Black October for Layoffs in Law firms
The profession has demonstrated that that article "2009: Another Year of Economic Darkness for Law Firms" is based on fact. Law.com has even created "The Layoff List" as a running tally. (Also see below.)
Just take a look at the layoffs that have hit major law firms this year, particularly in October:
- The demise of Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner, announced October 28, 2008. This was preceded by the firm's slashing 26 associates and 85 staff members in March.
- The dissolution of Heller Ehrman, announced in late September.
- Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal October layoff of 37 lawyers, 75 staff members, and 12 lay timekeepers. This follows Sonnenschein's dismissal of 124 employees, including 37 attorneys, six of whom were partners, in May.
- Jenner & Block’s firing of additional 10 partners in October, on top of its firing of other 10 partners in May.
- Katten Muchin Rosenman and Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal layoff of 21 associates and counsel in October.
- Clifford Chance's dismissal of 20 lawyers in October.
- Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft cutting 96 attorneys in July.
- Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge layoff of approximately 10 associates in March.
- Ten U.S. partners and two dozen associates voluntarily leaving Thacher Proffitt & Wood starting in January after a severe slump in the structured finance practice.
