Pierce Atwood, the largest law firm in Maine, laid off 21 employees last week, including seven attorneys and 14 staff members, according to Gloria Pinza, the law firm’s managing partner.
The laid-off attorneys were based in the firm’s Portland, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire offices. The 14 staff members were in its Portland, Portsmouth and Augusta, Maine offices.
Pinza said the law firm is hiring three new attorneys at its Boston office in February, and that in March it will open a new office in Providence, Rhode Island, with two new attorneys. Despite the economic climate, Pinza said the law firm sees some opportunities to grow in those markets.
Pierce Atwood also maintains offices in Concord, New Hampshire; Stockholm, Sweden; and Washington, DC.