This year has been transformative for the legal profession, marked by challenges, significant changes, and notable achievements. Many practitioners, have navigated the rapid integration of technology into their practices, striving to balance innovation with ethical and practical needs while meeting clients’ demands for faster, more cost-effective services. Others have faced difficulties sourcing quality legal staff, a challenge echoed across the industry. Meanwhile, firms have continued to prioritise client satisfaction through prompt communication and differentiation strategies. We asked a number of legal professionals to reflect on the past twelve months, and the key learnings that 2024 has brought.
“This year has been an extremely busy year with many challenges, with one of the most significant being managing the rapid integration of technology into family law practice. Balancing innovation while ensuring it aligns with the ethical and practical needs of the profession has been a constant focus at our firm and The Family Law Education Network of Australia. Additionally, adapting to changing client expectations for faster, more cost-effective services without compromising quality has required strategic thinking and constant reflection. The landscape of law is changing and how we run firms needs to move with it.”
– Amanda Little, Principal Solicitor of ALA Law
“Sourcing quality staff, particularly lawyers, has been extremely difficult, and in discussions with our colleagues and peers particularly on the Sunshine Coast, we are not alone in this – there seems to be a shortage of good lawyers looking for work, which can be very tough.”
– Bridie Edwards, Associate Director & Lawyer at Bradley + Bray
“Clients place high expectations on legal professionals and require prompt communication to deliver effective problem solving for their matters. At NB Property Law we are aware of this, so ensure that we always answer any phone calls we can when available or otherwise telephone our clients back the same day. We have an internal policy that we respond to all email communication within 2 business days to maintain our client’s satisfaction. As there is so much competition with property and estate planning lawyers, we believe this helps as to differentiate ourselves from other firms. NB Property Law are also very big on building strong relationships with both our client and referral networks.”
– Kayleigh Swift, Director at NB Property Law
“Reflecting on the year, one of the most significant challenges I’ve faced as a property lawyer has been maintaining both physical and mental health in a demanding environment. Long hours at the desk, coupled with the high-pressure nature of legal work, can take a toll. It’s easy to prioritise client needs and deadlines over personal well-being, but the cumulative impact of neglecting health becomes hard to ignore.
Finding balance in such a fast-paced industry requires deliberate effort. I’ve learned the importance of integrating small, sustainable habits into my routine – short walks, stretching breaks, and mindfulness exercises have been helpful tools, and of course, my daily non-negotiable, a surf before work! The legal profession thrives on resilience, but fostering that resilience means recognising the importance of self-care. As we approach the new year, my focus is on creating healthier boundaries and encouraging a workplace culture that values well-being alongside professional excellence.”
– Mieke Elzer, Associate Lawyer at Attwood Marshall Lawyers
“The family law industry has seen a noticeable shift towards embracing technology, from AI-driven drafting tools to hybrid CLE programs. There’s also been a growing emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration, as the courts encourage practitioners to find creative, client-focused solutions. Furthermore, mental health and work/life balance have become central themes, with firms increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable practices for their teams. You can feel the energy in the air – lawyers are looking for change, a better and more sustainable way to practice.”
– Amanda Little, Principal Solicitor of ALA Law
“Expectedly, there has been an increased prevalence of AI tools in legal practice, and I’ve seen and experienced our industry try to balance staying ahead of the curve whilst remaining personal/bringing that human element that clients come to us for, a lot of the time. I think this will stay on the agenda for at least the foreseeable future and possibly beyond, as the profession undoubtedly continues to keep up with technological advancements, and the balancing act.”
– Bridie Edwards, Associate Director & Lawyer at Bradley + Bray
“This year has seen so many changes in the Property Law space in terms on new legislation for Queensland. We have had the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) passed in parliament on 25 October 2023 which will replace the previous legislation that is over 50 years old. However, the commencement date for it will be 1 August 2025. One of the big changes will be the requirements for all sellers to provide disclosure to buyers when selling their property about various aspects which will bring us in line with what southern states in Australia currently have.
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Qld) had the first round of rental laws commence on 6 June 2024 and as part of that the REIQ Residential Sale Contracts were updated to require additional disclosure and information regarding properties that are currently rented or had been rented in the 12 months prior to the contract. Further tenancy law changes started on 30 September 2024 and the final round of new rental laws will commence on 1 May 2025.
Amendments were also made to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld) which commenced on 1 May 2024. One of the biggest changes with this new legislation is the mechanism in place to terminate and sell a community title scheme if it is deemed no longer economically viable. This again is similar to what southern states of Australia have already adopted.”
