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Major firm stands down staff, cuts remaining hours by up to 20%

A major law firm has temporarily stood down 3 per cent of its staff and asked the remaining workforce to reduce their hours, some by up to 20 per cent.

user iconNaomi Neilson 07 April 2020 Big Law
Major firm stands down staff
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Norton Rose Fulbright announced on Tuesday morning that they had temporarily stood down 2 to 3 per cent of their workforce who were unable to perform their roles under a work from home arrangement. The remaining staff will have reduced hours to ensure the firm sees out the rest of the coronavirus pandemic economic concerns.

Recruitment and salary reviews have also been paused, partner draws are temporarily suspended and several other measures will be introduced to combat the economic downfall, including postponing non-core project expenditure.

The Flex system introduced by the BigLaw firm will be based on the level of work. Some staff hours may be cut by a total 20 per cent, whereas others may not have a reduction at all. The underlying philosophy of the decision was to ask its staff to “face this situation together and, by acting as one, come through this stronger”.

Australian managing partner Wayne Spanner and managing partner-elect Alison Deitz said: “We believe the comprehensive steps we are taking are an appropriate and prudent response, but of course none of us can predict exactly how long and how severe the COVID-19 crisis will be.

“Coupled with our strong foundation and continued dedication to assist clients in areas of great demand, we are confident our business will emerge from this crisis in a strong position and ready to embrace an improving economy.”

Mr Spanner and Ms Deitz said the firm is busy dealing with both current work and significant new work generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They said the firm’s 1,000 staff members have transitioned quickly and seamlessly to working from home.

However, they also expect that some areas of the firm will continue to reduce in the coming months as business conditions in many industries deteriorate.

“We are taking proactive and decisive steps to address the likely business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support our clients and preserve jobs. Just as important will be ensuring that we have the right teams in place to support our clients through the crisis and the eventual recovery,” they said.

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly. 

You can email Naomi at: naomi.neilson@momentummedia.com.au

Comments (14)
  • Avatar
    This is not surprising The profession has been in a state of decline even before Covid19 and the latter simply accelerated it It is one of the industries who will struggle to survive the after effects of Covid 19 alongside Hospitality Tourism accommodation aviation gyms and fitness centres
    1
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      You are joking right? Law is one of the few really recession proof businesses. Sure in some areas work levels will fall and clients will want to pay less but there will be lots of restructuring and insolvency work, new businesses that see opportunities etc And then lots of corporate work on the up tick. Good lawyers will be fine.
      2
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    They need to do something, like everyone else. As a barrister, I find the solicitors from this firm superior to most, intelligent and organised. I wonder if the negative comments one from those who couldn’t cut it there, or failed to get a job there? I’m curious. There are other firms which are truly awful to work with, this isn’t one of them.
    1
    • Avatar
      I think the consternation is from many folks who have been treated badly by NRF. I've never worked for NRF but I have heard many many horror stories. To be honest, I am surprised they are still kicking.
      11
    • Avatar
      I was a former NRFA lawyer. Wasn’t a case of not being able to hack it, the firm culture was really bad. Caused me serious mental harm. Unless you are working there you wouldn’t
      know. I’m surprised the firm still gets work especially from government departments.
      3
  • Avatar
    This sums up the culture at this firm. Not good.
    22
  • Avatar
    Pretty rough PR here - there's a difference between standing down and cutting - particularly in the context of the jobkeeper package
    0
    • Avatar
      The difference (whatever it is) doesn't really matter all that when you have no income to pay your mortgage.
      3
  • Avatar
    Is it not time the existing NRF leadership team (all of them) moved on for the good of the last few remaining NRF employees? That's what generally happens with most other poorly performing organisations.
    12
  • Avatar
    I see the old HDY management team are at it again. Have they reduced their own pay though?
    10
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