“The biggest threat to privilege might be hiding in plain sight.”

In this episode we sit down with Alex Haslam from Gilchrist Connell to unpack one of the most important client protections and the many ways it can unravel. From inadvertent disclosure and waiver to the emerging risks posed by AI tools, we explore why the biggest threats to privilege may be hiding in plain sight and share practical steps lawyers can take to protect confidential information and avoid becoming the next test case.

• Sent, Shared, Waived? Threats to legal client privilege

Trust No One. It sounds dramatic, but when it comes to protecting your trust account, it might be the best advice you’ll hear.

In this episode of Risk on Air, we sit down with Law Society of NSW Chief Trust Account Investigator Sharon Blake to unpack the increasingly sophisticated scams targeting law practices. From AI-generated voice impersonations and business email compromise to multi-million-dollar payment fraud attempts, Sharon shares real stories from the frontline and the practical steps every firm should take to protect themselves and their clients.

• Trust No One

• Cyber risk management checklist
• Data and cyber security for law practices
• Cyber fraud prevention flyer
• Cyber Incident Procedure and Emergency Contacts
• Solicitor Wellbeing Service (SoWell) – 1800 592 296
• Trust Account Irregularity Form
• Additional Lawcover cyber resources

“At some point, it will happen.”

That’s the warning from Detective Superintendent Matt Craft of the NSW Cybercrime Squad. In this episode Matt provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how cyber incidents are investigated, what support is available to law firms, why reporting early matters and the practical steps firms can take to prepare, respond and recover more effectively.

• Calling in the Cops: What the NSW Cybercrime Squad Wants Lawyers to Know

• ReportCyber
• Lawcover Cyber Risk Insurance

Do you have a file on your desk – or hidden in your task list – that keeps getting pushed aside? In this episode of Risk on Air, we look at why difficult matters end up in the “too hard basket”, the risks this can create, and simple habits to help practitioners regain control before minor delays become bigger issues.

• Eat the Frog: Dealing with the Too Hard Basket

An area seeing a rise in claims, stamp duty advice is full of hidden traps. We break down concessions, exemptions and apparent misconceptions, how small missteps can lead to costly mistakes and what you can do to prevent problems arising in your practice.

• Call of Stamp Duty

• Duties Act 1997 (NSW)
• Real Property Act 1900
• El Chami v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] NSWCATAD 266

It’s not always the law that trips lawyers up. It’s everything around it. This episode looks at the practical risks in commercial transactions, where small missteps can lead to big consequences, and how to avoid them in your practice.

• Pressure Points in Commercial Practice

• Commercial N Pty Limited v Huang & Ors [2024] NSWSC 23
• Provident Capital Ltd v Papa [2013] NSWCA 36
• ACN 115 918 959 Pty Ltd v Hoeys Lawyers Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 79
• Gerrard Toltz Pty Ltd v City Garden Australia Pty Ltd (in liq) (No 2) [2024] NSWCA 232

What really counts as a claim? When does a concern become a notifiable circumstance, and what happens after you contact Lawcover? Through practical examples and straight‐talking guidance, we lift the lid on claims, unpack common misconceptions, and outline the steps you can take to manage issues early and with confidence.

• Claims 101

Capacity issues extend well beyond wills. From property transactions to litigation and settlements, this episode examines where solicitors go wrong, what the courts expect, why capacity must be reassessed throughout a matter, and how to protect yourself.

• Beyond Instructions: What to do when client capacity is uncertain

• Ryan v Dalton; Estate of Ryan [2017] NSWSC 1007
• Petrovski v Nasev; The Estate of Janakievska [2011] NSWSC 1275
• Kerr and anor v Badran and anor Estate of Badran [2004] NSWSC 735
• Zorbas v Sidiropoulous (No 2) [2009] NSWCA 197
• Weller v NSW Legal Services Commissioner [2022] NSWCATOD 67
• Sowmi v Master Electrical Services Pty Ltd [2024] NSWSC 176
• When a Client’s Mental Capacity is in Doubt: A Practical Guide for Solicitors