After insisting that employees remain working in the office despite tough government restrictions to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, HWL Ebsworth has changed its tune, saying any lawyer wishing to work remotely could now do so, and would be paid as usual.
HWL Ebsworth is keeping its offices open and requiring lawyers and staff to work at their desks despite updated government health advice, a decision that exposes the law firm to potential liability for workplace health and safety breaches, an employment expert says.
A dispute over approximately $466,000 in unpaid legal costs has been sent to the Victorian Supreme Court after DLA Piper admitted it breached its disclosure obligations to a client in a patent case over a laser safety system.
A former Russells restructuring and insolvency lawyer has resolved a lawsuit alleging the firm tried to manufacture a reason to terminate his unemployment.
The Federal Court has updated guidance on its response to the coronavirus outbreak, saying it is working with lawyers to ensure as many hearings listed for the coming months can proceed. And Monday’s calendar, while perhaps lighter than usual, shows multiple matters will be heard as planned — by telephone.
The move by Australia’s highest courts to vacate in-person hearings in the face of the coronavirus pandemic is likely to have only a minor impact on cases in the short term, lawyers say, but the delays to trials and other major hearings will have a flow-on effect that could be felt for years to come.
HWL Ebsworth is on the hook for the legal costs of an unfair dismissal case won by ex-partner Tim Griffiths, and the law firm must pay almost two years of legal bills on an indemnity basis after it twice refused an offer of settlement.
A MinterEllison employee has tested positive to the new coronavirus and is now in self isolation, as are all the colleagues they were recently in contact with.
The Federal Court of Australia has put a stop to all hearings listed up to June 30 and the High Court will not be sitting in April, May or June, the latest moves by the courts to reduce the risk to staff and visitors of exposure to the new coronavirus.
An employee in Allens’ Brisbane office may have been exposed to the coronavirus, according to the firm, which has ordered that all staff begin working remotely as of Wednesday.