Law firm MinterEllison is in damage control and facing internal ructions from partners over its sponsorship of the Adelaide Festival and the platforming of two writers known for their unabashed hatred of Jews.
Margin Call has confirmed that MinterEllison chief executive Virginia Briggs has ordered the removal of all the firm’s branding from the Adelaide Festival’s Writers Week, despite its role as a major partner, following internal and external complaints over its funding of the event.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has already spared no time vowing to boycott the speakers’ events and condemned the festival’s decision to host them; Briggs’ response, by comparison, is a meek and timid gesture.
The CEO did not respond to this column’s inquiries on Monday and, despite being urged to do so, has not issued a public statement outlining MinterEllison’s position on the hateful rhetoric of the speakers.
Margin Call understands that concerns have been raised by two partners at the firm who are supportive of taking action. Numerous Jewish employees, particularly among the graduate intake, are also understood to be displeased with the arrangement.
Read the article by Yoni Bashan and Christine Lacy in The Australian.