Our clients and friends may be interested to read the following office rules issued by a Sydney Law firm in 1852. Fortunately for all concerned, legal workplace have become slightly more informal in the intervening 162 years.

Rules for the Clerical Staff

  1. Godliness, Cleanliness and Punctuality are the necessities of a good business
  2. On the recommendation of the Governor of this Colony, this firm has reduced the hours of work, and the Clerical Staff will now have to be present between the hours of 7am and 6pm on week days. The Sabbath is for Worship, but should any Man-of-War or other vessel require victualling, the Clerical Staff will work on the Sabbath.
  3. Daily prayers will be held each morning in the Main Office. The Clerical Staff will be present.
  4. Clothing must be of a sober nature. The Clerical Staff will not disport themselves in raiments of bright colours, nor will they wear hose, unless in good repair.
  5. Overshoes and Top-coats may not be worn in the offices but Neck Scarves and Head-wear may be worn in inclement weather.
  6. A stove is provided for the benefit of the Clerical Staff. Coal and Wood must be kept in the locker. It is recommended that each member of the Clerical Staff bring four pounds of coal, each day, during the cold weather.
  7. No member of the Clerical Staff may leave the room without permission from Mr Ryder. The calls of nature are permitted, and the Clerical Staff may use the garden below the second gate. This area must be kept in good order.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.