Australia's top firms have revealed next year's grad intake, and it's a mixed bag. Clayton Utz slashed hardest, down 11% to 64. Corrs followed close behind, while Mallesons bucked the trend, growing 4.26%. Ashurst and G+T held steady. See the full breakdown here: Point Blank

G+T CEO Sam Nickless is giving his advice to junior lawyers, and it boils down to this: you've got more control over your time than you think, if you're brave enough to negotiate it. His other pearler: corporate life isn't fair, so stop comparing yourself to colleagues: AFR

A Reddit post is doing the rounds: a third year at a US big law firm on track for 3,000+ hours, working 6am to 2am, sole associate on several deals with no one reviewing their work. They took leave in Europe and still pulled 15-hour days. They asked whether taking mental health leave would tank their career: Reddit

Minters is axing 70 to 100 business operations roles, citing "evolving needs", while Clayton Utz reportedly cuts 50-plus roles. Both insist it's nothing to do with AI, after The Aussie Corporate flagged whispers on Instagram. Mallesons, Allens, Ashurst and co all say "no" too, for now: Point Blank, Capital Brief, Aussie Corporate

Johnson Winter Slattery just became the only Aussie firm with a dedicated New York presence — first to try it in 30 years. The plan is clear — park itself where US capital into Australian PE, tech and energy deals actually originate: Point Blank