The AFR have exposed how Corrs boss Gavin MacLaren has tightened his grip on the firm. He’s centralised power, hikes billing targets and launched Garran Advisory without partner consultation, even though the partners own it through a trust he controls. Insiders say Corrs now prioritises elite uni hires like UniMelb, and under MacLaren’s holistic billing mantra, lawyers were told “if you’re thinking about work on the toilet or in the shower, you should be billing that”: AFR

AUB Group: has confirmed it received an unsolicited $5.2bn takeover bid from Swedish private equity giant EQT, offering $45 per share in cash. The announcement only came after media speculation on the deal. The offer follows an earlier $43 per share approach in September. AUB has entered a six-week exclusivity period with EQT, granting access to DD. Allens is advising AUB and Ashurst is advising EQT.

After complaints that it was too rigid in fund negotiations, Kirkland & Ellis has introduced etiquette training for its lawyers, even banning the phrase “we respectfully decline.” Investors accused the firm of refusing to negotiate on even minor fund terms, with some buyout clients unaware Kirkland was stonewalling on their behalf. Tensions peaked when the Institutional Limited Partners Association was accused of discouraging private equity groups from working with the firm: AFR

Victoria is set to ban NDAs in workplace sexual harassment cases unless expressly requested by the employee, in an Australian-first reform unveiled by Premier Jacinta Allan. Victims could waive confidentiality after 12 months and disclose NDAs to health workers, police or lawyers. The bill also adds safeguards, including a 21-day cooling-off period and bans on bosses pressuring staff to sign: The Guardian

PwC Australia is under new investigation by the Tax Practitioners Board over alleged misuse of legal privilege, misleading FIRB advice, and false R&D tax claims. The inquiries, tied to the firm’s tax leaks scandal, threaten to prolong its fallout. CEO Kevin Burrowes says PwC has “implemented significant reforms,” but regulators want proof the culture shift runs deeper than words: AFR