Some law firms push back dates for return to office amid omicron concerns

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Some law firms push back dates for return…

Law Firms Some law firms push back dates for return to office amid omicron concerns

By Debra Cassens Weiss

December 21, 2021, 2:42 pm CST

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The omicron coronavirus variant is leading some BigLaw firms to push back a return to the office or even to tell employees to stay home—for now.

Reuters and Law.com have stories on law firms delaying a full-scale return. They include:

• Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, which has indefinitely postponed a return that had been scheduled for Jan. 4. The firm requires a vaccination, along with a booster.

• Cooley, which won’t require a return to the office until March 31.

• Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which has extended its return date to Feb. 7.

• Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, which is delaying a return until Feb. 7.

• Goodwin Procter, which has delayed a return until March 14.

• Norton Rose Fulbright, which is postponing a full return to Jan. 25.

Reed Smith, meanwhile, is reportedly telling its lawyers and staff members in New York to stay home for a least two weeks, according to Bloomberg Law, which relied on four sources familiar with the situation. The Manhattan, New York City, office is said to be closed, except for essential business.

Debevoise & Plimpton is also telling its employees to work remotely until Jan. 7, Reuters reports. The firm will decide next month whether to continue with its plan for employees to begin spending two-thirds of the month in the office beginning Jan. 10.

See also:

ABA Journal: “Are virtual offices here to stay?”

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