b'The modern law firmAllen Allen & Hemsley entered the 1980s in a new officechange for an eclectic group of individuals who took pride in the distinctive, octagonal MLC building designed byin their differences and valued their autonomy. Harry Seidler. The offices used extensive glass panelling as partitions and had an internal spiral staircase connectingIt was a firm which encouraged and tolerated eccentricity, the floors. The new premises gave the firm a progressivewhere peoples foibles were almost to be admired, says feel. Colin Fong, librarian for many years, remembers theformer managing partner Tim LEstrange. Everyone was change in attitude. When glass replaced the old, heavydifferent, which contributed to the mystique of the firm.partitions, you saw a psychological shift in the firm. Suddenly, people dressed differently and tidied their desks.In 1980 the partners chose as the inaugural managing It introduced a more modern mindset. Felt hats had longpartner the affable Ronald Adrian Powles (known as been discarded and formal titles were dropped from theAdrian), who had been with the firm since 1961. Powles telephone directory and workplace corridors. It becamehad authority to make most decisions for the firm and was acceptable to refer to all colleagues by their first name.expected to consult the partnership on significant matters. Though the firm had adopted a modern aesthetic, itsThat same year, Arthur Robinson & Co adopted this new administrative systems had not enjoyed an update. Preparingapproach to law firm management, appointing Michael invoices was a labour-intensive process and lawyers wereRobinson as its first managing partner.notorious for neglecting to dispatch bills. The first computer system to streamline this process was installed in 1986. Things were less modern at Hedderwick Fookes & Alston. The firm had moved from Batman House in Melbourne As the firm grew, the partners appointed a managingto a new building at 121 William Street, where imposing, partner to manage the business of the firm. A few firms inold-fashioned wooden doors with elaborate handles still the US and UK had implemented this structure, however,guarded the entrance and sent visitors down a long corridor it was a relatively new approach in Australia. It was a bigto the reception desk. Graeme Johnson caused a degree of When glass replaced the old, heavy partitions,you saw a psychological shift in the firm. Suddenly, people dressed differently and tidied their desks.It introduced a more modern mindset. Colin Fong, Allen Allen & Hemsley librarian166'