Staff Layoffs at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Is there a pattern developing in Pittsburgh? A few weeks ago we reported that K&L Gates laid off a number of staff. Today, Gina Passarella of the Legal Intelligencer reports that another Pittsburgh powerhouse, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, laid off between 15 and 25 support staffers.
Buchanan Ingersoll CEO Thomas L. VanKirk confirmed the cuts. But in a move that makes a mockery of the English language, VanKirk refused to call the layoffs, “layoffs.” Instead:
VanKirk said that the cuts were not layoffs, but that the positions were being eliminated in order for the firm to get more in line with its goal of a 3-1 lawyer-to-secretary ratio.
???
Here are some links for Mr. VanKirk, provided free of charge:
And of course: Layoff
Did your employees want to continue working at your firm? Are they currently allowed to do so? Do you have the slightest idea of what a moral and ethical principle is? Do you?
Having destroyed his own credibility, let’s see what else Mr. VanKirk has to say — after the jump.
Just to be sure that we are all on the same page, even VanKirk admits that the — negative workforce outcomes — had nothing to do with the actual performance of his former employees:
VanKirk emphasized that the cuts had nothing to do with performance issues. “There will be people … who will be eliminated who are very, very good employees and valuable contributors,” he said.
Okay. So they are cutting staff. And those employees did nothing wrong. But don’t you think for a second that this had anything to do with the “economy.”
Buchanan Ingersoll hasn’t been as negatively affected by the downturn in the economy, he said, as firms with a heavy focus on derivatives or collateralized debt obligations, for example.
But …
But VanKirk said the firm plans to use the economic downturn as a way to not carry extra employees. In a strong economy, having extra staff is a luxury, he said, but firms need to take a harder look during down cycles.
So are we supposed to believe that Buchanan Ingersoll was “carrying extra employees” during the good times just for fun? It took a global financial crisis for the firm to say “Ummm, who are these people? Do we pay them? Why?”
There’s good management, there’s bad management, and then there’s “The Bobs.”
There is a good chance that Thomas Lumberg VanKirk doesn’t know the difference.
Buchanan Ingersoll to Cut Legal Secretaries, Administrative Staff [Law.com]
Earlier: Staff Layoffs at K&L Gates
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Comments
FIRST
Im FIRST WHORES and who the fuck gives a crap about a TTT firm in a TTT location?
Actually, I always thought that the term 'layoff' meant that there was a likelihood that the employee would be reinstated when business picks back up.
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2 - you are a punk and don't deserve a job
I have to say, Mystal you are on a roll. Keep it up.
They just fixed the glitch.
I would have thought firms in markets such as Pittsburgh, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, Columbus, and Indianapolis would have faired better than NYC, Charlotte, LA or other high-fying cities that aren't used to economic slowdown or job losses on "main street." Firms in Michigan have been dealing with economic turmoil for years now and should already be staffed and priced to deal accordingly.
I would have thought firms in markets such as Pittsburgh, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, Columbus, and Indianapolis would have faired better than NYC, Charlotte, LA or other high-fying cities that aren't used to economic slowdown or job losses on "main street." Firms in Michigan have been dealing with economic turmoil for years now and should already be staffed and priced to deal accordingly.
....so we're not going to fire you during the good times when you can find another job, but now that the economy is in the crapper and there is no possibility for you to find other employment we're going to ask you to leave...nice logic.
Not to defend 2, but this news is certainly nothing to be heated about. A "satellite" office of a decent sized firm is laying off staff...As long as they manage to keep all their attorneys throughout all this mess it is definitely a sign that they are standing strong.
Sure it sucks that certain support staffers are being trampled on but it's definitely not the worst thing that could happen...
2 - Are you a 3 year old? This blog is for the legal community at large. Grow up and stop whining like a little girl.
Mystal to 190!
Thomas L. VanKirk is clueless. The firm was cheap even before the economy tanked. For e.g., only 11% of associates get any type bonus; end of the year raises aren't guaranteed and can be as low as $3k or even $0; etc... the firings haven't killed moral - you can't kill something that's already dead.
Thomas L. VanKirk is clueless. The firm was cheap even before the economy tanked. For e.g., only 11% of associates get any type bonus; end of the year raises aren't guaranteed and can be as low as $3k or even $0; etc... the firings haven't killed moral - you can't kill something that's already dead.
2 = CLS 2L Stud
"But in a move that makes a mockery of the English language"
Really??? Have you even read your own posts lately? Pot, I would like you to meet Kettle.
