McAuley Lawyers

01/06/2026

Double demerits apply in NSW over the upcoming King’s Birthday long weekend.

Motorists should take extra care on the roads, with double demerit points applying to certain offences during the long weekend period, including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

With increased police presence and road safety enforcement expected, drivers should allow additional travel time, comply with speed limits, and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.

28/05/2026

DANGEROUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY

The Supreme Court delivered a significant decision in Moore v Keane [2026] NSWSC 475, reshaping the landscape of liability in recreational activities.

To find out more please visit https://mcauleylawyers.com.au/publication/moore-v-keane-supreme-court-clarifies-dangerous-recreational-activity-under-the-civil-liability-act/

24/05/2026

INFORMED CONSENT IN MATERNITY CARE

In a landmark decision for intrapartum care, the Supreme Court of Victoria in Gawthrop v Bendigo Health [2026] VSC 157 held Bendigo Health liable in assault and battery, as well as negligence, after a vaginal examination was performed without the patient’s free and voluntary consent.

To read more about the case please visit: https://mcauleylawyers.com.au/publication/informed-consent-coercion-and-patient-autonomy-in-maternity-care-gawthrop-v-bendigo-health-2026-vsc-157/

22/05/2026

Dealing with a deceased estate can be a difficult and sensitive process, particularly where there are questions about a will, the role of an executor, probate, administration, estate debts, beneficiaries, or potential disputes.

Obtaining legal advice early can help executors, administrators and beneficiaries understand their rights and obligations, meet important deadlines, and reduce the risk of unnecessary delay or conflict.

McAuley Lawyers assists clients with a range of deceased estate matters, including probate and letters of administration, estate administration, contested estates, and beneficiary advice.

For assistance with a deceased estate matter, contact McAuley Lawyers on (02) 9633 1826.

20/05/2026

MEET THE TEAM

Miranda Smith, Solicitor, holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in June 2024.

Miranda works across the firm’s practice areas, including commercial and property matters, deceased estates, and personal injury.

Miranda may be contacted on:
Phone: (02) 9633 1826
Email: [email protected]

13/05/2026

The title "Accredited Specialist" is one of the few formal credentials in Australian legal practice. The distinction is worth understanding before choosing a lawyer for a significant matter.

In NSW, Accredited Specialists are examined by The Law Society of NSW after a minimum of five years in practice. The assessment covers knowledge, practical skills and ongoing professional development. The accreditation is not self awarded and it is not maintained without ongoing obligations.

In commercial litigation, the credential signals examined expertise in contract, shareholder, building and insolvency disputes. Our practice extends to proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, as well as the District and Local Courts.

For clients considering a complex or high value matter, the distinction between a general commercial lawyer and an Accredited Specialist is a practical one worth asking about.

Call us on (02) 9633 1826 or visit www.mcauleylawyers.com.au

09/05/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums, stepmums, grandmas and aunties.

Wishing you a wonderful day this Sunday.

06/05/2026

A verbal agreement is legally binding in New South Wales. The difficulty lies in proving what was actually agreed.

When contractual terms are disputed, the evidence often reduces to conflicting recollections. Such disputes are expensive to resolve and unpredictable in outcome.

The practical lesson is a consistent one: document every commercial arrangement, however informal or trusted the counterparty. A simple written agreement eliminates the most expensive variable in any dispute.

Where a handshake arrangement has broken down, early legal advice preserves the evidence and the available remedies.

Call us on (02) 9633 1826 or visit www.mcauleylawyers.com.au

29/04/2026

Were you or someone you know injured in a car accident in NSW? Before accepting any settlement offer or signing anything, please read this.

The CTP scheme provides compensation, but it has defined limits most people don't know about until it's too late.

Statutory benefits are available regardless of fault. But access to lump sum damages depends on injury severity and the degree of fault involved.

Decisions made in the early stages of a claim significantly affect the final outcome. Accepting an offer without advice, or making admissions about fault, can limit what you ultimately receive.

Call us on (02) 9633 1826 or visit

Tailored. Effective. Timely. Law Firm in Parramatta and Central Coast Our People Our Services Law Firm in Parramatta and Central Coast We listen so that we can understand your and your businesses unique set of circumstances.We provide tailored legal advice that is practical, effective and timely. Co...

24/04/2026

Today we pause to remember.

ANZAC Day is a moment for all Australians to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served our nation. Whether you're at a dawn service, marching with family, or observing quietly at home, today belongs to all of us.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Lest We Forget.

A reminder that double demerit points are in effect across NSW this long weekend. Please drive carefully.