When it comes to law firm mergers, everyone knows that layoffs are likely to follow most tie-ups, considering that there may be redundancies between offices. But what most people don’t know is that sometimes, personnel isn’t the only thing that’s expected to change dramatically following a merger. Sometimes, a firm’s dress code is in need of a major overhaul thanks to stylistic differences between the firms that have merged.
This seems to be what’s happening at CMS Cameron McKenna after its three-way merger with Nabarro and Olswang. CMS is a traditional law firm with stuffy suits and ties for all occasions, while Olswang focuses on creative tech clients, and its attorneys dress down accordingly. According to Penelope Warne, chair of the combined firm, the dress code at the megafirm is about to change.
Here’s more information from The Telegraph:
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CMS, the largest and most traditional of the three, has decided to loosen up its dress code, meaning lawyers can now turn up to work in trainers and a T-shirt to blend in with their new colleagues at the new concern, which will employ 7,500 staff.
“Even the most traditional of partners, who have been wearing a suit for years, feel like this is a breath of fresh air,” said Ms Warne, who hails from the CMS side. “Law has a reputation for being old fashioned, we want people to feel comfortable.”
Congrats to everyone at CMS Cameron McKenna on the casual new dress code. Now you’ll be able to bill while you’re on the toilet all the more comfortably.
Lawyers get a dressing down after City mega-merger [The Telegraph]
Earlier: Biglaw Firm Tells Lawyers To Bill Clients For Time Spent On Toilet
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Staci Zaretsky has been an editor at Above the Law since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.