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Law firm employers ‘need to step up’ as COVID lockdowns continue
A Queensland law firm director has responded to recent lockdowns affecting the country by using it as an opportunity to encourage employers to go the extra mile for their employees.
Emma Musgrave
Parker Simmonds Solicitors & Lawyers litigation director Bruce Simmonds said now more than ever, employers need to be on the front foot of ensuring they have appropriate measures in place to help both their employees and their clients cope with issues spurred by lockdowns.
“We are at war with an invisible but lethal enemy and it’s crucial that employers make every effort to help staff survive this crisis.
“If it’s at all possible to help staff get through this, either by working from home or keeping them in paid employment during a shutdown, it would be the right and decent thing to do.”
Mr Simmonds, whose firm is making full use of modern technology to meet staff and client needs, said business is able to continue largely as normal as a result.
“Most new and nonessential (such as new Workcover and Motor vehicle claims) matters and instructions can be dealt with over the phone and video links are now commonly used for business,” he said, noting that his firm’s office “is only open for essential in personal purposes and by appointment for matters such as Wills and Power of Attorneys”.
“We found last year as people went into self isolation we needed to ensure those clients who need legal services can still access them but not be exposed to contracting COVID-19.
“We already do a huge amount of work over the phone with clients so we now routinely extend this to offer legal services via video meetings and other electronic means.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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