ROLL TIDE ROLL
It's IRRRRN BOWL WEEK
HEY AUBURN RAMMER JAMMER
I agree with 2. And 13, this blog is about BigLaw not Medium or Smalllaw, you TTT loser.
ok, so no matter what a firm says about layoffs, elie is going to sound indignant? vankirk sounds like a businessman. i think that characterizing staff as "very, very good employees and valuable contributors" is about as good as it's going to get when you're downsizing in a "down cycle." instead of ranting every time a firm announces layoffs, maybe elie should look at lat's post when thacher proffitt confirmed layoffs last year.
-former thacher proffitt associate
Layoffs?!? Don't talk about layoffs! You kidding me? Layoffs?!?! I just hope we can keep the firm.
20 - you sound like a college freshman.
20 - Enjoy your decade in the dungeon of Big Law.
I have never heard of this firm, ergo it is worTTThless. They probably recruit aggressively at GULC.
-GW1L
p.s. In all honesty, I'm really shocked. I was under the impression that PiTTTsburg was a booming legal market with professionals whose intellectual prowess was surpassed only by their drive to be on the cutting edge. Can we just give PA to Canada or something?
"the firm plans to use the economic downturn as a way to not carry extra employees"
Yeah, sounds like layoffs.
I'd take Pittsburgh over a toilet like Dallas or Houston any day.
20 - to clarify, it's called Above the Law: A Legal Tabloid. You can infer that this is blog is strictly designed for BigLaw if that is your perogative. But you would be incorrect.
I bet you have an enormous penis.
VanKirk went to Penn State Law hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahhaahhahahahaha
could have guessed it
There are law firms in Pittsburgh?
Every time Obama opens his mouth the Dow drops 100 points. STFU Obama!
Seriously, who the fuck cares? STAFF LAYOFFS in a random firm in a random location? Wow. Let me set up my BULLSHIT NEWS RSS FEED STAT.
27 - you've got to be kidding me. Houston at least has some diversity. Pittsburgh has nothing but a bunch of fat, ugly, inbred honkies. Oh yeah and those lovely winters.
ROONEY? EDWARD ROONEY? This Sloane Peterson's Father. Do you hear me ROONEY?
Who cares about PiTTTsburgh and layoffs of people who provided no value anyway? Most staff attorneys are about as intelligent and useful as the hobos that smell up the streets around my high-rise apartment building.
Staff attorneys and non-NYC firms are TTT. Period. End of discussion.
35 - Hell is waiting for you. Period. End of discussion.
unionize
Is this a real law firm or a made-up law firm because MysTTTTTTTTTTal has nothing else to write about?
3 to 1 ratios. We are 6 to 1
It's not just a PiTTTsburgh law firm. They have office throughout the country, all of whom are in serious trouble. One of their California offices has already closed. 90% of their Miami office has left. The NY office has already seen it's intellectual property department, and corporate department leave. Problems, problems, problems.
If it makes some of you feel better about yourselves to insist that law is all about top ten law schools and douchebags in expensive suits sitting in NY offices, then I guess it's what you have to do to justify your miserable existence. I live in Pittsburgh, do good work and am happy with the legal services I provide. Geez.
If it makes some of you feel better about yourselves to insist that law is all about top ten law schools and douchebags in expensive suits sitting in NY offices, then I guess it's what you have to do to justify your miserable existence. I live in Pittsburgh, do good work and am happy with the legal services I provide. Geez.
Number 41 (and 42) - are you Van Kirk? Hee hee.
but what i want to know is what S&C will do about bonuses.
Take that, city of Pittsburgh! ATL commenters are not convinced of your value as a place! They even mock your name with esoteric acronyms understood by people who read law message boards! Woe unto you, Pittsburgh, for you have been served.
It amazes me that people hate on other cities not named NYC. Who gives a sh$$ where the firm is or who is being laid off. Isn't it enough that people in the legal profession are being laid off? I would hate for anyone to be in the position that these people are in and I hope that some of the people crapping on staff attorneys, support staff, attorneys in non-NYC markets realize that they may be next. Show some compassion people. We are in a difficult time.
- NYC associate at a v-5 firm.
nice try 22, but the Jim Mora thing has been used up, kinda like your mom.
For all the haters: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/11/pittsburghs_renaissance_holds.html
Elie, I gotta be honest man, I'm kind of digging the Olbermann-esque accusatory tone in these layoff articles. Keep up the good work.
39: 6:1? Why have support staff in the first place, doesn't appear to be a need. Or, could that be the real reason you aren't getting any legal work accomplished... too busy with the backlog of administrative work? When firms realize the value of its staff and supportive services like years ago, things will come full circle AGAIN. How do you think the Senior Partners made senior partners and became the elites of the firm? When they were properly supported there was time for business development and the practice of law.
