Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You’ll struggle with a constant sense of rejection as you try to get a registrar to accept an application for probate.
Something will happen this month that will require you to seek the mercy of others, at least until the Criminal Cases Review Commission is established.
A mistake calculating working days will have unexpected benefits.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Everyone is so very accepting of all you have to offer, except that one self-represented litigant who is dodging service.
Sometimes going through the motions is all you can do, especially if you’re presiding over the miscellaneous motions list.
Under no circumstances use Latin terms in your court documents.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Your sense of satisfaction will be greatly increased this month, but so too will be the costs ordered against your client.
Mars is in your house this month, which is technically trespass. Go to your bathroom, lock the door and call the Police.
Part 30 of the High Court Rules will hold special meaning for you.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
The safest place after a bank robbery is the smashed vault that’s crawling with armed cops and ringed with Police tape. By that logic, Russell McVeagh looks pretty good right now.
If the courts can call the 11.30am break “morning tea” then 9.15am is a perfectly acceptable time to get to work.
Use Latin terms in your court documents at every opportunity.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
It never rains but it pours this month, as you finally get a case on Decisions of Public Interest but it’s one where you got an absolute pantsing.
Write down three things you hope to accomplish this month and then send it to yourself in a letter, to be opened after thirty days. Be sure to label the letter without prejudice.
Words come easily to you this month but so do prolix pleadings.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Too many cooks spoil the broth, but three Cookes have made it to the High Court bench. It just goes to show that you can’t place great store in platitudes.
At last people will start seeing your inner queen. Why else would they be establishing a *Royal* Commission into you?
If anyone tries to challenge you, plead three aggressive affirmative defences.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
This month you’ll realise that some things just aren’t meant to be, as you ask for your third amendment to timetabling.
You have to spend 10 hours per year becoming a better lawyer but no hours per year becoming a better person.
Read McGechan on Procedure for an hour every night before bed.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
What’s that old saying? “Lawyers, guns, and money – pick any two.” A new brief will come across your desk that shows you that you were right to hold out for all three.
You’ll feel your age this month when you realise your standard form notice of appearance still says you’ll accept service via fax.
You will get news you will want to tell everyone. Tell your insurer first though.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
A voyage of discovery will see you spending late nights at the office reviewing documents for privilege.
Your own truth is personal to you, but it won’t get you very far if you can’t point to where it is in the agreed summary of facts.
If Mai Chen calls, don’t pick up.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Your efforts to be less judgemental will be put to the test as you accept appointment to the District Court bench.
Now matter how early the bird is, the worm can’t give more than a 25% discount for a guilty plea.
Beware of the rule in Re G J Mannix Ltd.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
A tough choice between your personal and professional lives beckons this month as you have to choose between losing your appeal and losing your appeal.
You’ve always struggled to get answers despite being such a particular person. This month you’ll realise that it’s because people aren’t required to respond to particulars.
Despite raising your standards you will get in trouble with a Standards Committee.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Being proven right in your personal life will come as a relief, but the same can’t be said in your application for judicial review where you’ll be proven right but relief is discretionary.
You won’t always get it right the first time, but then, neither did the Supreme Court in Saxmere.
Pleading won’t change anything, so try a form of alternative dispute resolution.
Strictly obiter 