Asda tells its lawyers to stack shelves
23 October 2009
Three law firms showed just how desperate they are for business this week when they signed up to be on Asda's legal panel - and committed their staff to working in a supermarket over Christmas.

Legal Week reported that Asda had shrunk its legal panel from 16 down to just three, all of which had to sign up to a "partnership charter". Lawyers in the Asda team at McGrigors, Pinsent Masons and Ward Hadaway will have to give up three days of their time over the Christmas period to work in an Asda store. For free. So over Christmas you can expect Asda stores around the country to be filled with lawyers missing yet more time with their family.

Pinsents' senior partner, Chris Mullen, on his way to work.

How desperate for work does a firm have to be to force its associates to stack shelves (while smiling inanely to camera and patting the change in their pockets)? If that wasn't enough, all associates working for Asda will also have to be individually approved by the Asda in-house team. Apparently the firms can't be trusted to judge what makes a good lawyer.

Laura Cameron, Asda client relationship partner at McGrigors, said: "We are all very proud of our partnership agreement and our team loves working for Asda. Working a day instore at Christmas is great fun, really helps us understand Asda's business and gives us the chance to pre-plan our Christmas shopping!"