An Allens spokesperson said 114 staff had opted to leave the firm, with effect from the end of the financial year. 

The firm will now reorganise its structure following the departures. It is the first time in at least 20 years that the firm has offered a voluntary redundancy program. 

The move by Allens to offer a voluntary redundancy program is in contrast to other firms which simply told staff they no longer had jobs.The spokesperson said those opting for redundancies included lawyers, corporate services staff and secretaries. 

About a dozen had asked for redundancies but were refused, because they were working in essential services. The redundancy terms allowed up to a year’s pay for senior lawyers. 

Allens has about 1,580 staff worldwide, excluding partners. The voluntary-redundancy program was predominantly for Australian staff.