Top lawyer Ben Aulich no longer partner at firm after Law Society decision

Ben Aulich (right) seen with his former partner, Peter Woodhouse (left). Photo: Albert McKnight.

One of Canberra’s top lawyers is no longer a partner in the firm that bears his name after the ACT Law Society did not renew his practising certificate.

Ben Aulich is the founding partner of Aulich but this week (22 July) his firm announced that he was no longer employed as a partner after his certificate was not renewed by the law society.

In a statement, the firm said its leadership team, led by managing partner Peter Woodhouse, was committed to ensuring a seamless transition.

“We want to reassure our clients and stakeholders that their legal matters will continue to be handled with the utmost professionalism and care, with minimal disruption despite Ben’s departure,” Mr Woodhouse said.

“Further updates will be provided as we progress through this transition.

“We appreciate the continued support and trust of our clients and the community.”

An ACT Law Society spokesperson said the society had a regulatory role in licensing legal practitioners and that Mr Aulich “does not presently hold a practising certificate”.

“The law society is not able to make any further comment at this stage,” the spokesperson said.

In June 2024, the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) revealed it had publicly reprimanded Mr Aulich for professional misconduct and fined him $20,000.

In a professional development retreat in February 2021, Mr Aulich took off his pants when instructed to do so during a card game, then he later performed a cabaret-style dance in front of others while shirtless.

He also didn’t confiscate a colouring book with demeaning and sexualised words.

In ACAT’s decision, Presidential member Geoffrey McCarthy said Mr Aulich was guilty of professional misconduct but was “very unlikely to engage again in such conduct” and was satisfied he had “changed his ways”.