JD Journal » severance packages

Ruden McClosky Axes 16 Staff

marvins — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:39:08 +0000

Ruden McClosky, a Florida-based law firm, slashed 16 staff members in line with the its reorganization plan to cut expenses, increase revenue and standardize the three-to-one lawyer-to-secretary ratio. The layoff did not include lawyers or paralegals. The affected workers were basically from the administrative and support division, including the longtime library director and several secretaries who have been with the firm for more than 20 years. The axed employees were generally concentrated in the Fort Lauderdale office, which removed 13 of its staff members. The West Palm Beach office slashed two and Orlando eliminated one.

Ruden’s co-managing partner, Carl Schuster, explained that the firm is currently focusing on increasing its profitability across the Florida market. “Ruden McClosky continues to implement changes that are in line with today’s law firm standards for best practices, which include maximizing efficiencies while enhancing the firm’s technological capabilities.”

Ruden McClosky has been greatly affected by the recent economic recession and real estate clash. As a result, the firm experienced partner defections, employed mass layoffs and closure of some of its offices. New co-partner elect Michael Kru said that the firm is now poised to grow and is looking to hire new associates. Kru also assured that there are no layoffs slated in the coming months after the recent downsizing.

Rumor: Cahill Gordon Lays Off Associates

Erik Even — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:19:28 +0000

According to online sources, former Am Law 100 firm Cahill Gordon laid off an undisclosed number of associates last week, with second-years particularly targeted.

Those laid off have been offered severance packages, but no details are available.

If you have any additional details about layoffs at Cahill Gordon, please send us a confidential tip.

Founded in 1919, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is a leading New York-based international law firm with additional offices in Washington DC and London.

Weil Gotshal Shuts Austin Office

Erik Even — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:13:49 +0000

Weil Gotshal, which in May laid off 79 staff, is shuttering its Austin, Texas office on December 1st, 2009.

Partner Kevin Kudlac will be transferred to Houston. The office’s 16 associates and 11 staffers have been offered positions in the firm’s other offices. Those who turn down the relocation offer will get severance benefits.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges is an international law firm headquartered in New York City. It is one of the largest and most highly regarded law firms in the world, with approximately 1,300 lawyers and gross annual revenue in excess of $1.7 billion.

Dykema Cuts 17 Attorneys, 30 Staff [Correction]

Erik Even — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:01:29 +0000

This week, big law firm layoffs are back. Dykema, which according to a JDJournal tipster has laid off at least 20 lawyers and 30 staff since November, this month let go 17 attorneys and 30 staff, in what appears to be a separate round of cuts., has confirmed that 17 attorneys and 30 staff have been let go since November 2008.

Severance packages were offered. The layoffs were blamed on the economy.

Dykema Gossett PLLC is a law firm headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1926, the firm has offices across the United States, including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. It currently employs over 450 lawyers and lobbying professionals. With the 2008 acquisition of 53 lawyers from the now-defunct Schwartz Cooper, Dykema’s largest office is now in Chicago.

UPDATE

The following statement is from firm chairman Rex Schlaybaugh:

Given the current market conditions, which have affected virtually every industry across the nation, we made the difficult decision to reduce our lawyer ranks by 17 and our staff population by 30 nationally. The firm has provided those who are leaving with severance benefits during this difficult time. This reduction is based on the economic climate. Dykema has a strong and conservative balance sheet, but it is essential that we protect and maintain that strength. The firms that are most effectively managed during tough times will not only survive but will emerge stronger.

Paul Hastings Hiring in LA, Firing Everywhere Else

Erik Even — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:38:38 +0000

Blawgs are reporting that Paul Hastings is cutting 25 staffers related to document production from several offices, including New York. Severance is being offered.

Document production is being centralized in Los Angeles, and some new positions will be created there. The laid off staffers are being encouraged to apply for the LA jobs, with relocation to be paid by the firm.

In March, the firm laid off 44 associates and 87 staff.

Founded in LA in 1951, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP is a leading international law firm with over 1,300 attorneys and 18 offices worldwide. Paul Hastings serves a diverse client base that includes many top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.

Weil Gotshal Lays Off 79 Staff

Erik Even — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:23:08 +0000

Weil, Gotshal & Manges has eliminated 79 administrative positions across its US offices.

Those targeted will get severance packages with transitional income and benefits, including health care and outplacement.

In March, the firm deferred start dates for incoming associates.