40--That's old news. They got rid of people in CA and FL who weren't bringing in any money months ago. Which is what everyone is doing now, so what's the big deal? It's a PA firm and they're fine in PA. And I know PA is a TTT and all that stuff, but they're fine.
Pittsburgh was Mr. Roger's neighborhood. Show some respect.
Who cares what words they use to describe it? Ok, so they didn't use the word "layoff." Shoot them.
I haven't read through all the posts, so maybe already said something similiar to this, but...any city that cheers for the $h!tsburgh Squeelers can't be economically viable in the 21st century.
J-E-T-S. Bretts. Bretts. Bretts.
scotus blog says breyer hired yale 08 clerk -- who is it? kristen?
47 - Eh, I tried. I don't follow the comments that closely. I appreciate the irony of using a "your mom" joke to tell me the comment was played out though.
I think everyone is a little too harsh on the PA market. Granted, it's not NYC. But there are a few major players that are headquartered in PA (Morgan, Dechert, Reed), all of which have international reputations. While these firms may be "TTT" compared to Cravath and Skadden, they are certainly nothing to sneeze at. So lets get a clue folks, this isn't Idaho we're talking about here.
51 -- They didn't get rid of their Miami office, their Miami office got rid of them by leaving Buchanan and joining the Miami office of Foley & Lardner. Similarly, the intellectual property department left Buchanan's New York office and went to Vinson & Elkins, and NY's corporate department went to Crowell & Moring. This isn't "old news," this is a trend. Those that can leave are fleeing, those who can't (i.e. you) are stuck on the Titanic.
Pittsburgh>Dalas>Tallahassee>Flint Michigan
BI's been going down the crapper since they merged with Klett Rooney (yes, the Rooneys of the Pittsburgh Steeler ownership) a few years ago. The merge didn't go well, lots of partners left, and likely a lot of revenue. I hear that there's still a ton of in fighting.
Though doing this right before the holidays is truly bad form in a city like this.
RoooneEEEEY!!
I think everyone is a little too harsh on the PA market. Granted, it's not NYC. But there are a few major players that are headquartered in PA (Morgan, Dechert, Reed), all of which have international reputations. While these firms may be "TTT" compared to Cravath and Skadden, they are certainly nothing to sneeze at. So lets get a clue folks, this isn't Idaho we're talking about here.
I think everyone is a little too harsh on the PA market. Granted, it's not NYC. But there are a few major players that are headquartered in PA (Morgan, Dechert, Reed), all of which have international reputations. While these firms may be "TTT" compared to Cravath and Skadden, they are certainly nothing to sneeze at. So lets get a clue folks, this isn't Idaho we're talking about here.
58--I said it was old news because most of that happened in August and it is now late November. Nothing has happened since then in re attorneys. Further, Miami was tiny; intellectual property attorneys are always jumping to other firms; and the corporate people left over a year ago. Recently, they've added people like Jon Plebani, who could bring in a lot of work with his Obama connections. Things might not be rosy (find me a firm that is), but it's not the Titanic.
63 - Are you for real? You just lost the former head of Intellectual Property at Skadden who was at your firm for only a year and your response is that "intellectual property attorneys are always jumping to other firms." That's a huge hit you guys took. And your NY office only gave an offer to one of the the five summer associates you had. Is that something that "always" happens? I think this is the third negative article ATL had about Buchanan Ingersoll in the past four months. Is that something that "always" happens... actaully, it does seem that there are "always" negative arTTTicles about your firm.
64 - Are you for real? You just lost the former head of Intellectual Property at Skadden who was at your firm for only a year and your response is that "intellectual property attorneys are always jumping to other firms." That's a huge hit you guys took. And your NY office only gave an offer to one of the the five summer associates you had. Is that something that "always" happens? I think this is the third negative article ATL had about Buchanan Ingersoll in the past four months. Is that something that "always" happens... actaully, it does seem that there are "always" negative arTTTicles about your firm.
two firms do not make a "pattern"
I can't believe this VanKirk actually thought it would sound better to say "We're not being hurt by the economic downturn, but we're going to use it as an excuse to fire people anyway" than to say the firm was engaging in layoffs.
Why exactly is announcing (the week of Thanksgiving) that you're being a dick for no reason a good thing?
Its like announcing that despite the rise in candy prices, you can afford to buy a lollipop, but you're going to steal one from a small child anyway and just blame it on the rise in prices.
