How far would you go to get out of work? Well, a former Reed Smith associate has been struck off after lying about a cancer diagnosis — he even went as far as forging a medical report and claiming he had a rare spinal cancer. The associate argued his conduct stemmed from grief and mental health difficulties. The UK Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal wasn’t persuaded: NB

To be independent or not to be? That is the big question faced by Aussie top-tiers. Corrs is betting on independence. The firm thinks that’s the right strat to win bigger, more complex M&A mandates. Led by Sandy Mak and PE gun Tim Gordon, Corrs is also relying on PE depth, FIRB muscle and cross-border work. With King & Wood Mallesons going solo soon, the independence race is on: Point Blank

An exiting EY partner has gone scorched earth, labelling the firm “autocratic” and obsessed with appearances in a farewell email to staff. Cameron Bird, a decade-long partner, says culture, not filmmaking, drove his exit, reopening wounds just as EY tries to reset after its damning culture review: The Australian

US firms are now focusing on 3–8PQE associates, as earlier partner hires drive demand down the ladder. In London, recruiter Ria Karnik of Major, Lindsey & Africa says teams are starting to look Magic Circle-style, not “up or out”: NB

Nearly half of Gen Z lawyers are already using AI at work, but only 14% have had any formal training. According to Clio APAC boss Denise Farmer, that’s a compliance risk waiting to happen. Think privilege breaches and hallucinated case law. Juniors are moving fast; firm governance isn’t keeping up: Capital Brief