Covington & Burling Laying Off Staff Attorneys

Erik Even — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:28:14 +0000

According to stories in the blawgosphere, Covington & Burling is in the process of laying off an undisclosed number of staff attorneys.

Those affected have been offered one or two weeks of severance depending on length of service, in exchange for a promise not to sue the firm over the circumstances of their termination.

The firm says it has released staff attorneys as the number of projects has dropped.

Covington & Burling LLP is an international law firm with offices in Beijing, Brussels, London, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, San Diego, and Washington, DC. It consistently ranks among the top 20 on The American Lawyer’s prestigious “A-List.”

Charles Russell Launches Redundancy Consultation

Erik Even — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:14:15 +0000

London’s Charles Russell has targeted an undisclosed number of employees for redundancy, despite higher-than-expected billings.

Laid off staff will be expected to work during their notice period, and will get only the statutory minimum redundancy pay.

If you have any details about layoffs at Charles Russell, please — send us a confidential tip!

Charles Russell LLP is a top 50 City of London legal practice formed by the merger of three long established firms, with offices in Guildford, Cheltenham, Cambridge, and Oxford; Geneva, Switzerland and The Kingdom of Bahrain. It employs over 300 lawyers.

Fish & Richardson Lays Off 120

Erik Even — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:11:13 +0000

Global intellectual property firm Fish & Richardson, which in January laid off 30 staff members across its eight US offices, has announced further layoffs affecting 35 lawyers and 85 support staff.

Those targeting will be offered severance packages.

The firm based the layoffs on both job performance and economic concerns.

Founded in 1878, Fish is one of the largest in the world practicing intellectual property, litigation, and corporate law, and has as a legal staff of more than 450 attorneys and 1,200 employees in 12 offices across the globe, including an office in Munich, Germany. It opened its 11th US office in Houston in October.

Stealth Attorney Layoffs at Sullivan & Cromwell [Update]

Erik Even — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:25:08 +0000

Sullivan & Cromwell has laid off between 15 and 20 associates at its New York HQ.

The firm cites performance reasons for the layoffs, which took place mostly in February. Affected associates received two months severance.

In December, cut associate salaries but promised to revisit the situation in April.

Sullivan & Cromwell is one of the most prestigious and profitable law firms in the world, with approximately 700 lawyers in 12 offices, located in financial centers in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. As of 2006, it was the 15th largest law firm in the world.

UPDATE

According to online sources, the number of associate layoffs at Sullivan & Cromwell’s New York office has hit at least 30. The firm may intend to cut 10% of NYC associates overall, for a total of up to 50.

Day Pitney Lays Off 20 Lawyers, Defers Associates

Erik Even — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:12:33 +0000

Day Pitney, which laid off 66 staff members across it offices in February, today announced that 20 lawyers have been laid off, and incoming associates will be deferred to January 2010.

From the memo:

Earlier today, we met with 20 associates and counsel to notify them that their positions are being eliminated. The reductions are spread throughout our offices and practice areas… Each person has been offered a severance package that includes outplacement services…

…we have moved the start date for our incoming associates to January 5, 2010. We will be providing each member of our incoming class a weekly stipend from September 15 through December 31, 2009 and are encouraging each of them to participate in available public interest opportunities.

The amount of the deferral stipend has not been announced.

Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut and Florham Park, New Jersey, Day Pitney employs 382 attorneys spread across nine offices in four states and the District of Columbia. In 2007, Day Pitney ranked 113th on the National Law Journal’s list of the 250 largest American law firms.

Kilpatrick Stockton Lays Off 24 Lawyers

Erik Even — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:50:40 +0000

Kilpatrick Stockton has laid off 24 lawyers. The firm blames the economic meltdown.

Those laid off have been offered a “competitive and generous” severance package.

That’s all we know — if you have any additional details, please send us a confidential tip!

Last week the firm deferred its incoming associate class from September 2009 to April 2010.

Kilpatrick Stockton employs more than 500 attorneys in ten offices globally: Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia; Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem, North Carolina; New York, New York; Washington, DC; Dubai, UAE; London, UK; and Stockholm, Sweden.

Former Heller Employees Sue Partners

Erik Even — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:42:39 +0000

Former employees of San Francisco’s defunct Heller Ehrman, which declared bankruptcy in December, are suing 179 former partners for $32 million.

The suit alleges that the firm’s shareholders failed to give the legally required 60 days notice of layoffs. They seek accrued vacation, severance cash, and penalties under the WARN Act.

