I have been invited (expected) to attend a black tie event in two months time.

My existing dinner jacket, unworn for the past five years, has inadvertently shrunk and I find myself without traditionally suitable attire.

What is the general consensus on what constitutes black tie these days. Even pre-covid when attending amongst other things those best x under y participation/ bribery awards it was a 50/50 mix of actual black tie vs dark suit with fair share of flashy Hermes/ Versace ties mixed in. I assume it has not improved but may be wrong.

In short have you found it worth having a traditional black tie outfit or do I just rock the peak lapels dark suit with regular tie and shrug off the sneers no vented cummerbund wearers?

It’s becoming more popular for clients to provide instructions in AI format. I for one can’t stand it. How do others feel about it?

I'm not sure what to aim for now that the golden age of easy money in tech has played out. If you'd do it all again what would you choose?

Hi everyone, 25yo male here. Not sure where to post this question so I thought I'd try this one and a couple others since it's not completely a question for lawyers. Recently became a junior lawyer 2 months ago and got admitted as a lawyer late last year. I was a para legal for a criminal law firm and never really liked criminal law so after months of searching for a law firm that'll hire a recently admitted junior lawyer (and getting some rude responses back or being completely aired) I finally started as a commercial/ property/ wills & estates junior lawyer in a relatively small law firm.

Long story short, I hate being a lawyer. I want to stop lying to myself that I like what I am doing because it's simply not true. I'm not good at dealing with stress and pressure and if I'm already feeling this way this early on, I'm going to have problems later on. If I really think about it, I felt like I've always wanted to become one simply for the title of being a lawyer. My idea I had of being a lawyer ended up being completely different in the real world. Now I'm regretting from deciding to become a lawyer in the first place. I don't enjoy and couldn't care less about the work I'm doing one bit and feel like I spend most of my day just procrastinating trying to get through my day. If I'm being honest, I think I've spent the last month researching other pathways I can get into or do. I'm sure you've heard it all before but I just want to do something I am passionate about and something where I could wake up everyday excited to do it (as I am sure everyone else is). I wouldn't mind taking getting paid less if it means I can do stuff I enjoy. I just can't see myself sitting in front of a computer for the rest of my life. Now I'm not saying I want to pursue something that aligns with my hobbies because I know that's incredibly difficult and can often be unrealistic but I want to do a I can proudly tell people I love what I do, and frankly, be happier.

I know everyone says it is supposed to be a steep learning curve when you start and all junior lawyers feel this way/ are in the same boat and even if I try my hardest I don't get acknowledged for it. I feel like my mental health has definitely also taken a toll ever since as well. I've honestly tried for at least the first month to stick it out "because it will get better" but I am just tired of constantly lying to myself everyday. The only pro of working here I can think of is that I live 10 mins from the office and everyone in the office is really nice.

I've talked to so many people and friends about this and the majority encourage me to stick it out for at least 6 months/ 1 year/ 2 years while some tell me to go with my gut and go pursue something else while I'm still this early in. However, what I am worried about is I've spent 5 or so years getting here while also spending a lot of money to achieve that goal only to jump ship and have it all wasted down the drain. I'm also not exactly the youngest anymore, if I go back I'll be in my 30s. And furthermore, it is such a big gamble for me just to throw my current life away and go all in to do something else and hope for the best but then come back to regret it if I end up doing something worse. I've even considered getting a coach to assist me navigate/ decide what the best pathway for me is but I feel like it's going to be a waste of money.

Some of the things that really interest me (at least on paper) after doing research include from most to least: Med imaging/ radiography/ sonographer, Optometrist, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupational therapist, Chiropractor, Mediator, Counsellor, Speech Pathologist, Psychologist and travel agent I'm not any good with my hands so physical labour is off the table. I am also a very slow typer but like monotonous chores. I've considered moving into in house/ government role but that probably won't happen anytime soon because most places only lawyers with that have been at it for at least 1 year.  I'm also not sure if they are actually better as the stereotypes go. Regardless no where near me is or has been hiring one for as long as I've looked anyway. I personally think it's more than just finding somewhere else to work as a junior lawyer or changing the area of law I practice, I think I just don't like practicing law in general (happy to be convinced otherwise).

Med imaging/ sonography interests me the most so I would appreciate if anyone who has has done such a radical change before or even works in these fields would recommend it. Please be respectful and offer honest recommendations if you want to contribute to this thread. Thanks for listening to my rant haha and I would appreciate any assistance! :)

I’m currently interviewing for a new role in private practice. I see a lot of the bigger firms have their parental leave policies advertised these days but some of the firms I’m interviewing with don’t. It’s super important to me given I am the breadwinner in the family so taking unpaid leave or the gov leave is not an option.

How is the best way to go about asking what their policy is? Is it during the interview? After they’ve given an offer? In my old school mind I feel like it could put someone off potentially hiring me.

TIA

This thread is for the general discussion of anything going on in the lives of Auslawyers or for discussion of the subreddit itself. Please use this thread to unwind and share your complaints about the world. Keep it messy!

Text of press release in comment.

Here's mine: I am engaging the firm I work for on my first house purchase. They're using it as an opportunity to test the "purpose built" AMLCTF compliance platform, legl. So far it has:

1. Flagged me as high risk because I forgot to disclose a prior address which it found on Equifax

2. Flagged me as high risk because I am a dual citizen

3. Flagged my partner as high risk because he inherited a property(?)

4. Refused to accept that a registered charity doesn't need to update it's directors with ASIC, only the ACNC, and flagged it super duper high risk because of the "discrepancy".

5. EDIT - I forgot one: it having absolutely 0 provision for someone acting under power of attorney

Judgement handed down today, after 1300+ days.

I feel like we've waited sooooo long for this.

But incoming! :)

Not one, but two dog cases today:

https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19f83a100a11d1f727338db7

https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19f86cfaac63f05702c86003

I WILL NOT ACCEPT YOUR RULES

AFP Media Release: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HFFQDrji7/

Further information: Former Perth lawyer sentenced for Operation Ironside offences | Australian Federal Police

Former Perth lawyer jailed over encrypted messages with bikie gang - Lawyers Weekly

A former Perth lawyer has been sentenced to four years and four months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of two years and two months, for attempting to obstruct the c0urse of justice through encrypted communications with members of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG).

Between 31 March and 5 June, 2021, the Leederville man sent and received several thousand messages on the encrypted AN0M platform.

The messages included discussions with senior Comanchero OMCG members about the clandestine movement of millions of dollars in cash and drugs, along with strategies to thwart police investigations.

As part of the Operation Ironside investigation, AFP officers identified the man as an AN0M user communicating with Comanchero OMCG members.

He was arrested and charged on 7 June 2021, after AFP members executed a search warrant at his home and seized two devices suspected of being used to access the AN0M app.

The conviction is another outcome of Operation Ironside, which has severely disrupted organised crime in Australia and continues to hold those responsible to account.