This Month
Allens to be king of the hill in Sydney’s new legal district
Allens and four other law firms are set to move into the revamped AMP building at Circular Quay as a new legal district in Sydney develops towards the harbour.
Law graduates are about to crack a salary record
Top-tier graduates will earn more than $100,000 this year – in Sydney only – but law firms remain tight-lipped on pay rates despite moves towards transparency elsewhere.
Power bill relief, tax cuts in a budget ‘for every Australian’: Chalmers
The Treasurer has handed down his third budget, promising cost-of-living relief to struggling Australians while delivering a second consecutive surplus. How the day unfolded.
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Defence tries its hand at consulting as Labor keeps heat on big firms
The government will also conduct a second audit of public sector employment to track the progress on reducing its reliance on external advice.
$300 off every household’s power bill in cost-of-living cash splash
In addition to a tax cut from July 1, every household will receive an electricity bill discount as part of a $7.8 billion cost-of-living package.
The winners and losers in the federal budget
Green business, public servants, renters and taxpayers are budget winners while consultants, the Reserve Bank and tax cheats do poorly.
Thomson Geer takes 4.9pc stake in ASX takeover target
Law firm Thomson Geer has built a 4.9pc stake in ASX-listed Qantm Intellectual Property, currently the subject of a takeover tussle.
Allen & Overy merger creates $5.3b firm in push for US clients
Local managing partner Jason Denisenko says the new-look firm will occupy the same space in the market, but will increasingly take on US firms with Australian arms.
Victorian government to shrink for first time in 15 years
Victorian budget deficit rises, but surplus predictions brought forward; Biden warns Netanyahu to pursue ceasefire, not invasion. Follow updates here.
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Law Council ‘extremely concerned’ by ATO’s privilege allegations
In response to comments by Jeremy Hirschhorn to the Senate, the Law Council warned against casting doubt over the purpose of law firms’ consulting arms.
Let ASIC police big four conflicts: Samuel
Former ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel says the big four’s governance changes looked good on paper, but would not fundamentally change the culture of the firms.
Legal grad pay tops $110k, but wage gap still stubborn
The gender pay gap in the legal industry remains “stubbornly and consistently high”, a survey has found.
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April
Quantum investment will bring Australian entrepreneurs home: PM
Anthony Albanese says the government’s $1 billion investment in PsiQuantum will create 400 jobs; Triple zero access to be strengthened after Optus outage; Houthis attack four ships in Indian Ocean, Red Sea. Here’s how the day unfolded.
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KPMG increases working capital borrowings by almost $300m
KPMG increased its borrowings by almost $300 million over the past two financial years but booked revenue growth of more than $500 million.
Scyne finalises appointments, KPMG partner heads to Star
PwC spin-off Scyne Advisory has appointed a permanent managing partner and will finalise its CEO in the second half of this year.
PwC set to become smallest big four firm
PwC has lost more than 200 partners in less than a year, with the once-ascendant firm expected to fall behind KPMG on partnership size and revenue.
- Exclusive
- PwC tax scandal
Burrowes wants everyone to move on from PwC’s tax scandal
“We feel we’re in a good position now to start to turn to a new chapter, look to the future and drive the firm with a new strategy,” the PwC chief executive says.
Tax Office warns law firms over consulting push
ATO second commissioner Jeremy Hirschhorn said he was worried law firms would repeat the mistakes of the big four professional services firms with their push into consulting.
Energy focus as Ashurst, Allens, Freehills appoint new partners
Energy and environment lawyers have led promotions at top-tier firms, as the legal industry targets the energy transition as the next big source of billings.
Scyne settles restraint case, as PwC tax partner jumps to KPMG
Connie Heaney will be free to continue at Downer EDI under the settlement, while a senior PwC tax partner has jumped ship to KPMG.
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