The CEO of Australia’s largest law firm has departed by “mutual agreement” following a firestorm over an internal email expressing disappointment over the firm’s decision to accept Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter as a client.
Annette Kimmitt resigned as head of MinterEllison on Wednesday, a week after sending an email to staff saying she felt “hurt” to learn that senior partner Peter Bartlett – who was not explicitly named in the message – was advising Porter over a rape allegation. The email was later leaked to news media.
“The acceptance of this matter did not go through the firm’s due consultation or approval processes,” Kimmitt wrote. “Had it done so we would have considered the matter through the lens of our purpose and our values.”
“The nature of this matter is clearly causing hurt to some of you, and it has certainly triggered hurt for me. I know that for many it may be a tough day, and I want to apologise for the pain you may be experiencing.”
Kimmitt’s email drew criticism as it emerged that Porter had a relationship with a firm predating the publication of the rape accusation by four months and that, as the most senior partner at the firm, Bartlett may not have been required to seek approval before giving advice to Porter.
In an email sent to staff at 10:00 PM this Wednesday, MinterEllison chairman David O’Brien said Kimmitt’s immediate departure had been “mutually agreed”.
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"We have thanked Annette for her years of service and dedication and wished her well for the future," O’Brien wrote.
Kimmitt was appointed CEO in July 2018, and by the time of her departure was halfway through a five-year contract.