The over 800 ex-employees are represented by Los Angeles-based litigation boutique Blum Collins.

Founded in San Francisco in 1890, Heller Ehrman LLP was an international law firm of more than 730 attorneys in 15 offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

In September 2008, the firm encountered troubles after losing 15 intellectual property partners to Covington & Burling, which led to the collapse of merger talks with Mayer Brown. A total of 50 partners had left the firm in 2008. The firm dissolved in November 2008.

Clifford Chance Lays Off New York Staff

Erik Even — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:40:13 +0000

London’s Clifford Chance has cut 20 positions at its New York office. The law firm has laid off almost 100 people since November 2008.

The individuals have been notified, and were offered severance.

Clifford Chance laid off 24 New York associates in March, and this week’s support staff layoffs are related to that departure. Also in March, 115 London support staff were made redundant.

The firm let go 35 support staff in New York and Washington, DC in December 2008. Last October, 20 associates were shown the door.

Clifford Chance LLP is the largest law firm in the world, both by number of lawyers and revenue, and a component of the UK’s “Magic Circle” of leading law firms. It is a prestigious international practice with its principal office at Canary Wharf in London.

Tipsters: Kirkland Lays Off at Least 80 [Update 4]

Erik Even — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:50:09 +0000

Friday we reported the rumor that Kirkland & Ellis laid off an undisclosed number of support staff today.

This morning a tipster informs us that Kirkland laid off 13 staff members in Los Angeles and 30 in Chicago; its unclear how many were let go in New York and DC.

The tipster says those laid off were given “industry-standard” severance packages (two weeks per year of service, maxing out at 26 weeks), continued medical benefits for several months, and paid two weeks notice.

If know have any details about layoffs at Kirkland & Ellis, please — send us a confidential tip!

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a Chicago-based law firm that practices in the US and internationally. As of 2008, it was the seventh largest law firm in the US and the 11th largest in the world by revenue. It has offices in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Munich, Hong Kong, and Palo Alto.

UPDATE:

A second tipster informs us that 14 staff members were laid off in the San Francisco office, with most focusing on the corporate side and general staff.

There are also rumors that attorneys could be next!

UPDATE of the UPDATE:

A third tipster repeats the above, but adds that some people did not receive severance.

A big thank you to our tipsters!

FINAL UPDATE

Blawg sites are now reporting that at least 80 staff were fired, with a focus on secretaries administrative assistants, although mail room and records personnel were affected.

The cuts affected Chicago, New York, and DC.

REALLY FINAL UPDATE, REALLY

An anonymous tipster writes (edited for length):

As far as the mail room layoffs, Kirkland has changed the way mail is delivered. In the new building, they have installed a dumbwaiter to transfer mail and documents between floors, eliminating those clunky mail carts being pushed in and out of the elevators…

Kirkland eliminated ALL of the receptionist positions. They changed the title of the receptionists, and then asked all of the former receptionists to apply for those five new positions. The rest were let go (most of them). The secretaries have had their number of assignments increased to as many as five or six attorneys apiece… They have eliminated ALL the floating secretaries, with the exception of a handful to replace secretaries who are out on trial or on leaves of absences…

Rumor is that the staff layoffs on Friday were only Round 1, with two more rounds to go. Since the staff is so lean at this point, it would seem more logical that Round 2 and Round 3 will NOT be staff!

Howrey Lays Off 25 Staff

Erik Even — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:46:21 +0000

Washington DC’s Howrey has laid off 25 secretarial staffers.

Cuts came in all offices except Palo Alto and New York. Those affected are getting severance packages, health care assistance and outplacement.

In addition, Howrey is demanding that non-equity partners contribute capital; and all partners, equity and non-equity, will be able to contribute voluntary capital, and some have already agreed to do so. The firm’s press release hints that these “voluntary” contributions may not be so voluntary.

Additionally, all partners, Equity and Non-Equity, will now able to contribute voluntary capital and several have already agreed to do so. All these are signs of their commitment and dedication to the Firm and its plans for growth.

Huh. Better cut that check.

Howrey LLP was founded as Howrey, Simon, Baker, & Murchison in 1956, and was the first national anti-trust law firm. It has more than 700 attorneys in 17 locations worldwide.

Rumor: Staff Layoffs at Kirkland & Ellis

Erik Even — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:38:18 +0000

According to rumors repeated by reliable blawgs, Kirkland & Ellis is laying off an undisclosed number of support staff today. It is said no lawyers will be affected.