I had a call back at this office, although the pay scale seemed a little weak, the people there seemed nice enough . . . especially compared to the Pittsburgh Jones Day office.
can someone please explain what TTT stands for?
69 - Don't take this the wrong way but if you go to Buchanan Ingersoll over Jones Day you're a moron.
can someone please explain what TTT stands for?
Third Tier - as in 3 T's - as in TTT. If you couldn't have figured that out yourself you clearly went to a TTT school.
71--I went to neither, but I would not have been a moron for choosing BI over Jones Day. Both firms pay a princely sum when one takes into account Pittsburgh's cost of living.
can someone please explain what TTT stands for?
TTT = third tier toilet
74 - Who cares about the pay. It's job stability you should be concerned with. Buchanan has more turn over than a pancake and is viewed nationally as a TTT. Jones Day is a top-of-the-line firm that you could have used a jumping point for your career should you decide to leave.
Call me silly, but I think it's a lot safer working for Scranton's Dunder Mifflin law firm instead of Pittsburgh's Buchanan Ingersoll.
TTT = TexasTexasTexas or Touro Touro Touro!
Jones Day isn't a "top of the line" firm. Sure, if you went to a TTT, you might view it as a "top of the line firm." However, if working at Cravath or Wachtell is like eating at Per Se, working at Jones Day is like eating at Morton's. A solid, decent, consistent firm, but not truly exceptional. Plus, you get treated as poorly at Jones Day as you would at Skadden, so, again, unless you went to a TTT, it's not a place you strive for.
Jones Day isn't a "top of the line" firm. Sure, if you went to a TTT, you might view it as a "top of the line firm." However, if working at Cravath or Wachtell is like eating at Per Se, working at Jones Day is like eating at Morton's. A solid, decent, consistent firm, but not truly exceptional. Plus, you get treated as poorly at Jones Day as you would at Skadden, so, again, unless you went to a TTT, it's not a place you strive for.
If Jones Day is like eating at Morton's than Buchanan Ingersoll is like eating at a Soup Kitchen.
80-81 - You're a sad little monkey.
"VanKirk said that the cuts were not layoffs, but that the positions were being eliminated in order for the firm to get more in line with its goal of a 3-1 lawyer-to-secretary ratio."
UH? Haven't most firms been on the 3-1 [at least] lawyer-to-secretary ratio since the late 1980's?
Late 80s?? Those were days of 1:1. Think that 3:1 became more the norm after tech bust.
83 - TTT has 3 Ts in it, where as the words Third Tier only have two. Try adding the last word of the acronym when condescending to someone about what it stands for next TTTime (couldn't resist)
86 here
that should have been directed at 73.
86 - you're an idiot. It's not an acronym, it's an abreviation. T= teir. Three "T"s means third. Put it together and you get: TTT.
Sincerly,
#73
73/88- You need to laern to spel.
"Abbreviation"
"Tier"
People from my high school chose Pittsburgh firms over NYC v5 firms all the time. It was no big deal.
I hope the people who rant about "BigLaw only" (#2) get a BIG awakening soon. You are the people that make lawyers seem like such pompous jerks. I see you in the cafeteria, doing work on a Friday night. Putting up cheesy law "jokes" as away messages. Your life sucks. Your e-hate is all you got. Bye.
-a humble biglaw esq
35- Were you raised by a pack of wild dogs?
Arrogant piece of shit.
88 - you're probably just baiting, but I can't resist. Jesus Christ, you're a fucking idiot. You should quit immediately before you get too near a motion, client, colleague, or anything else of signficance.
- not 86
45 - hilarious
Wait, Andy Rooney laid off some of his 60 minutes staffers? Jesus, the economy really is tanking.
http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/h/a/a02952.html
hail to 58 - this is the same firm and MP who failed in london, Dublin, NY, Cal & Miami. What do you expect!
51
what do you call a firm that lost its entire princeton corp practice and Miami office and has closed offices in cleveland, N Virginia, N Cal , London KY . Failure!
the firm is plagued with dead wood. unfortunately, they are they ones in charge
16 looks like you got turned down Buchanan, have fun practicing mickey mouse law
staff firings at buchanan continue despite denial; the associates were told no bonuses for 2008; no money; even though bonuses are not paid until March.
I note that BI announced more layoffs today. It should appear in the Legal on the 2/20.
As a former BI lawyer, I think the reference in this post to Vankirk as Lumberg is dead on. When I read it, I laughed so hard I cried.
Yes. BI&R dropped the hammer again. Coverage in the Post Gazette.