Layoffs

‘SmallSolos’ Could Be Threatened by BigLaw Refugees, Blogger Says

Updated: Will solo practitioners be threatened by BigLaw refugees deciding to hang their own shingles? Blogger and technology consultant Ross Kodner thinks it’s a possibility. Writing at the TechnoLawyer Blog, he called BigLaw refugees “BigSolos” and said they bring to the practice “top-notch legal skills and in many cases a…

Apr 10, 2009 2:15 PM CDT

Cuts at Chapman and Cutler Hit More Lawyers in Lower-Paying Tier

Chapman and Cutler announced a program 18 months ago that gave third-year associates a choice: They could work more hours for more pay, or fewer hours for less pay. Now some associates in the lower-paid tier likely regret their choice. The Chicago-based firm has been pruning underperforming lawyers, and more…

Apr 10, 2009 11:36 AM CDT

Last Month: 30 Layoffs; This Month: New R.I. Office for Robinson Firm

Less than two weeks after announcing that it planned to lay off 11 attorneys and 19 staff members, a Northeast regional firm is opening a new office in Providence, R.I., with two senior partners raided from Nixon Peabody. Patricia Igoe, a finance practitioner, and Peter Lacouture, who focuses on environmental…

Apr 9, 2009 11:54 PM CDT

Vedder Price Axes 9 Associates, Including 2 Litigators

A lag in litigation work is partially to blame for layoffs of nine associates and nonpartner lawyers at Vedder Price. All those laid off from the 258-lawyer firm were in Chicago office, except for one lawyer in New York, Crain’s Chicago Business reports. The publication reports that among those laid…

Apr 9, 2009 1:10 PM CDT

Renowned Townsend IP Firm Lays Off 61

In today’s dismal economy, even relatively strong practice areas such as intellectual property aren’t as strong as they were. That was underlined today by news that Townsend and Townsend and Crew is letting go 16 lawyers and 45 staff. “As you know, Townsend expanded rapidly over the past few years…

Apr 9, 2009 12:51 AM CDT

Legal Blogger David Lat Sees Reason for Panic

Legal blogger David Lat, founding editor of Above the Law, says there may be good reason for lawyers to panic, but they will ultimately survive. Speaking to law students at the University of California at Berkeley, Lat admitted news of layoffs and other job woes at Above the Law can…

Apr 8, 2009 1:39 PM CDT

Two UK Law Firms Delay Partner Promotions

Two British law firms have pushed back dates for partner promotions as they complete restructuring plans. Clifford Chance plans to ax up to 92 partners in the restructuring, expected to be completed by this summer, Legal Week reports. The partner promotions process will begin after that, the story says. Allen…

Apr 8, 2009 1:18 PM CDT

Rare Partner Layoffs Contemplated at Major Canadian Firm

As stunning layoffs have been made at United States and London-based law firms in recent months, Canadian law firms—thanks to the relative stability of Canadian banks—have been much less likely to wield the ax. When they do, it’s ordinarily associates who are cut. But in a rare exception a prominent…

Apr 7, 2009 10:53 PM CDT

Baker & McKenzie Lays Off 124

Despite other efforts to keep costs down, the dismal economy has now made layoffs necessary, Baker & McKenzie announced today. The megafirm is cutting 38 attorneys and 86 paralegals and staff in its North American offices, reports Above the Law, based on a written statement provided by Baker & McKenzie.…

Apr 7, 2009 9:13 PM CDT

After Losing Job, Lawyer Keeps Commuting—to Starbucks

After a job loss, some might be tempted to spend days at home in sweatpants feeling sorry for themselves. But one lawyer who kept up appearances is likely faring better psychologically. Robert Chope, president of the employment division of the American Counseling Association, told the New York Times he’s counseling…

Apr 7, 2009 1:05 PM CDT

Alston & Bird Cuts Roster by 14 Associates, 38 Staff

On Friday, Alston & Bird eliminated 14 associate and 38 staff jobs from its offices in Atlanta; New York City; Charlotte, N.C.; and Washington, D.C., according to the Fulton County Daily Report. The firm is also reducing its summer associate program from nine weeks to 12 weeks and deferring the…

Apr 6, 2009 6:07 PM CDT

As Paralegal Applies to Home Depot, Lucky Associate Finds Lower-Paid Job

After a decade as a paralegal at Pepe & Hazard, Michael Wallace isn’t having much luck finding another job since being laid-off in January. Recently, the 60-year-old sought to apply his construction law experience to a nonlegal position at Home Depot. “There’s really not much out there,” Wallace, whose resume…

Apr 6, 2009 4:35 PM CDT

BigLaw’s Deferred Associates Stretching Legal Aid Groups a Bit

Leaders of nonprofit legal organizations say that while they are grateful law firms are sending deferred associates their way and signing their paychecks, the onslaught of extra bodies is still causing a logistic and financial strain, the Am Law Daily reported. (Which is perhaps why many out-of-work lawyers seeking such…

Apr 6, 2009 4:25 PM CDT

Lawyers Who Remain on the Job May Feel Guilty About Grousing

Lawyers and legal staffers who were lucky enough to escape layoffs may face increasing difficulties at work, but they may be reluctant to grouse about it. Problems for those who remain on the job include worries about additional layoffs, an increased workload, lost office friends and, in some cases, pay…

Apr 6, 2009 2:28 PM CDT

Is Law Firm Paradigm Shift Ahead? Bring It On, Says Dechert Leader

Will a paradigm shift change the way law firms do business? Quite possibly, says Dechert chairman Bart Winokur, who is ready for the challenge. Winokur “is a lawyer with a long reputation for being tough, even ruthless,” the Lawyer reports. Many legal consultants believe he is one of the most…

Apr 6, 2009 1:02 PM CDT