Layoffs, Sonnenschein

Nationwide Layoff Watch: The Sun Is Not Shining At Sonnenschein

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Today is not a good day to be Carlo Rizzi. We’re getting word that Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal is laying off a bunch of attorneys and staff today. The big number we are hearing is that 60 associates and staff are out of jobs.

According to one tipster, the layoffs are being carried out nationwide, with no input from local offices.

However you slice it, 60 is a huge number. Sonnenschein didn’t exactly deny these reports. A firm spokesperson told us:

We look at staffing levels around this time every year as part of our budget and practice planning processes, and it is not unusual for us to make adjustments. While we understand that rumors such as the one you are reporting about Sonnenschein and multiple other law firms are circulating, we have nothing to add at this time.

More on Sonnenchein’s layoffs after the jump.


We expect Sonnenschein to be cautious when it comes to press inquires about layoffs. You’ll remember that last time the firm took some heat for their non-existent severance packages.

According to a tipster, this year’s severance package will be similar to what happened before:

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[Y]ou are still on the payroll until the end of the year but you are “required” to “work” (whatever that means, as they never really fleshed that out then or now). I suspect it is to mitigate their losses as people find other work and also to keep people in check while they are still getting paid.

Good luck to everybody out there suffering from a dreaded “October Surprise.” Spend some time with the family, take a mini-vacation, and then get right back on the horse. Layoffs are the definition of a “it’s not you, it’s me” break-up.

Update: The firm has confirmed that there were layoffs. More details here.

Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: No Severance at Sonnenschein? Elliott Portnoy to WSJ: It’s all about the benjamins, baby.

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