Blake Dawson is “a three-ringed circus managed by bumbling buffoons”, according to feedback posted on UK legal gossip site RollOnFriday.  

The survey, which is still open, is based on voluntary feedback on Australia’s top firms. And the results are not great. It reveals that lawyers at many of the larger firms are deeply unhappy with their pay. At Allens Arthur Robinson, “mid level associates get less than trainees in London”. 

Meanwhile, “the wedge is crap” at Mallesons, which “shanks staff on salary no matter what the HR robots say”. 

On the upside, the site reports, “heavy drinking is encouraged” at DLA Phillips Fox.

Blakes was also thrown bad news from a Sackwatch list at Crikey, where it was reported “more staff like to go from the top-tier law firm, in addition to the 125 already laid off, with the final toll said to be close to 200”. 

"When it comes to pay, Gilbert + Tobin and Piper Alderman are jostling for top position, well ahead of the rest of the pack, with Norman Waterhouse, Middletons and Gadens currently bumping along at the bottom. It seems particularly unfair that Gadens is tight with the dollar, given the report that 'staff work stupid hours, the boss sends emails at 2:30 am and getting involved means giving up your Saturdays'," RollOnFriday reported. 

The New Lawyer will follow it all up. But meanwhile, feel free to vent below with anonymous comments.