Staff from law firms located at Waterfront Place, including Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Minter Ellison, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and HopgoodGanim, returned to their offices on Monday (25 January), after the building's management deemed the high speed lifts in the building safe.

"This is an excellent outcome for our Brisbane colleagues and a very positive step towards returning to business as usual," reported Corrs building managers to staff late last week.

HopgoodGanim issued an alert to clients thanking them for their "patience and understanding".

Meanwhile, Blake Dawson and Allens Arthur Robinson lawyers have returned to their Riverside Centre offices after being relocated to temporary offices both in Brisbane and interstate.

According to Blake Dawson practice leader Ian Humphreys, his firm's relocation was made possible only through the efforts of staff. "It was a national effort with tremendous support from our interstate colleagues," he said.

The basement of the Riverside Centre was flooded during the disaster.

Freehills staff have also returned to their Brisbane office at Central Plaza, while Norton Rose staff have returned to their base at 175 Eagle Street. Norton Rose Australian managing partner Don Boyd noted how well the Brisbane team was able to work remotely during the crisis, with staff relying on a temporary office only for infrastructure requirements like mail and facilities.