1

1

Three days before Christmas? Couldn't they have pulled up and crashed into the mountain a couple days later?

Shit, that sucks. Goodluck to all those affected.

Thank God I live in Texas where people treat each other with respect and civility. The barbarians in the North are an embarrassment.

Elie to the bucket of fried chicken in front of him:

BITCH SPREAD THE BUTT CHEEKS SO I CAN SMELL THE JUICY INSIDES!!!

c ya TTTPW

Who are some of their big clients? (Besides the US Treasury)

Next up: Latham

Sonnenschein did what they could. Thank God some peoples asses were saved.

wow. just before Christmas? this sucks

Shouldn't have hired Loyola 2L.

This sucks! I feel so bad for all. God bless all those who were affected.

Hey MysTTTal, where is the retarded picture of a cat with some horrible caption under it?

where do you find such horrific photos? i'm not sure what upsets me more; that those photos exist at all or that you continue to post them thinking people like them.

here's a piece of advice: find the computer on which you store those pictures and bash your head against it until either the computer shatters into a thousand pieces or you knock yourself unconscious. whichever comes first will satisfy me.

MysTTTal, don't listen to 15, I like the cat photos.

Merry Christmas from MALDEF-LaRaza-AILA:

"Two Illegal Alien Kidnap, Rob American Woman"

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9559601&nav=0RaM

I hope a large firm in Texas burns to the ground Christmas day so all the Texas comments on this site will shut the fuck up. No one cares about Texas. Get over it.

UVA2L

Latham's next, but not fully. They are WAY too overextended at 2200 and rumor has it they are going to have to trim by several hundred

Holy shit... could these fucking TPW partners be any more pathetic? They fucked around with K&S for months, trying to wring more money out of them, and in the end the whole deal fell through. They had to crawl to Sonnenschein and get even less money, and had to get rid of most of their associates in the process. Not to mention that they themselves will be out of a job in the near future.

A 150 year old firm goes down the tubes because the partners weren't smart enough to diversify their shitty structured practice, and then weren't smart enough to merge with a good partner. Pathetic. Truly. Pathetic.

The only thing worse than Texas is Texans

Well tonight thank God it's them, instead of yooooouuuu

Elie-

Excellent grammar in this article, thank you for noticing our comments. I also second 16; keep the kitty pictures coming. They provide a healthy release of stress through laughter--unlike 15's passive-aggressive internet trolling.

"We can't emphasize how terrible we feel for the TPW litigators on their way out the door."

sigh. you mean that you can't emphasize ENOUGH how terrible you feel. Otherwise what you're saying doesn't make sense.

i think i may be dumb ... just e-mailed my resume to the Dreier LLP lateral recruting contact on their web page to see if they had any openings...

12:32 - The Lolcat pictures aren't Elie. They are from Justin Bernold. Learn to read a byline.

Latham's next, but not fully. They are WAY too overextended at 2200 and rumor has it they are going to have to trim by several hundred

Texas sucks.

I thought Sonnenschein and TPW finally made love?

18 -- Apparently, nobody cares about NY either, considering hundreds of lawyers will be jobless at Christmas.

THE CAT PHOTOS ARE BY JUSTIN BERNOLD, NOT ELIE.

Who are their big clients?

Wasted away again in Low-Pay Lathamville

Looked for my lost associate pay

Some people say that there's a recession to blame

But I know, its their own damn fault

Why so much hate for the Lone Star state?

33, spare a billable hour brother?

-Stub panhandling for work

To everyone at Thatcher who lost their jobs today, I'm so sorry for you. I was supposed to start at Thelen but was laid off when the firm dissolved. It's not an easy road out there, but take some time to enjoy your family and friends during the holidays and everything will be ok. Times are tough right now, but you're all good lawyers. Give it some time. You'll be ok.

If you ask for too big of a piece of the pie, you risk losing everything.

Was teh fall of this firm due entirely to a lack of practice area diversification?

Dear Spread the Buttcheeks guy: no one thinks you're funny. No one is grossed out. It's just like the 6 year old who just learned to say doodie. He thinks he is very daring and clever, as you probably do. But no one cares and it is an automatic scan over your post. You are not Count Layoffa. You are terrible.

i think it's admirable that the TPW partners who moved to sonnenschein brought their teams with them. even the sonnenschein press release notes that this was a priority for the partners that joined. it doesn't seem like partners at some other firms have made the same effort on behalf of their associates when leaving a sinking ship.