– Kayleigh Swift, Director at NB Property Law
“This year, I have worked inside my practice ALA Law, to improve it by embracing technology to streamline workflows, cut costs and improve client outcomes. I have also been tirelessly working on a new program and offerings in The Family Law Education Network to provide a fully holistic environment for family lawyers to thrive covering all aspects of practice, from tech to content and mental health.”
– Amanda Little, Principal Solicitor of ALA Law
“Refining precedents, processes and digitalising common admin jobs in order to save time which in turn increases efficiency and revenue, as well as decrease staff workload which promotes longevity.”
– Bridie Edwards, Associate Director & Lawyer at Bradley + Bray
“This year NB Property Law have really focused on education for our clients, referral partners and potential clients by implementing a monthly complimentary lunchtime webinar which we host with a guest of interest in this space such as a buyer’s agent, financial planner, commercial real estate agent, property manager, etc. We have also released a fortnightly podcast which is an adaption from the webinars on all things property and estate planning law. The feedback and participation we have been receiving from the webinars and podcasts has been very positive and motivating.”
– Kayleigh Swift, Director at NB Property Law
“This year has reinforced my belief in the importance of values-based leadership. As legal professionals, we have the opportunity to shape not just our own practices but also the future of the industry. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and ethics, we can continue to create meaningful change that benefits clients, colleagues, and the community. It’s an exciting time to be part of the transformation of family law and law firms generally.”
– Amanda Little, Principal Solicitor of ALA Law
“Next year I will be 5-years post-admission (the world pandemic/COVID, lockdowns etc. will have been 5 years ago, can you believe it?) and I will no longer be classified as an ‘early-career lawyer’, which is a very strange feeling, as being admitted as soon as I could after graduating school and University, I am definitely one of the younger lawyers around. I feel like my age, particularly as some of my achievements are seen as more outstanding given my age and status as an ‘early-career lawyer’ has been a big part of my professional brand thus far., So I’m looking forward to seeing how my professional brand develops in this new era and continuing my trajectory balancing work-life as a lawyer and director of our small regional firm.”
– Bridie Edwards, Associate Director & Lawyer at Bradley + Bray
“I’m personally very proud of what my firm and myself as an individual has achieved this year. NB Property Law are very pleased to have been recognised as Property Law Innovators of the Year for 2024 in Queensland by APAC (Australian Enterprise Awards). I also personally was awarded by APAC as the Leading Legal Mind in Commercial and Residential Property Law in Queensland for 2024.”
– Kayleigh Swift, Director at NB Property Law
Hear about The evolving role of due diligence in property law: a Conversation with Mieke Elzer.
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Discover how you deliver first-class service without losing the personal touch with Bradley & Bray: a local firm that exemplifies success.
If you’ve been wondering how artificial intelligence will change the legal industry, uncover insights from Kayleigh Swift in How is Artificial Intelligence the way of the future for lawyers?
Amanda Little is the Principal Solicitor of ALA Law, an award-winning boutique firm specializing in Family Law, Wills and Estates, and Conveyancing in Western Sydney. An Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Mediator, and Collaborative Lawyer, Amanda has over 15 years of experience and is recognised as a leader in her field, having received multiple awards, including Penrith Business Person of the Year. She is a passionate advocate for her community, founding organisations like Penrith Lady Lawyers and Penrith Professional Women, and serving as a board member and public speaker.
Mieke Elzer is a skilled Property and Commercial Associate at Attwood Marshall Lawyers, practicing in both New South Wales and Queensland. With over eight years of diverse legal experience, Mieke specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, off-the-plan purchases, body corporate services, business sales, and loan document advice. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Government Policy Studies) and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from Southern Cross University.
Bridie Edwards is an accomplished Associate Lawyer and Director at Bradley & Bray, where she plays a key leadership role in managing operations, mentoring colleagues, and delivering exceptional client service. Admitted as a lawyer in 2020, Bridie has rapidly risen to prominence in the legal profession, earning accolades such as Australasian Lawyers’ Most Influential Lawyers 2024 and Rising Stars 2023. Specialising in complex property matters, corporate law, commercial transactions, and leasing, Bridie combines her expertise with a client-centred approach.
Kayleigh Swift is the Director of NB Property Law, specialising in Commercial and Residential Property Law and Estate Planning Law. With extensive experience gained from roles in a mid-sized firm’s commercial property team and a local council’s property department, Kayleigh offers expert advice on a wide range of matters, including leasing, acquisitions, strata developments, estate planning and administration and large-scale infrastructure projects. Kayleigh is passionate about commercial property law and estate planning law and always strives to provide holistic commercial legal advice that aids clients to find a way forward.
