Michael Pelly

The native title battle between the Yindjibarndi people of the Pilbara and mining giant Fortescue will likely end up in the High Court — again.

The High Court is finally getting down to the real issues in shareholder class actions.

Ashurst and Allens are expected to refuse any questioning over their work for the consulting giant on professional privilege grounds, raising the prospect of a legal fight.

The Federal Court judge said penalties for former CEO Matt Bekier and chief lawyer Paula Martin would have been harsher but for deals ASIC made with other executives.

The federal court judge named and shamed six judges over delayed rulings. Now the chiefs have told their courts to keep any criticism in-house.

The former NSW premier put KPMG chair Mike Sheppard on the back foot over the firm’s refusal to release data leak reports.

Law firms Ashurst and Allens were dragged into KPMG's mess, but the Senate inquiry could not make them carry the blame.

The KPMG inquiry has turned the spotlight on law firms, privilege and the blurry line between independent investigation and corporate protection.

The government wants to protect whistleblowers, and go after the Big Four professional services firms. The trick will be finding the right balance.

Australia could soon see its first $10 million law firm partner, after years of surging salaries at the top end.