HFW to Reopen in Perth Next Week, Others Plan for Return

UK-based HFW is planning to reopen its office in Perth beginning next week as Western Australia relaxes its COVID-19 restrictions.

"At this stage, it seems likely that the position in Western Australia will enable our Perth office to resume normal operation next week," said Gavin Vallely, Australia managing partner.

Western Australia has among the lowest number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and is moving to relax restrictions more quickly than other states, allowing social gatherings of up to 10 people. The state recorded one new virus case on Wednesday, bringing its number of active cases to 43.

HFW will also consider resuming normal operations in Sydney and Melbourne after the National Cabinet meets to decide on further lifting restrictions.

"HFW has a comprehensive office reoccupation plan that will be implemented in Australia by the firm's local management in conjunction with our global Chief Operating Officer," Vallely said.

It will not reoccupy other offices until the federal and state governments say it is safe to do so and will allow staff who need to work from home to continue to do so, the firm said.

The federal government under Prime Minister Scott Morrison will meet on May 11 to consider loosening coronavirus restrictions. The government has introduced a smartphone location tracing app, which will allow it to trace the outbreak of new cases and has so far been downloaded by about 2.5 million people.

Australia already has one of the most extensive testing regimes in the world and Morrison wants this expanded before restrictions are lifted. He also wants to be assured that local authorities are ready to quickly lockdown any new outbreaks.

The national death toll stands at 90 with 6,744 confirmed coronavirus cases since the outbreak began. There are 1,028 active cases.

Other law firms in Australia are moving more slowly, but many are planning for a return to the workplace.

Allen & Overy has kept its offices in Sydney and Perth open for staff who are less able to work from home, with social distancing and deep cleaning in place.

But the firm said it will be guided by advice from health authorities regarding the majority of its workforce returning to its offices.

"The firm is considering a range of factors that affect our staff, such as when schools will resume fully in NSW and WA, how our respective buildings can implement social distancing measures, and limits currently in place for public spaces surrounding our offices," the firm said. "A&O will seek to take a consultative approach with our staff where possible."

At DLA Piper, the vast majority of staff are still working remotely.

"As more countries move toward an easing of lockdown procedures and restrictions, it's likely that over the next few weeks we will begin to see a number of our locations preparing to return to the office," the firm said in a statement. "To ensure we are well-prepared in advance of this, we have commenced planning for a phased return to work, recognizing that each jurisdiction will have a different timeframe and different government guidelines to adhere to."

Baker McKenzie has no return to work date but is "very advanced" in its preparation to reoccupy its offices. "We continue to monitor the situation and await guidance from relevant health authorities and state and federal governments," the firm said in a statement.

Norton Rose Fulbright also said it is actively monitoring government advice and planning for a return to work in its offices "when it is safe to do so."

Australian firm Clayton Utz is expecting a phased return to work which may differ from state to state.

"We have a recovery team which is actively planning return to the office arrangements for when government restrictions are gradually lifted," the firm said. "Our return will be managed to ensure the health and safety of our partners, employees and clients, and in accordance with government and health advice in place at the relevant time."

Herbert Smith Freehills said the firm has developed a global recovery plan, and its timeframes for opening its offices "will depend on when, and how, restrictions are curbed—which will vary across locations."

Dentons Australia said it currently has no plans to have its staff return to is offices.

Resources