens in a Criminal Trial in Queensland?

Dog Bite Liability in Queensland: Who Is Responsible for Personal Injury Claims?

Right to Silence Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When

Assault Charges in Queensland: Laws, Penalties and Defences

Department of Child Safety Investigations Into Alleged Harm of a Child (Carers in Queensland)

Quick Links

Quick Confidential Enquiry

Contact Details