Terrible news for those lawyers. Be thankful if you have a job. And, for all the snobbery about firms and places outside of NYC, I would imagine there will be a lot of attorneys who will be looking to move.

Another former Thelenite here wishing the best to those at TPW. Good luck to you all.

De’Londa Brice: You cant do this to us! ‘Bey took the weight for all y’all.
Brianna Barksdale: And you’ve been amply compensated, but time moves on.
D: Not for ‘Bey it don’t.
B: What I meant to say is there’s no more money coming in. No more business. Avon is gone; so are his people.
D: Shiiiit, you seem to still be doing alright for yourself.
B: There’s nothing more I can do for you.
...
B: The thing is, I wanted you both to hear it from me. So there ain’t no more lies from here on in. She been paid enough over the last two years, that you should have enough money going forward, son. Your father has not been disrespected here. You both got what was coming. But ain’t nothing last forever.

Another former Thelenite here wishing the best to those at TPW. Good luck to you all.

BUTTCHEEKS GUY = Count Layoffula = Bucket of Suc

V&E 4y

39: They didn't take all their teams. All the remaining Lit partners left without taking a single associate from their department.

Dear Jones Day,

Where art thou compensation letters?!

Fuck you 33 I'm a veteran!

well then the remaining lit partners can suc a d

-39

@42 Snoop: Deserve ain't got nothin' to do with it, it's just his time, that's all.

This blog is gay.

the cat pictures are horrible and MysTTTal, as editor of the blog, is held responsible for the pictures posted on it. 16, et al. obviously went to hofsTTTra based on their feeble grasp on reality. i bet you, much like the cats you adore, are easily amused by balls of twine and shiny objects.

34, NAILED IT.

WEIL TO HALF SKADDEN.

ATL SCOOPED BY XOXO AGAIN

16 is a forty year old "of counsel" who hasn't been laid in five years and lost count of the number of cats she has at twenty.

What is an XOXO?

I hope a large firm in Texas burns to the ground Christmas day so all the Texas comments on this site will shut the fuck up. No one cares about Texas. Get over it.

UVA2L

16, 23, etc. -- you are obviously the group of aging women who sit in central park feeding the pigeons bread crumbs while pushing shopping carts full of aluminum cans. you should be ashamed of yourselves. as stated above by someone less retarded than yourselves, regardless of who posts the pictures Elie's rotund ass is the EIC of ATL and the blame for any putrid pictures falls squarely on his pudgy shoulders

- 15

42:

Associate: You cant do this to us! I worked 2500 hours last year for all y’all.
Partners: And you’ve been amply compensated, but time moves on.
A: Not for my 20s it don’t.
P: What I meant to say is there’s no more money coming in. No more business. Lehman is gone; so are its billables.
A: Shiiiit, your PPP still be doing alright for yourself.
B: There’s nothing more I can do for you.
...
B: The thing is, I wanted you to hear it from me. So there ain’t no more lies from here on in. You've been paid enough over the last two years, that you should have set something aside, son. But you chose to buy a $3000 television. You got what was coming when BigLaw was rolling. But ain’t nothing last forever.

I ran over a kitty Kat last Thursday night. It was kinda an accident in that I did not make any attempt to avoid running the little guy over.

20 - WELL SAID..You are right on the $$$

any word on the RE associates joining Donnie Brascoe at why did Dano and Lee get left out?

any word on the RE associates joining Donnie Brascoe at Sonny why did Dano and Lee get left out?

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there, I am deeply saddened by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed so full of promise, potential and enthusiasm. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a hard pill to swallow.

I met many close friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is simply awful. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice soon.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, to the extent that we can all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there, I am deeply saddened by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed so full of promise, potential and enthusiasm. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a hard pill to swallow.

I met many close friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is simply awful. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice soon.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, to the extent that we can all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there, I am deeply saddened by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed so full of promise, potential and enthusiasm. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a hard pill to swallow.

I met many close friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is simply awful. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice soon.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, to the extent that we can all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there, I am deeply saddened by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed so full of promise, potential and enthusiasm. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a hard pill to swallow.

