In the Matter of Claire Amy Morel

The Supreme Court of South Australia considered an application by Claire Amy Morel for readmission to practice as a barrister and solicitor. Ms Morel had previously been struck off the roll of legal practitioners. The court's decision concerned the conditions under which she could be readmitted and practice law.

The central legal issue before the court was whether Ms Morel should be readmitted to practice, and if so, what conditions should be imposed on her future practice to ensure public confidence and protect the administration of justice, given her prior removal from the roll.

The court found that Ms Morel had acted appropriately in her subsequent employment within legal offices. However, it determined that readmission should be subject to significant conditions. Ms Morel was to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor, but she was prohibited from practising as a principal for a minimum of five years, during which time she must be supervised by a legal practitioner with an unrestricted practising certificate. Following this supervised period, she would require a further court order before practising on her own account. Additionally, within twelve months of receiving her practising certificate, she must complete specific refresher courses and comply with continuing professional development requirements.