Latest
Top-tier firms ‘exploiting young lawyers over long hours’
The legal profession is renowned for its damagingly long hours, but new laws are putting “reasonable additional hours” clauses under new scrutiny.
Big law firms shy away from pro bono cases fearing Trump
Legal giants in the US are turning away from some matters in an attempt to stay on the right side of the new administration.
PwC dragged into government contracts corruption probe
A former PwC partner’s close relationship with a public servant accused of serious corrupt conduct is under the microscope at ICAC.
PwC threatens to sack UK staff who fail to come to the office
The firm’s human resources chief said, “disciplinary action” was possible against employees who failed to work in the office at least three days a week.
Herbert Smith Freehills at impasse over partner pay changes
HSF management has been unable to convince partners to follow other firms and change its remuneration structure, as its merger with American firm Kramer Levin looms.
Data Trackers
Are you guilty of using this year’s most awful jargon?
Here’s the past 12 months in words and phrases that professionals love to use, and what they’re really saying. We hope to never see any of them again.
Inside the undoing of PwC
For the first time, the Financial Review tells the story from the perspective of the people inside PwC and the Tax Office.
Professional Moves
No ironing, 24pc top tax rate: The ease of law in Singapore
Expat lawyer Mark Khouri says Singapore has positioned itself as an oasis for white-collar professionals.
PwC spin-off Scyne Advisory to slash staff and restructure
The public sector consulting specialist now owned by Allegro Funds told employees it would cut about 10 per cent of its headcount and focus on tech work.
New Grant Thornton boss to strike at bigger rivals ‘while iron is hot’
Said Jahani wants to elevate the fast-growing firm’s market position, but is cautious on following his UK and US colleagues in taking private capital.
April
Why are female directors quitting boards in pairs?
A number of directors, mostly female, have departed in pairs from some of Australia’s highest-profile boardrooms in the past decade. Why isn’t it ringing alarm bells?
King & Wood Mallesons goes cold on having a global chief executive
The firm’s Australian head says a “lot has changed” since 2012, when Mallesons merged with China’s King & Wood, but the combination isn’t drifting.
Deloitte taps ex-speaker Tony Smith for ‘advice’
Is Deloitte trying to get into the Coalition’s good books, or does Tony Smith just really love AI?
Freehills’ US partner scrubs DEI references ahead of merger
Kramer Levin has removed references to diversity initiatives from its website, after law firms were targeted by the Trump administration over their DEI programs.
PE sinks $350 million into global consultancy firm
Argon & Co is the latest consulting firm to welcome outside capital, and says it will target mergers and acquisitions to grow rapidly.
$10k and rife with cheating: Judge blasts mandatory lawyers’ course
A survey commissioned by NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell has revealed deep dissatisfaction about the compulsory legal training regime.
Deloitte partners gripe over pay unit rumours
Even the Cairns sunshine wasn’t enough to stop a litany of complaints from partners.
Ex-KPMG consultant lands global VC funding for AI start-up
California-based venture capital firm Aliavia Ventures and No Brand Holdings led InsightWise’s $1 million oversubscribed pre-seed round.
Deloitte’s job cutting CEO takes partners on Queensland retreat
As job losses climb into the hundreds, partners enjoyed the Cairns sun.
Hicksons, Hunt & Hunt to merge as AI changes legal outlook
Public and private sector clients are demanding firms push down costs with AI, forcing smaller firms to look for scale to avoid unsustainable costs.
How Trump is putting law firms in a no-win situation
A swath of law firms have signed deals to head off the White House, but they have faced internal dissent for caving to threats.
Tax Practitioners Board and former PwC CEO can’t get on the same page
Tom Seymour may be trying to tick every box now, but the tax professionals watchdog isn’t helping.
EY Oceania to avoid merger in global restructure
The firm’s local division will continue to be led by chief executive David Larocca, but job cuts are expected amid a broader reorganisation of the business.
Big four culture makes partner hires unattractive: RSM chief executive
The mid-tier firm prefers to develop its own leaders over hiring from the big four consulting firms – unless those recruits can prove they are team players.
EY and PwC become the outsourcers
Such is the big four’s plight in Canberra that they have started outsourcing their government dealings.
HSF partners approve Kramer Levin merger, adding $700m in revenues
They voted “overwhelmingly” to endorse the deal, making the firm the first major Australian partnership with an expansive, integrated operation in the US.
Hockey remains Australia’s Trump-whisperer – only now, he’s charging
Business is going well for advisers with links to a White House where Donald Trump is intent on liberating America from the global trading system and its allies.
PwC spin-off Scyne Advisory to slash staff and restructure
The public sector consulting specialist now owned by Allegro Funds told employees it would cut about 10 per cent of its headcount and focus on tech work.
Long hours, distant targets: Lawyers are getting a raw deal
Demanding billable hours targets can make law firms unpleasant and stressful working environments. But there are better ways.
Maurice Blackburn strikes deal with staff after 12-month stand-off
The workers’ rights law firm has reached a deal with staff, which includes pay rises of up to 12.5 per cent over three years.