When it broke the news, The Australian Financial Review’s Street Talk column said the decision was “welcomed by a growing cohort of corporate lawyers increasingly uncomfortable with their task of defending the ‘Church Against Child Abuse Claims’.
Younger lawyers in particular were uncomfortable with the connection and reluctant to do the work, and the firm believed this was also affecting Corrs’ appeal to graduates as it sought to rebrand itself as a first-class commercial firm. level
In the dark: Richard Leder, partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Justin McManus
Although Corrs only did compensation work for the Archdiocese of Melbourne, in Sydney he handled almost all of its legal work, an account estimated by rival law firm chief executives to be worth at least $3 million.
The church was disappointed that there was no prior consultation and was dismayed when the company tried to pick and choose what work it would do, particularly as it has a long-time client in British American Tobacco.
Corrs also kept its partners in the dark, including Richard Leder, the church’s main contact at the firm for child abuse claims for more than 25 years.
Mr. Leder was the architect of the 1996 Melbourne Response, the world’s first compensation scheme created by a church. It is unclear whether he will join Dentons or continue to work for the Archdiocese of Melbourne in another company. He is unlikely to stay in Corrs.
Mr Digges, chief executive, administration and finance of the Archdiocese of Sydney, said the church would “cease all engagement” with Corrs.
“We are delighted to be partnering with an Australian law practice that has a trusted reputation for excellence, prudence and probity around the world,” Mr Digges said.
“The Catholic Church in Australia remains committed to ongoing responsibility to survivors of historical abuse, while providing relief, reassurance and support to all those currently struggling in today’s society.
“We would like to thank Corrs Chambers Westgarth for their service over the past 20 years.”
Denton’s Australia chairman Doug Stipanicev said the firm was “grateful to have demonstrated his suitability and commitment to the role”.
“With the Catholic Church being the country’s largest non-government provider of education, health, aged care and social services, we bring a wide range of skills and experience needed to support the Archdiocese of Sydney “.
Corrs chief executive Gavin MacLaren has refused to answer any questions about why he asked the church to transfer all its abuse claims to other law firms.
The firm’s most recent statement last Wednesday said that “Corrs continues to act for the Catholic Church” and that “Richard Leder remains a partner in the firm.”