Law firms are an essential service

Updated 20 August 2021

Yes, in all of Queensland

Law firms in Queensland remain classified as ‘essential businesses, activities or undertakings’ under the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 24).

An essential business, activity or undertaking in an impacted area may operate as normal, with physical distancing and public health controls observed to the extent possible and subject to any other requirements such as face masks and other applicable public health directions (paragraph 17).

Physical distancing includes remaining at least 1.5 metres away from other persons where possible.

Traditional style law firm offices would not be considered a “business to which the public is ordinarily given access for the purpose of accessing retail goods and retail services” and accordingly would not be obliged to collect contact information through the Check In Qld app. Law firms may choose to collect this information through the app to assist in public health contact tracing.