Nationwide Layoff Watch: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge

onMarch 17, 2008 at 3:00 PM

We have confirmed the rumor of layoffs last week at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge. Here is what we know:

1. Layoffs did take place at EAPD last week. The number of associates who were laid off was “less than ten,” according to management.

2. Management gave assurances that there will be no more terminations (although they also stated that they could have made deeper cuts than they actually did).

3. The firm posted the following on the intranet, and sent associates a link to the posting: “Although the firm grew in 2007, we did not grow as much as our staffing grew… As a result, today we undertook the very difficult process of eliminating a small number of attorney and staff positions. The decision to let go personnel was very difficult, but necessary given the changes in the economy over the past several months. We believe that these steps ensure that we will remain a strong, successful firm.

(Our source observes: “I’m not sure why they would post it on a website other than to make it difficult to forward.”)

4. Management downplayed the impact of partner John Hooper’s departure.

5. Most people do not know the individuals terminated and the departments affected, although litigation is rumored to have taken the brunt of it.

Here is, by our count, the list of firms that have openly acknowledged layoffs or “layoff-esque” personnel moves (e.g., buyouts of the “leave or you’ll probably be laid off” variety): Cadwalader, Clifford Chance, Dechert, Edwards Angell, McKee Nelson, and Thacher Proffitt.
If we’re missing a firm, please email us. Please include some documentation of the firm acknowledging the layoff or other personnel action, internal or external (e.g., an email from firm management, a link to a news article, etc.). Thanks.
Update: Confirmation and additional information from TheLawyer.com.
Earlier: What’s Going on at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge?
Edwards Angell UK escapes layoffs [The Lawyer]