Layoffs

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Seyfarth Shaw Lays Off 30 Attorneys

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The latest layoff news comes from Seyfarth Shaw. The firm’s Executive Committee sent around a firm-wide email this morning:

As part of our planning for 2009, we have reviewed our staffing in light of market conditions and expected client needs — for now and for the coming year. While we continue to anticipate a solid 2008, we believe there is a need to exercise prudent business judgment and respond to what economists predict will be a continued challenging economic climate in the year ahead.

One of the decisions we have made has been to reduce legal headcount by approximately 30 attorneys and other time keepers across our offices. We believe this is the best course of action for the Firm in light the economic downturn. These are very difficult decisions to make and, we know, hard news to learn.

It’s another classy letter that sends a clear signal to the legal community that former-Seyfarth associates were let go only because of the terrible economic climate that is hurting everyone.

As we understand it, the firm cuts hit the New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston offices.

We don’t know if this will have any impact on the long standing rumor of a merger between Seyfarth Shaw and Squire Sanders. But Seyfarth’s decision comes just two weeks after Squire Sanders announced layoffs of … 30 attorneys. Make of that what you will.

Read the full Seyfarth Shaw announcement after the jump.


SEYFARTH SHAW — MEMO — LAYOFFS

Sponsored

As part of our planning for 2009, we have reviewed our staffing in light of market conditions and expected client needs — for now and for the coming year. While we continue to anticipate a solid 2008, we believe there is a need to exercise prudent business judgment and respond to what economists predict will be a continued challenging economic climate in the year ahead.

One of the decisions we have made has been to reduce legal headcount by approximately 30 attorneys and other time keepers across our offices. We believe this is the best course of action for the Firm in light the economic downturn. These are very difficult decisions to make and, we know, hard news to learn.

We are working with each affected individual to help ease their transition. No business wants to lose talented people. We want to thank each and every person affected by this for their contributions.

We recognize the impact that tough economic news can have on each of us. In this challenging business environment, the best thing each of us can do is to focus on delivering the best service we can for our clients.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Office Managing Partner, Department Chair, or member of the Executive Committee.

Sponsored

Thank you.

Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: 30 Out At Squire Sanders

Law Firm Merger Mania: Seyfarth Shaw + Squire Sanders?

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