By Andrea FERRARI published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 31 October 2025.

THE 600th (Hypo) legal Hypothetical column by Principal Solicitor TB Law Manny Wood, was published in Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 24 October.

Mr Wood’s first column was published in the Advocate on 14 September 2013.

“The column in the paper was my late father’s idea,” he said. “He was reading the paper on the weekend and asked me ‘Why don’t you have a column in the paper?’

“I pestered the editor at the time for several months before I was given the opportunity to contribute.”

The Hypo was an immediate success.

Since the first column was published, he has received positive feedback, “which now occurs on almost a daily basis”.

The general sentiment that the hypothetical scenarios are not only interesting but are an effective way of making legal knowledge accessible.

It is this support that fuels Mr Wood’s constant weekly submissions.

The columns follow a general formula which introduces the key characters, establishes

a dispute, and reaches an ultimate resolution.

“Most of the hypotheticals are based on real-life cases, whether they are reported judgements or cases I’ve run personally.

“These cases are often complex, and the column aims to simplify the concepts in a way that the readers can easily digest.”

A range of areas of the law are covered including criminal law, family law, business transactions, conveyancing and “the fan favourite”, wills and estates.

The column’s format has changed little since the first Hypothetical was published.

“When The Advocate decided not to publish a physical newspaper, I was very concerned about the future of the Hypothetical and I am grateful to the News Of The Area for providing a platform for the Hypothetical to continue to be published and continue to thrive.

“I was part of the launch of the News Of The Area, with my first Hypo published  by them on 31 July 2020.

“Over the years, with the assistance of the publicity resulting from the Hypothetical, I have advised thousands of members of the community and frequently this involves second or third- generation families who return to us because they know we will look after them the way we looked after their parents and grandparents”.

TB Law is the oldest law firm in Coffs Harbour, established 85 years ago.