News & Views

Part of the stigma attached to addressing mental health issues is the perceived inability to speak openly.

AusLSA member firm Baker Mckenzie have a program called 'This is Me', which encourages people from all levels in the firm to speak out about how they are feeling. This can be a daunting experience that takes courage from the affected individual. Baker McKenzie are demonstrating they have the courage to help. Read the Lawyers Weekly story HERE.

Senior partners from Herbert Smith Freehills recently spoke to Lawyers Weekly about the importance of making staff feel wanted and respected in order for them to bring their 'whole self' to the table. Fostering a nurturing environment is paramount to the success of a big law firm and this is key to workplaces that support physical and mental health.

Read the Lawyers Weekly article HERE.

Our member firm, Allens Linklaters recently launched their firth RAP to demonstrate continued commitment to reconciliation and includes a number of new actions to be achieved by 2021. Allens say that "for us, contribution comes through in a number of areas such as our pro bono work, our internship and our collaboration with other community groups". 

See Allens media release HERE.

AusLSA member firm, Dentons, have launched a Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service, the first in Australia. This is a pro bono service that provides trans and gender diverse people and their families with support and free legal advice on a range of issues relating to or arising from their transgender or diverse status.

See the Dentons press release HERE.

Flexible working is one of AusLSA's key reporting elements and we know that flexible working policies at law firms is often a key factor in attraction and retention of staff.

See this great webcast from Lawyer's Weekly where the benefits of flexible working are discussed. AusLSA member firm, Allens, is also represented on the panel. See the video HERE.

Managing partners from DLA Piper and Swaab Attorneys this week spoke about the roles that our firms leaders must play to ensure the health and well-being of our employees.

Both firms have implemented workplace practices that cater for the needs of fee earners and legal staff. In the same way that we look to our firm's leaders for culture and values, wellness and caring for all levels of staff must also come from the top. See the two part conversation from Lawyers Weekly PART1 and PART2.

Congratulations to AusLSA member firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth for the advice to the State of Victoria on the Renewable Energy Auction, which will deliver 928MW of new renewable generation to the state. Great legal work, but also a good outcome for the environment.

See the press release from Corrs HERE.

US legal research organisation, Acritas, recently surveyed lawyers at a number of global firms, and asked who they are more likely to work for.
Reasons like reputation, people, culture, gender equity, values, fairness, opportunity, reward were all used. No surprise that all of these are themes included in our sustainability framework!. See the article as reported by Australasian Lawyer HERE.

AusLSA member firm, Corrs have announced that they will now make superannuation contributions to employees during both paid and unpaid parental leave periods. Corrs already provides best practice level paid leave to primary and secondary carers, and the extension to include superannuation payments is another step towards achieving pay equity. See their press release HERE.

The NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) has reduced the administration fee charged for NABERS Energy tenancy and whole building ratings carried out by or on behalf of CitySwitch Signatories. Under the arrangement all CitySwitch Signatories  are eligible to claim a 50 per cent discount on the OEH administration fee, a saving of $566 including GST.

CLICK HERE to go to the CitySwitch Website to find out more.