Afternoon Briefs: Stealth layoffs are a bad idea, expert says; ACLU seeks sanction against feds
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Stealth layoffs could affect law firm ‘vitality,’ expert says
Attributing layoffs to performance rather than economic issues—so-called stealth layoffs—could harm associate relationships with law firm partners and leaders, according to consultant Hugh Simons, the former chief operating officer at Ropes & Gray. That wasn’t the view that prevailed during the 2007-2009 financial crisis, when stealth layoffs outnumbered open layoffs by three to one. Now, associates “would see stealth layoffs as management failing to take responsibility, being dishonest and lacking compassion,” which could ultimately affect “firm productivity and vitality,” Simons wrote for Law.com. (Law.com)
Feds set to leave Portland as ACLU seeks contempt sanction
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has announced a deal for federal agents to leave Portland, Oregon, after the state police take over the guarding of the federal courthouse. The announcement comes a day after the American Civil Liberties Union alleged that federal agents used physical force against journalists and legal observers in violation of a court order. The ACLU seeks a contempt sanction. (The New York Times, Courthouse News Service, BuzzFeed News, American Civil Liberties Union contempt motion)
ACLU of Minnesota sues over protester injuries
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of people injured during peaceful protests in Minneapolis. The name plaintiffs are four Minneapolis residents who still have bruising and vocal issues from foam bullets and pepper spray used two months ago. Fish & Richardson is working with the ACLU on the lawsuit. (American Civil Liberties Union press release, the National Law Journal, the lawsuit)