All laid off employees will be notified by the end of the day today. Severance has not been mentioned.

The cuts are said to affect the Chicago, New York and Washington DC offices.

If you know anything about layoffs today at Kirkland & Ellis, please send us a confidential tip!

Perkins Coie Lays Off 12 Lawyers, 26 Staff

Erik Even — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:49:48 +0000

Perkins Coie has cut 12 attorneys and 26 staff.

Affected employees have been offered an expanded severance package that includes continuation of health insurance for the rest of the year.

If you have any details about layoffs at Perkins Coie, please — send us a confidential tip!

Perkins Coie is an international law firm based in Seattle, Washington. The firm is ranked number 86 on the list of the world’s largest law firms by 2006 revenue and has been listed on the Fortune Magazine “100 Best Places to Work in America” for the past seven years.

Maclay Murray Laying Off 38 Lawyers & Staff

Erik Even — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:00:33 +0000

Maclay, Murray & Spens, one of the “big four” Scottish law firms, will cut 6% of its workforce, including some lawyers.

CEO Magnus Swanson says 38 positions will be made redundant, out of a total 579.

Those let go will get an “enhanced” severance package, including outplacement services.

The firm has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Aberdeen and Brussels.

Townsend and Townsend Lays Off 16 Lawyers, 45 Staff

Erik Even — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:11:22 +0000

San Francisco-based intellectual property firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew has laid off 16 attorneys, 45 staff.

From the memo:

…Townsend today has joined so many other AmLaw 200 firms and implemented a reduction in force. This is the most painful decision any of us has ever had to make at this firm…

As a result, today we have informed sixteen attorneys and forty-five members of our staff that their positions are being eliminated. Individuals in all seven of our U.S. offices are included. All have been offered severance benefits and outplacement services…

Townsend and Townsend and Crew has offices in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, and San Diego, California; Denver, Seattle, Washington DC and Tokyo.

Baker & McKenzie Lays Off 124

Erik Even — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:28:56 +0000

Chicago’s Baker & McKenzie today announced the layoffs of 124 employees.

From the statement:

…management in North America and Global Services today [have] informed 38 attorneys and 86 paralegals and professional staff that their positions are being eliminated due to the economic downturn. These changes involve various practices, offices and Global Services departments in North America. Individuals affected will receive severance packages.

Last month the firm’s London office launched a redundancy consultation targeting up to 30 lawyers and 55 staffers.

Baker & McKenzie was founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. One of the first law firms to be truly global, it employs more than 3,900 lawyers in more than 70 offices in 38 different countries.

Shoosmiths Asks New Hires to Defer or Withdraw; No Compensation

Erik Even — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:11:27 +0000

British law firm Shoosmiths has asked its 2009 trainees to withdraw from their contract, or defer until 2011, without any offer of financial compensation.

The firm wants volunteers to defer until September 2010 or September 2011, but will not offer financial compensation.

If the firm does not get enough volunteers, it will consider compulsory deferrals.

In addition, a selected 21 incoming lawyers must choose between deferral and withdrawal. Their start dates will be pushed to September 2011 or even September 2012.

Shoomsiths CEO Paul Stothard says that financial compensation “is not appropriate in these circumstances. That is our view — other firms may take a different view.” You think?

Hogan & Hartson Cuts 93 Staff

Erik Even — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:48:59 +0000

Today Hogan & Hartson informed 93 US support staffers they don’t have to come back next week.

From the memo:

…we reluctantly have concluded that two steps are required at this time: (1) a layoff of 93 non-legal staff members in our U.S. offices; and (2) temporary implementation of our established 1,800 hour associate compensation track in all U.S. offices for U.S. associates whom we cannot currently project will meet their 2009 billable hours expectation.

In addition, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of associate and support staff levels in offices outside of the United States…

The individuals being laid off are being personally contacted today, and each is being offered an above-market separation package of from 4 to 6 months of compensation, depending upon their tenure with the Firm…

Apparently, February’s voluntary buyout plan didn’t go over so well.

… We had hoped that the voluntary separation program we announced in February would largely address our staffing overcapacity. We made that offer to about 250 staff, but only 28 accepted it. …

Founded in 1904, Hogan & Hartson is the oldest major law firm headquartered in Washington, DC. It is a global firm with more than 1,100 lawyers in 27 offices worldwide, including offices in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Reed Smith Lays Off 26 Lawyers, 74 Staffers

Erik Even — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:51:42 +0000

Today Reed Smith laid off 26 attorneys and 74 staff across its US and UK offices.

