Awakening from the pandemic The question in my mind has been whether to convert my law firm’s beautiful office on Melbourne’s riverfront into a nightclub. It certainly hasn’t been used much as an office over the past two years. In recent weeks, Melbourne’s CBD and riverfront have become busy again, but only after business hours. People are returning to the bars and restaurants in big numbers. But the office? Not so much. The removal of the ‘work from home, if you can’ edict has given employers the opportunity to decide whether they require staff to return to the office and if so, how much of the time. In addition, the legal profession has had to deal with this question in the face of media speculation about ‘the great resignation’ and perceived staff shortages. No doubt many employers will be influenced by the risk of losing staff. Some say the balance of power has shifted, but what an unfortunate perspective that would be. For law firms, staff have always been key. Law firms function best when employers and employees understand each other, and work on the best ways to achieve great outcomes, not just for the firm, and not just for the individual – but for