Two Big Law Firms Extend Work From Home Amid Omicron Spread (1) - Bloomberg Law
Lawyers and staff at Cooley LLP and Mintz Levin can continue working remotely, the firms said Monday, as concerns grow about another wave of Covid-19 cases in New York and other major cities.
Cooley, which was among the first to tell employees in July that they would not be required to return to offices this year, is extending fully remote work until at least April. The California-founded firm is known for advising technology and life sciences companies.
Mintz Levin, meanwhile, had previously announced a plan to return to the office on Jan. 4. The Boston-founded firm has eliminated a formal return date and is taking a month-to-month approach as it will “assess the situation,” according to a spokesperson. It will also require employees to get booster shots.
Many major U.S. law firms have declined to comment about whether they’ve changed their office return plans since the arrival of the omicron variant and a spike in Covid cases across the Northeast. Several firms in the fall began asking lawyers to work in person at least part-time.
Firms in London including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer told lawyers to stay home last week, following a call from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to help fight the spread of the virus.
VIDEO: Leaders from Big Law firms share return to office plans for their firms, and their thoughts on when working in person is essential for lawyers and when it is not.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, a major litigation firm, said on Monday the firm would going forward allow lawyers to work remotely and in cities where the firm doesn’t have a major presence. The firm’s founder, John Quinn, positioned the move as a recruiting strategy rather than a safety measure.
Mintz Managing Member Bob Bodian said in an email that the firm’s offices will remain open for lawyers who wish to go in.
“We have done a remarkable job pivoting to a remote work environment out of necessity, and we will continue to do so collaboratively and successfully,” Bodian’s note said.
To contact the reporter on this story: Roy Strom in Chicago at [email protected]
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Opfer at [email protected]
source: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/cooley-says-lawyers-can-stay-out-of-offices-until-at-least-april
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