Seven of the lawyers are in the US, and the firm has targeted 9 in London for redundancy.

All of the affected associates are in the corporate and real estate practices.

The laid off employees will get severance and outplacement assistance.

Founded in 1877, Reed Smith LLP employs 1500 attorneys in 23 cities worldwide. The firm counsels 28 of the top 30 US banks, and 10 of the world’s 12 largest pharmaceutical companies. In addition to the United States, Reed Smith has offices in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Dentons Cuts 37 Lawyers, 39 Staff

Erik Even — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:42:44 +0000

Denton Wilde Sapte has cut 37 lawyers and 39 staff.

The redundancy process was completed last week, after a consultation with 80 staff members in the firm’s London and Milton Keynes offices.

Dentons says half of the redundancies were voluntary. Three staff members kept their jobs after agreeing to take a six-month sabbatical, and one employee switched jobs.

Laid-off staff will be offered an “enhanced” redundancy package, as well as assistance in training costs and career counseling.

Denton Wilde Sapte LLP, or Dentons, is a law firm headquartered in the City of London that employs over 600 lawyers.

Allen & Overy Announces Redundancy Criteria

Erik Even — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:50:06 +0000

The UK’s Allen & Overy, which announced in February its plan to lay off 450 jobs, has informed staff of its redundancy criteria.

The firm has identified seven criteria: individual performance, business, sickness (!), disciplinary record, versatility, contribution and potential.

Details were hammered out last week after consultation with the firm’s 13 employee representatives.

As for redundancy packages, associate salaries will continue up until the end of May, with the firm paying individuals up to three and a half weeks per completed year of service up to a maximum lump sum of 52 weeks.

The firm will additionally award staff an additional discretionary lump sum depending on seniority.

Recently DLA Piper attorneys were angered when that firm announced it was using illness as a criterion for layoffs.

Founded in 1930, Allen & Overy has approximately 5,500 staff and 31 offices worldwide. It is part of the Magic Circle of London-based law firms.

Sughrue Mion Fires Incoming Associates, Cancels Summer Program

Erik Even — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:01:31 +0000

Washington DC-based intellectual property firm Sughrue Mion has fired a third of its incoming first year class, and canceled its 2009 summer associate program.

The incoming first years received a $5,000 severance payment.

If you have any details about these firings, please let us know.

Sughrue is one of the largest full service intellectual property practices in the United States, with offices in Washington, DC; Menlo Park, California; and Tokyo. The firm has a nanotechnology practice — maybe they plan to sue the gray goo.

Baker Botts Lays Off Attorneys

Erik Even — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:49:56 +0000

Baker Botts has laid off a number of attorneys today, but refuses to reveal numbers.

The fired attorneys are being offered a three-month severance package.

The firm imposed a hiring freeze last year.

Do you know how many people Baker Botts laid off today? Send us a confidential tip!

Founded in 1840 in the Republic of Texas, Baker Botts LLP is an international law firm of around 800 attorneys. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the firm has a major list of energy related clients.

Winstead Cancels 2009 Summer Program

Erik Even — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:30:05 +0000

Winstead PC, a Texas law firm with seven offices, has canceled its 2009 summer associate program.

The Am Law 200 firm is offering $5,000 each to the 2Ls who are left without summer employment.

Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and in Washington, DC.

Sidley Austin Lays Off 89 Attorneys, 140 Staff

Erik Even — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:19:47 +0000

Looks like we spoke too soon.

From Sidley Austin:

In addition to routine departures, 89 associates and staff attorneys and approximately 140 staff in our U.S. offices have been told their jobs are being eliminated. We have provided these lawyers and staff with financial and other assistance to help with their transitions. All affected individuals have been notified. The London office has also today announced a period of redundancy consultation.

Sidley Austin LLP, formerly known as Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP, is one of the oldest law firms in the world. It is the sixth-largest US-based corporate law firm with over 1,800 lawyers, annual revenues of more than one billion dollars, and offices in 16 cities worldwide.

DLA Piper Lawyers Angry Over Severance

Erik Even — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:19:10 +0000

An internal document leaked to the press reveals that DLA Piper lawyers in the UK are angry over the severance package being offered to redundant attorneys.

The firm launched its second UK redundancy consultation in February, with up to 80 lawyers and more than 100 support staff targeted.

Employee representatives believe the severance package is less that what laid off attorneys are receiving st comparable UK firms.

