Forum Law has been cranking up for the end of the year with many new clients and matters on the boil. We welcome our new clients from our purchase of the practice of Ramensky Lawyers in North Sydney. We will continue to work diligently to provide great service and attend to all the legal needs of our new clients and our existing clients. Don't hesitate to give us a call for a chat as we would love to catch up with clients before the end of year break.

We close for 2014 on Friday 19th December; we will re-open on Monday 5th January 2015.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

This recent High Court decision has radically altered the application of the duty of care owed by a builder to subsequent purchasers of a strata titled building.

Many leases don't include email communications between the landlord and tenant as a legitimate means of a tenant notifying the landlord of their intention to exercise their option to renew their lease. The NSW Supreme Court has acknowledged this option – with some qualifications.

The consumer watchdog ACCC has taken to task a company and its director in a landmark case which appears to have had a disregard for the vulnerability of its potential customers.

The question of whether a worker in a business is an employee or contractor has real consequences for the employer or head contractor – including tax liabilities (PAYGW and FBT) and superannuation liabilities, unfair dismissal and adverse actions which may be brought by employees or deemed employees, and liability for workers compensation. So it's vital to know the criteria that set them apart.

Are you ever confronted with competitors stealing your identity or your brand? Have you been accused of trying to "pass off" as a competitor? Here are some musings on the associated issues.

If you would like to discuss any of these issues or if you require any legal advice or assistance please contact us at Forum Law on +61 2 9560 3388 or email us.