Howrey LLP, Layoffs

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Howrey Lets Ten People Go for 'Performance'

By  
on

The ATL inbox has been buzzing with layoff news about Howrey. Could it be that another firm that recently picked up a bunch of partners from a dissolved firm could be laying people off? Would former-Thelen chief Stephen O’Neal’s new firm cut associates so soon after his arrival?

Today, a firm spokesperson told us:

As we have stated on several occasions, unlike many firms, Howrey is not laying off lawyers or staff.

As in every year, there is an outplacement of some associates based on performance issues. This year, as in previous years, this involves approximately ten associates and occurs only after an exhaustive evaluation process and review. The information that you received is incorrect and has mischaracterized this as layoffs.

Howrey is enjoying a strong year. You should also note that unlike many other firms, we are not rescinding or delaying offers to first years. Our Associate Development program remains robust and on track.

After the jump … what does that mean exactly?


This is certainly a new wrinkle to the way layoffs have been handled by law firms. We’ve seen firms that come out and announce that they are laying off people due to economic factors, and we’ve seen firms lay people off stealthily “for performance” and try to keep it quiet.

But here Howrey is announcing attorney reductions, but using all of the language that usually accompanies stealth layoffs.

Does anybody have a thought on what we should call this maneuver? Please share your naming conventions in the comments.

Sponsored

Regardless of what Howrey wants to call it, or what readers want to call it, or what I think it should be called, the bottom line is that there are a number of Howrey associates that are now out on the street. These people had jobs, and now they don’t. Last year, that might have been annoying. This year, it’s crippling.

Welcome to the party freshly unemployed former-Howrey associates. I’ll tap another keg.

Earlier: Howrey and Reed Smith: Latest Beneficiaries of Thelen’s Shutdown

Prior ATL coverage of layoffs

Sponsored

Topics