Mayer Brown to Lay Off 28 Lawyers & 47 Staff in US, But Says Legal Market is Improving
In an internal e-mail today, Mayer Brown axed 28 associates and counsel and 47 staff in its United States offices, expressing regret at the layoffs” but saying that reduced demand for legal services and reduced attrition made it necessary.
Nonetheless, there are “encouraging signs for 2010,” states the e-mail, which was sent by the firm’s chairman, Bert Krueger. A copy was provided to the ABA Journal by a Mayer Brown spokesman, who declined to comment further.
“Thus far, the year is off to a positive start,” states the e-mail, which says most practice groups are performing well but adds that the overall legal market has not recovered fully from the global economic downturn that began in 2008.
“Taking this step,” the e-mail says of the layoffs, “will enable us to maintain our financial strength and continue investing in our practices, our global platform and the professional development of our people–and thereby enhance our ability to provide clients with the high standard of legal work and service that defines Mayer Brown.”
The e-mail was initially reprinted in Above the Law.
Earlier related coverage:
ABAJournal.com (Nov. 2008): ” Mayer Brown Axes 33 Lawyers in US Offices”
ABAJournal.com (Nov. 2008): “Add 11 UK Lawyers to Mayer Brown’s Attorney Layoff List”
ABAJournal.com (March 2009): “Mayer Brown Expects to Cut Up to 55 People in UK; Memo Spurs Fears of More”
ABAJournal.com (April 2009): “Mayer Brown Lays Off 45 Lawyers, 90 Staff”
ABAJournal.com (June 2009): “Eight Mayer Brown Associates Take $100K-Plus Pay Cut to Work In-house”
Updated at 12:50 p.m. to include information from Mayer Brown.
