Fish & Richardson Lays Off 120
In yet another sign of the troubled economic times, a well-known intellectual property boutique is laying off 35 lawyers and 85 support staff.
“Continuing to face unprecedented levels of economic uncertainty in the marketplace, the firm has decided to make workforce adjustments that will ensure our continued strength during these turbulent times,” writes Fish & Richardson in an internal memo obtained by Above the Law.
The 500-attorney firm remains financially strong, but is suffering along with many other businesses affected by the global recession and hence is cutting 35 lawyers and 85 support staff throughout its United States offices, the memo states. It describes those being let go as “valuable contributors to the firm’s success” and says they will be offered unspecified “severance programs.”
The firm did not respond to Above the Law’s request for comment. It has 11 offices in the U.S. and a 12th in Germany.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com (February 2009): “Fish & Richardson Confirms Lawyer Layoffs; 49 Have Left Since November”
ABAJournal.com (January 2009): “Fish & Richardson Cuts 30 Support Staffers”
ABA Journal (February 2008): “America’s 5 Largest IP Firms”