A climate of fear descended upon top-tier fim Mallesons today as a leaked document confirms the worst fears of staff;

sackings are squarely on the agenda. The document, leaked to the Financial Review, reveals the musings of Mallesons partner Ian Paterson on how the firm can respond to the global economic crisis.

In a blunt precis of the firm’s options, Paterson noted:

1. ‘We can keep people on until times get better, unless they get really, really bad;
2. We can sack now until there is no one considered to be ‘spare’;
3. We can trim a bit, but not too much, and revisit constantly as circumstances unfold.’

In a further blow to Mallesons lawyers, Paterson foreshadowed that even the best lawyers in the firm may not be immune from the fallout from the GFC, by noting:

‘I’m afraid we may need to revisit staff bonus arrangements.’

Meanwhile, another Mallesons partner, Martin James, off-handedly stated in the same leaked document:

‘a thinking partner may want to know what the productive capacity will be for each month if we chop the spare lawyers and how that compares with budget.’

This news comes as the Melbourne office, home to Ian Paterson,  prepares for its office Christmas party tonight.

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