Economic uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic could see an increase in partner poaching among law firms in the coming months, according to several industry experts.
A Herbert Smith Freehills partner in Australia will co-lead the firm’s global disputes practice, as part of a new leadership structure announced by its CEO.
Law firm Mills Oakley and a firm partner are facing a lawsuit alleging they violated their duty of care by transferring nearly $1 million in client funds to the wrong account after being duped by false emails purporting to be from a representative of one of the firm’s clients.
A lower demand for legal services triggered by the coronavirus pandemic has forced law firm Gadens to reduce staff salaries by 20%.
Dentons has become the latest law firm to adopt belt-tightening measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic, announcing cuts to staff and partner pay for the next two months.
Piper Alderman will spend the next six weeks gathering documents for a former partner who is seeking to revive her unlawful discrimination case against the firm, but a court limited the categories of documents sought to prevent a ‘fishing’ expedition.
Sparke Helmore has become the latest law firm to take steps to control costs in response to the coronavirus pandemic, announcing that it will suspend salary increases for the next financial year.
Slater and Gordon’s directors and senior executives have taken a voluntary pay cut of up to 15 per cent in a move aimed at giving the firm flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the COVID-19 crisis leaves tens of thousands unemployed and charities struggling, law firms are responding by offering assistance to those in need through expanded pro bono work and community outreach programs that provide assistance to the country’s most vulnerable people.
HopgoodGanim will cut equity partner income by 50 per cent and staff salaries and hours by 20 per cent for up to six months to preserve jobs and ensure the sustainability of the firm during the coronavirus pandemic.