Brief is the Law Society’s flagship bi-monthly journal and has been a valuable source of up-to-date information since 1974. With six issues published annually in digital format Brief is the ideal way for members to keep on top of important developments on state, national and international legal affairs.
Journal articles are written by prominent figures from within and external to the legal profession. Articles focus on legislative changes, law reform, latest decisions and extends beyond substantive law content to provide interesting insights on health and wellbeing, technology, global changes, special features on lawyers, upcoming social events and CPD seminars.
The Brief Editorial Committee invites article submissions from members and non-members for consideration. For example, case notes, legal articles or items of interest to the profession are all welcome submissions.
Practitioners in Western Australia can earn up to five CPD units per CPD year by writing a legal article and having it published in Brief. CPD units are awarded for the month in which the article is published. The amount of CPD units practitioners can earn as a Brief author can be found in the Legal Practice Board CPD & Uniform Law guidelines and the Legal Profession Uniform Legal Practice (Solicitors) Rules 2015. For further information on what constitutes a valid CPD-approved legal article, contact the Legal Practice Board on (08) 6211 3600.
To submit material for Brief, please send it via email.
In exciting news, the Law Society will soon be relaunching Brief the online digital journal to a fully online website. This means the April edition of Brief was the the final edition in its current iteration. This is an invigorating transition for th emuch-loved journal, and one which we hope will lift engagement, addvalue for the profession , and greatly enhance the user experience.
Relaunching Brief online will mean that content is no longer released in bi-monthly editions. Instead, the new Brief website will be updated regularly, with new content and articles shared via our existing communications channels, including newsletters and social media. This means our content will be more timely, more diverse, and more responsive to reader needs. It will also be unlocked to all readers, not just members.
Brief online encourages potential authors to contribute to the new new website with news, opinions and legal updates. Please read the guidelines below to assist you with your potential contribution to the new website.
Brief online submission guidelines
Do you want to write for the new Brief online?
In line with the Law Society’s editorial process, we encourage you to submit a short outline (no more than 250 words) of your idea for the proposed article to brief@lawsocietywa.asn.au. The proposal should briefly describe the key themes, type of article, and relevance of the topic to the legal profession.
What are we looking for?
We are keen for opinion articles, legal updates (including case notes), legal essays, news items, features and stories, and more – if it is relevant to the legal profession. As per the below process, we are keen to discuss your ideas to make Brief online the best it can be.
Submission process
Proposals will be reviewed by the editorial team, who will consider whether the idea aligns with our editorial goals and the current needs of our readership. If your proposal is accepted, we will commission an article from you. You will be sent the style guide and word count, and we will work together to agree a deadline.
You can read the full submission guidelines here: Brief Online – Submission Guidelines
Article types and word counts for Brief
This guide outlines recommended word count ranges for various types of online content. These ranges balance reader engagement, SEO, and editorial depth, while allowing room for clarity of explanation or argument.
1. News
Ideal range: 400–700 words
Purpose: Fast, factual, and to the point. Prioritise clarity and accuracy.
Tip: Use tight leads, break into short paragraphs, and include quotes and attribution early.
2. Opinion
Ideal range: 700–900 words
Purpose: Persuasive, thoughtful takes on current issues.
Tip: Keep structure tight – have one clear thesis, strong signposting, and punchy conclusion. Avoid jargon and derogatory or defamatory language. Show respect.
3. Profile
Ideal range: 800–1,200 words
Purpose: Illuminate a person’s role, story or significance with narrative colour.
Tip: Begin with a strong scene or quote. Blend facts with anecdotal detail. Use headings sparingly.
You can read the full article types and word counts guidelines here: Brief Online – Article types and word counts
Brief style guide
The style guide outlines several styling elements tailored for journalistic, legal and general publishing for Brief online.
This includes:
- language and tone
- structure and formatting
- referencing, sources and attribution
- legal and political style
- punctuation and formatting
- digital publishing
- common style decisions
You can read the full style guidelines here: Brief Online – Brief style guide
April Edition of Brief
Featured Articles in this Edition:
- Identifying and Protecting against Misinformation
- Draft Legislation to Protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Intellectual Property
- Challenges and Risks of a Social Media Minimum Age Requirement
Archived Articles of Brief
Read some of our popular articles published in previous editions of Brief:
- Patents as Investment in International Economic Law – February 2025
Associate Professor, Dominic Dagbanja, Curtin University Law School focuses on the requirements for compulsory licensing of patents in Australia and the impact of invoking these requirements. To read the full article login to the MyPage Member Portal
- More than a Smell Test – December 2024
Mark Ong, Equitas Lawyers reviews a nuisance abatement notice issued under the Health Act 1911. Read more.
- New Adjudication Act Fails its First Reviews – October 2024
Graham Morrow, Lawyer and Adjudicator, outlines the first two judicial decisions considering the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021 (WA) (SoPA). To read the full article login to the MyPage Member Portal
- Human Rights for Everyone – August 2024
Chloe Wood, Aboriginal Legal Service argues why we need a Human Rights Act for Western Australia now. Read more.
- Rethinking Long-Term Contracts – June 2024
Mal Cooke, Director of Neometric and Law Society member details why long-term contracts are notoriously challenging, including considering the intended duration of interdependence. To read the full article login to the MyPage Member Portal
- Tackling the Increase of Reportable Deaths in the Coronial Jurisdiction of Western Australia – April 2024
Dr Jodi White, Consultant Forensic Pathologist, Forensic Pathology and State Mortuary Service and Principal Registrar Kelly Niclair, Coroner’s Court of Western Australia discuss the coronial jurisdiction, process and addressing the backlog of coronial cases. Read more
- Forced Marriage in Western Australia – February 2024
Associate Professor Fiona McGaghey, University of Western Australia Law School examines the results of a 2023 pilot project on tackling forced marriage in Western Australia. Read more
Not a member? Join the Law Society here to access all editions of Brief.
Past Editions of Brief
Advertise in Brief
Brief has a circulation of 4,500+ and is sent to all Law Society Members and other subscribers, affiliated organisations, universities and law libraries.
The articles stay relevant and are accessed beyond dates of publication as they are a go-to trusted resource. In addition, Brief retains a long shelf life being a digital resource.
For advertising rates and deadlines, please click here to download our 2024/25 Media Kit.
For your Brief advertising enquiries or bookings contact:
Maryka Mensink
Manager Events & Business Development
(08) 9324 8638
advertising@lawsocietywa.asn.au
Contributors in Brief
Want to be a contributor?
You can submit case notes, legal articles or items of interest to the profession for consideration by the Committee.
You could earn up to five CPD units per CPD year by having your articles published in Brief.*
For more information or to express interest in contributing to Brief please email brief@lawsocietywa.asn.au.
* CPD units are awarded for the month in which the article is published. The amount of CPD units practitioners can earn as a Brief author can be found on the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia’s website here.
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