Three groups of 21 associates will start in Fall 2009, March 2010 and Fall 2010. Associates can indicate which start date they prefer, but the firm will choose the groups.
The March 2010 deferrals will get $17,500; the Fall 2010 group will get $75,000. There is also a bar stipend.
Those deferred are expected to take public interest fellowships or positions.
The firm laid off 10 attorneys in February and 125 lawyers & staff in March.
Founded in 1975, Dechert LLP is an international law firm of more than 1,000 lawyers with top-ranked practices in corporate and securities, complex litigation, finance and real estate, and financial services and asset management.