With its Norton Rose merger plans resting entirely on the ATO’s lenity, Deacons chief executive partner Dan Boyd has chosen a dubious time to raise fees.
The firm apparently thinks that a GFC, awry merger plans, involvement in allegations of wrongful employee termination (yes, by a law firm!) and a procession of questionable workplace stunts, makes Deacons a better value bet for clients.
We certainly aren’t buying it!
As reported in an excellent article by The Australian last week:
Don Boyd, Deacons’ chief executive partner, thought it was OK to send a generic letter to clients saying what great value the firm delivers and to provide the firm’s new rate card for this financial year… For clients with pre-existing fee arrangements this letter was a surprise because they thought they already had them and now the Don’s letter was saying something different… Not surprisingly some disgruntled clients contacted their relationship partners to find out what was going on, only to be told they were unaware of the Don’s letter and, reassuringly, that they would look into it.
These things happen. They are harder to accept however when Deacons’ website spouts that among its values “ensuring everyone is informed” is part of the value suite. And it makes a mockery of other Deacons website propaganda such as: “Many law firms just talk about building relationships. At Deacons, this is not just talk. It’s about open dialogue, it’s about understanding what drives client thinking and understanding their ambitions.” Oh really. Deacons, the intelligent alternative as it calls itself, is looking less intelligent if this is the way they manage client communication on a topic as emotion-ridden as increasing hourly rates.
Excellent work Donnie Dubya!
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