Christopher Niesche

Christopher Niesche is the Australia correspondent for Law.com International. He covers the business of law in Australia and writes about lawyers, global and domestic law firms and in-house law departments. He also covers Australian regulatory matters. He can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter: @ChrisNiesche.

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March 17, 2020 | International Edition

Law Firms in Australia Tell Staff to Work from Home

King & Wood Mallesons, Linklaters-aligned Allens, and Baker McKenzie have all told staff to work from home, while Herbert Smith Freehills and Squire Patton Boggs are encouraging staff who would like to work remotely to do so.

By Christopher Niesche

6 minute read

March 16, 2020 | International Edition

Litigation Funder Omni Bridgeway Hires More Staff, Continues New Zealand Expansion

The company has already invested in several class actions in New Zealand.

By Christopher Niesche

2 minute read

March 16, 2020 | International Edition

Courts in Australian State of Victoria Consider Video Hearings

The courts may increase capacity for video conferencing and hearings and is considering staggering court times.

By Christopher Niesche

2 minute read

March 12, 2020 | International Edition

King & Wood Mallesons, Norton Rose Fulbright, Jones Day Send Sydney Staff Home on Coronavirus Fears

The Sino-Australian firm sent all Sydney staff home after discovering at least one suspected COVID-19 case; and Norton Rose and Jones Day closed part of their Sydney offices to prevent potential virus transmission.

By Christopher Niesche

3 minute read

March 11, 2020 | International Edition

Firms Say Pro Bono Practices Won't See Cuts During a Recession and May Even Grow

Lawyers in the U.S., Australia and the U.K. say pro bono practices have gained in importance.

By Christopher Niesche

5 minute read

March 11, 2020 | International Edition

DWF Hires 3-Strong IT Team From Mid-Tier Australian Firm

The U.K.-listed firm has hired Alex Ninis as a partner, along with senior associate Marcus Hannah and solicitor Serpil Bilgic—all from mid-tier firm Macpherson Kelly.

By Christopher Niesche

2 minute read

March 11, 2020 | International Edition

Clifford Chance Loses Two More in Sydney, Down to Nine Partners in Australia

Corporate partners Richard Graham and Lance Sacks are the latest to leave the Magic Circle's Australia offices.

By Christopher Niesche

3 minute read

March 09, 2020 | International Edition

Lawyers on Demand Continues to Make Inroads as Industry Disruptor

Companies are no longer faced with a choice between farming out legal work to expensive law firms or doing the work themselves, the ALSP co-founder, Ken Jagger, told Law.com International.

By Christopher Niesche

5 minute read

March 09, 2020 | International Edition

Herbert Smith Freehills Insolvency Partner Leaves for Local Firm

Peter Smith was formerly head of Herbert Smith Freehills' Australian restructuring, turnaround and insolvency practice, and had been at HSF for two decades.

By Christopher Niesche

2 minute read

March 06, 2020 | International Edition

Australia's Attorney General Launches Inquiry Into Class Action Funders' Profits

The attorney general, Christian Porter, said the number of class actions filed in Australia over the past seven years has tripled, with the overwhelming majority bankrolled by litigation funders who are not licensed, not regulated and often demand up to 30% of settlement funds.

By Christopher Niesche

3 minute read

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