Paralegals

In Vegas, an End to ‘Era of Opulence’ that Produced Law Firm Mergers

The legal market in Las Vegas is changing, and that means an end to lucrative inducements that lured local law firms into mergers with large national law firms. “Gone are the days, at least for now, of law conglomerates coming into Las Vegas and throwing cash at local firms to…

Apr 28, 2009 11:20 AM CDT

Chadbourne & Parke Cuts Associate, Staff Pay

In an effort to thwart additional recession-related layoffs, Chadbourne & Parke announced the firm is slicing the salaries of associates, administrative personnel and other staff for the remainder of 2009, effective this May pay period. The base-salary cuts were announced via an e-mail memo sent today and will affect only…

Apr 23, 2009 10:39 PM CDT

Schnader Harrison Laid Off Partners, Associates, Staff Last Month

Philadelphia-based law firm Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis has confirmed that it made layoffs last month: three partners were let go, as well five associates and “less than 10” staff members. Managing partner Ralph Wellington told The Legal Intelligencer that the partners who were laid off were in practice areas…

Apr 23, 2009 6:05 PM CDT

How Uninsured Law Student, 25, Gets Treatment via Girlfriend & Pal’s Mom

An e-mail by an anonymous self-described second-year law student at a first-tier New York law school tells the story of his life without medical coverage. In it, under the headline “Uninsured,” a 25-year-old explains what he does to get at least some of the treatment he needs. Posted by the…

Apr 20, 2009 8:14 PM CDT

BigLaw ‘Has Changed Forever,’ Says Womble Carlyle, Cutting Pay 10 Percent

Imposing a roughly 10-percent pay cut that will be less for some and more for others, a well-known 530-attorney Southeast and Atlantic regional firm says there has been a sea change in corporate law practice. “The world of large law firms … has changed forever,” says Womble Carlyle Sandridge &…

Apr 14, 2009 11:06 PM CDT

Dismal Economy Stresses Out Even Those Doing Relatively Well

Feeling stressed about economic issues? You’re not alone. Even those who are relatively well-off and handling their own finances responsibly are worrying more than they used to, perhaps because of an increasing sense that they have less control than they thought they did over their own fates as the global…

Apr 9, 2009 6:53 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

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

Law Firm Employee Asks Amy About Unsanitary Lawyers

A law firm employee wrote the “Ask Amy” advice column with an unusual dilemma: how to cope with her unsanitary lawyer bosses. “I work in a small law firm where some of the men don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom and one even picks his nose at his…

Apr 6, 2009 2:02 PM CDT

Paralegal Loses Sex Claims, But Can Sue Texas PI Lawyer Over Firing & OT

A Texas judge has dismissed a paralegal’s civil litigation claims of sexual misconduct by a well-known plaintiff personal injury attorney, but allowed her to continue with other allegations. Harris County District Judge Tracy Christopher yesterday granted a motion for summary judgment for lack of evidence by attorney Richard Laminack on…

Apr 2, 2009 8:01 PM CDT

125 Laid Off at Dechert; 60 Cut at Edwards Angell

Two more law firms announced layoffs today. Dechert is laying off 125 people, and Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge is laying off about 60 people. Dechert says its layoffs affect offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Firm chairman Barton Winokur announced the layoffs in a memo provided to…

Mar 26, 2009 2:25 PM CDT

Manatt Reports 47 Layoffs in 6 Months, as Clifford Chance Cut Staff in NY & DC

The layoffs took place months ago, but Manatt Phelps & Phillips and Clifford Chance are just now confirming them. Since October 2008, Manatt Phelps laid off a total of 12 attorneys, 3 paralegals and 32 administrative staff nationwide, the firm says in a written statement provided to Above the Law.…

Mar 18, 2009 6:56 PM CDT

Another UK Law Firm Considers Sick Days in Layoffs

Too many sick days will count against lawyers at Allen & Overy as it considers which people to lay off. The London-based law firm plans to cut up to 250 lawyers and 200 staffers. Its redundancy criteria are: individual performance, business, sickness, disciplinary record, versatility, contribution and potential, Legal Week…

Mar 18, 2009 2:21 PM CDT

Morgan & Finnegan’s Accounts Frozen; Severance Checks Bounce

A judge has issued an injunction barring Morgan & Finnegan from selling or transferring assets in a suit claiming the dissolved law firm defaulted on its loan agreement. JPMorgan Chase contends Morgan & Finnegan owes it more than $4 million, the American Lawyer reports. Above the Law reported on the…

Mar 17, 2009 2:48 PM CDT

White & Case Layoff ‘Trifecta’ Distinction Came on Record-Setting Day

A legal blog is characterizing layoffs at White & Case as a “trifecta” because the law firm has the highest number of lawyer layoffs, staff layoffs and total layoffs. White & Case announced the layoffs of about 200 lawyers and 200 staffers last Monday, at the same time as two…

Mar 16, 2009 12:47 PM CDT