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Most lawyers at HWL Ebsorth, Australia's largest law firm by partner head count, are still coming into the office but the firm said it is ready to comply with any government directive for staff to work remotely.

"We are carefully monitoring the guidance provided by the Commonwealth Government in relation to COVID-19. At this stage, the majority of our team members are continuing to operate from our offices," a spokesman for the firm said.

"If the Commonwealth recommends that organizations such as ours need to move to a remote model, we will do so immediately. Our systems are set up to allow our team members to work seamlessly remotely at any time."

HWL Ebsworth is the largest legal partnership by partner number, with 269 partners and 1,038 fee earners, including partners, according to the firm.

Many other large firms, including King & Wood Mallesons, Linklaters-aligned Allens and Baker McKenzie have introduced remote working for their Australian offices.

As of Monday, there have been 1,709 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia. This is an increase of 313 from the previous day.

Australia dramatically ramped up its response to COVID-19 over the weekend, closing pubs, clubs, casinos and cinemas, and restaurants open only for take-out. In the two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria, parents were told that schools would close and all non-essential businesses were told to shut down, although it was unclear precisely which businesses the states want to shut and whether it is a legal requirement.