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Belinda Northam Finalist for New Partner of the Year Award (SME) – 3 Years or Less 03.05.24 We are delighted to announce that Partner, Belinda Northam has been nominated as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 2024 Partner of the Year award (SME) – 3 years or less. This nomination is a culmination of almost 20 years in practice for Belinda, and testament to the high level of legal technical expertise she is now recognised for, in addition to the significant contributions she has made as a Partner to both her firm of the last 17 years – Ramsden Lawyers – and to the broader legal community.

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Understanding Unfair Contract Terms 17.04.24 Signing contracts as a consumer or small business can be daunting due to their length and complexity, often filled with legal jargon. To address this, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 introduced the unfair contract term regime, aiming to redress this imbalance and create a fairer environment for consumers and small businesses. In this article, our commercial law team will explore its application, recent changes, and impact on future contracts.

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International Women's Day at Ramsden Lawyers 13.03.24 Discover how Ramsden Lawyers celebrates International Women's Day, championing gender equality in the legal profession. This article highlights the Women of Influence breakfast and firm-wide afternoon tea, showcasing achievements and milestones of women in law. Learn about the significant "firsts" for women in the Queensland legal scene and the strides Ramsden Lawyers has made towards a more inclusive and diverse workplace. With a commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality, Ramsden Lawyers invites readers to explore their services, collaborative opportunities, and career paths. Join us in shaping a more equitable legal landscape where the contributions of women are recognised and celebrated. Find out how Ramsden Lawyers is making history and how you can participate in this transformative journey.

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Cosmetic Industry Crackdown 13.03.24 Over the last eighteen months, the cosmetic industry has experienced persistent disruptions, witnessing numerous revisions to the regulatory frameworks governing cosmetic injections and beauty practices. It is unsurprising that both clinics and practitioners find themselves confused, questioning the compliance of their advertising tactics with the stringent marketing regulations enforced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This article delves into the TGA's stance and offers insights on how to protect your practice from unintended scrutiny.

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Navigating Changes to Fixed-Term Employment Contract 13.03.24 The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 brings pivotal changes to fixed-term employment contracts. Key reforms include a cap on contract duration to two years, with only one possible extension or renewal, and introducing the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement for employees. These changes limit the consecutive use of fixed-term contracts for the same roles and introduce civil penalties for non-compliance, underscoring the legislation's commitment to ending precarious employment practices. Understanding these changes is crucial for employers and employees navigating this new legal landscape.

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The Trustee’s Dilemma: Balancing Duties with Discretion 01.02.24 Establishing a trust structure can offer various benefits, such as minimising taxes, protecting assets, and enabling control over the management and distribution of property and/or assets. Being assigned the role of a trustee in a trust signifies that someone has entrusted you with significant responsibility and confidence. In this article, our commercial and estate teams explore the utilisation of trusts, the responsibilities of trustees, and the recently examined duty of trustees to exercise "real and genuine consideration" when executing their powers.

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Defamation, Allegations, and Public Interest: The Trial of Mr Lehrmann vs. Network Ten 23.01.24 Explore the Lehrmann defamation trial, where Mr Lehrmann accuses Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson of defamation based on a 2021 interview with Brittany Higgins. In-depth legal analysis by Litigation Senior Associate Lachlan Boyle and Law Clerk Riley Hickey delves into defamation intricacies, public interest defense, qualified privilege, and the pivotal truth aspect. This article offers insights into evolving defamation laws, recent developments like the public interest defense, and defense strategies.

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RAMSDEN LAWYERS CELEBRATES TWO DECADES OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE: A REMARKABLE JOURNEY 06.12.23 Ramsden Lawyers recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a dazzling event at Coast Kitchen & Bar, featuring highlights like a mouth-watering menu from the Coast team, speeches by John, Maggie, and Reece Ramsden, revisiting the firm's remarkable journey, a special three-tiered celebratory cake, fireworks, and performances by live musicians to add a touch of glamour. The celebration showcased the firm's commitment to excellence, weaving together moments of elegance and celebration that marked a significant milestone in the legal community.

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FROM CONFLICT TO AGREEMENT: RAMSDEN LAWYERS' EXCLUSIVE TAKE ON FAMILY LAW MEDIATION STRATEGIES 06.12.23 Family law mediation provides an alternative to litigation, addressing conflict in parenting and financial matters. In parenting mediation, the child's well-being is prioritised, fostering open communication and tailored solutions to your needs and outcomes sought. Mediation is voluntary and confidential and empowers parties to control outcomes, reducing stress and conflict. Ramsden Lawyers offers expert assistance, emphasising mediation to achieve just and equitable outcomes without protracted court proceedings, demonstrating a successful track record in resolving family disputes.

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Family Law Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2023 21.11.23 In this article, we explore the ramifications of the Family Law Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2023, an important legislative measure poised to redefine the landscape of family law, especially in matters involved with family violence. This substantial bill represents a beacon of optimism and change, marking a pivotal advancement in protecting the most susceptible members of our community.

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What Are The Changes To The Employer-Sponsored Migration Program? 17.11.23 Significant changes to the Employer-Sponsored migration program are set to roll out on November 25, 2023. Notably, the cap on Short-term stream Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders transitioning to permanent residency within Australia will be eliminated. This article, details some preliminary information we have received from the Australian Government during the recent Law Council of Australia conference and the subsequent information released publicly to advisors in the sector.

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Can Generative AI Replace Your Lawyer? 13.11.23 Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping how we access information and work. The emergence of generative AI has pushed the boundaries of what technology can achieve raising important questions about the potential for artificial intelligence to replace human professionals, including lawyers. In this article, our commercial law team considers the question of whether generative AI can replace us.

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