Those DLA Piper lawyers volunteering for redundancy will be paid up to 20th March, and then receive their contractual notice period plus one month’s pay. Those that have been with the firm for at least two years will also receive statutory redundancy equating to one week’s pay for each year’s service, capped at £350 ($483) a week. Those not volunteering receive the same package without the additional month’s pay.

By comparison, Linklaters is offering three weeks’ pay for every year with the firm, plus three months’ notice.

DLA Piper HR manager Helen Waterson reportedly told the representatives, “The firm has made its decision – to say ‘increase the package’ is not constructive as we’ve said that isn’t an option.”

The document reveals that 7% to 8% of its partnership has recently left the firm. Since the London office implemented a recruitment freeze last June, it has seen only 37 hires, despite the loss of 145 employees.

We previously reported anger at DLA Piper over redundancy criteria that included severe penalties for taking sick days.

DLA Piper is one of the largest law firms in the world, with more than 3,700 lawyers in 28 countries and 66 offices throughout the world.

Update: Chadbourne & Parke Lays Off 25 Lawyers

Erik Even — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:55:03 +0000

Chadbourne & Parke has confirmed that the firm laid off 25 associates and counsel across its 13 offices worldwide today.

The associates affected were primarily in the firm’s transactional practices. All those laid off have been informed, and will be privately offered severance packages.

Chadbourne is delaying the start date for its incoming associate class until January 2010. The 28 associates affected will receive a $13,000 stipend to cover bar preparation costs and other expenses.

The firm does not anticipate any more layoffs.

Chadbourne & Parke LLP has some 400 lawyers and tax advisers in 13 offices in nine countries.

Venable Announces Layoffs

Erik Even — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:18:08 +0000

Baltimore’s Venable has announced layoffs.

From the official email announcement:

We understand that communicating this action by email is not ideal. However, it is important that you know of the Firm’s action as soon as possible.

Approximately 3% of our attorneys (16), 8% of our full time staff (43), and 7% of our paralegals (5) will be directly impacted. The individuals who are subject to the layoff are being offered severance packages, as well as professional assistance in locating new employment. As part of the severance package, the Firm is offering health care coverage that will be paid by the Firm through June 30, 2009. We ask that you provide our colleagues who are affected by today’s action the respect and compassion that they need in this difficult time.

For the innumerate, that’s 64 people laid off.

Also:

Venable will also delay the start of the incoming class of first year associates from September 2009 to January 4, 2010. The Firm will pay for the costs associated with preparation for, and the taking of, the Bar exam. In addition, the Firm will provide our incoming class with a $10,000 stipend in September 2009.

Venable LLP is a law firm, formerly known as Venable, Baetjer & Howard LLP. It was founded in Baltimore in the post-Civil War period. Today the firm maintains six Northeastern US offices and specializes in patent litigation, labor and employment law and white collar investigations. Venable employs nearly 600 attorneys.

White & Case Lays Off 400

Erik Even — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:27:39 +0000

White & Case announced today it will lay off 200 associates and 200 staffers.

From the official announcement:

Following a thorough, strategic review of its business, White & Case LLP announced today a number of measures that will allow the Firm to respond to changing demand in the market for legal services.

These actions include an evaluation of its partnership, which will result in a reduction in the number of partners, commensurate with current and anticipated business needs.

The Firm is also implementing a global workforce reduction of about 200 associates and 200 administrative and business support staff. These reductions will vary by region and practice, based upon the needs of the business. In accordance with local labor laws, the Firm will follow a consultative process in some offices. Those affected will be offered a competitive severance package, as well as other support services to assist them through this transition.

In addition, the Firm is deferring the start date of approximately 60% of this year’s incoming associate class in the US until 2010. Incoming associates who are not deferred will join the Firm on November 2, 2009.

White & Case LLP is a leading global law firm with 2,300 lawyers in 38 offices in 25 countries, and a total staff of more than 4,800. It was founded in New York in 1901.

The American Lawyer ranked the firm sixth by revenue in the US in its annual Am Law 100 financial survey for 2007.

Update: Akin Gump Cuts 47 Associates, 57 Staff

Erik Even — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:03:52 +0000

Once again, the rumors are true.

Akin Gump is laying off 47 associates and 57 paralegals and staff.

The firm will be offering “comprehensive severance packages,” including outplacement services.

In January, Akin Gump laid off 65 staff members in its US offices.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP was founded in Dallas in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump. The firm now numbers more than 900 attorneys and advisors in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.