I met many close friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is simply awful. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice soon.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, to the extent that we can all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

1. Heller
2. Thelen
3. Dreier
4. TPW
5. ______

You fill in the blank. Sadly, there are many more to come. Good luck to all. Before anyone chosse to belittle TPW and its partners, or the next firm that hits the dissolution skids, think about whether your firm could be that far removed from these problems.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there, I am deeply saddened by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed so full of promise, potential and enthusiasm. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a hard pill to swallow.

I met many close friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is simply awful. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice soon.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, to the extent that we can all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

WGWAG

Has anyone been an associate at TPW at the beginning of his/her legal career and gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there?

Yes, TPW's demise is sad for those who won't be heading to Sonneschein and yes, the timing seriously blows. But do you really think that this comes as a shock to the TPW people? The writing (in blood) has been on the wall for a while and only the most obstinate ostrich couldn't (or wouldn't) read it. At least they get some cover with WARN. Good luck to them and everyone else in a similar position.

70 - i think 63 has, but i'm not sure. he might have to post a clarification before i can be certain.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the bright, personable and hard-working attorneys there, I am deeply saddened by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed so full of promise, potential and enthusiasm. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a hard pill to swallow.

I met many close friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is simply awful. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice soon.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, to the extent that we can all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

22 - Good call. Why do we turn to god when bad things happen, but not blame him for the bad things happening? He doesn't give a shit. He's also imaginary.

From 68 - sorry about the multiple posts. My browser froze a few times after hitting the "Post Comment" button.

74 is emo

How ironic that the 2 groups so heavily invested in the CMBS debacle are the groups that end up with employment opportunity and the litigation and other groups are on the outside looking in.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the sniveling, lazy ass attorneys there, I am simply overjoyed by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed headed down this road, a potential train wreck. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a joy I never though I would experience.

I met many so called friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is reason to celebrate. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice their miserable skills.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, since we simply cannot all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Lawyers make bad businesspeople - plain and simple.

77-
Actually, even more strange, one of the groups being scooped up by SNR was an RMBS group - a subprime group, no less. Very strange. Why would SNR take on these groups of structured finance attorneys now?? This seems like a terrible business move, but they must have something in mind....

Awww, look at cute 'lil 18 thinking anyone cares what a 2L has to say.

If I was facing down >2000 hours and miserable winters for the rest of my life, I'd be bitter too.

On the other hand, it's 70 degrees here and I make the same salary for 200 fewer hours.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the sniveling, lazy ass attorneys there, I am simply overjoyed by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed headed down this road, a potential train wreck. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a joy I never though I would experience.

I met many so called friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is reason to celebrate. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice their miserable skills.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, since we simply cannot all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the sniveling, lazy ass attorneys there, I am simply overjoyed by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed headed down this road, a potential train wreck. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a joy I never though I would experience.

I met many so called friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is reason to celebrate. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice their miserable skills.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, since we simply cannot all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the sniveling, lazy ass attorneys there, I am simply overjoyed by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed headed down this road, a potential train wreck. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a joy I never though I would experience.

I met many so called friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is reason to celebrate. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice their miserable skills.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, since we simply cannot all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Having been an associate at TPW for the beginning of my legal career and having gotten to know the sniveling, lazy ass attorneys there, I am simply overjoyed by the seemingly inevitable dissolution of the firm. During my summer associateship at TPW, the firm seemed headed down this road, a potential train wreck. To see that culture's vehicle officially disband is a joy I never though I would experience.

I met many so called friends at TPW and the fact that some of them are contemplating unemployment during the holiday season is reason to celebrate. I wish the best of luck to all those who have found themselves on the outside of the Sonnenschein deal and hope that economic circumstances improve such that they will be able to find a place to practice their miserable skills.

The recent waves of dissolutions, bankruptcies and distressed mergers/acquisitions are a stark reminder of just how hard times have become. Now, more than any time in recent memory it is important to be thankful if we find ourselves in better circumstances. It is equally important to be supportive of those who do not. This is a difficult time for a lot of people.

So, since we simply cannot all set aside snarkiness, sniping comments and snide remarks, Happy Holidays and best wishes to those who are suffering through these hardships.

Heller Drone here and I am fired up. I was actually contacted by someone last week - anonymously - who spoke of her law firm going down the toilet soon. I surmised it was Thatcher and I think I am spot on in my analysis.

At this point, after having created a blog for Thelen yet still having Thelenites follow Heller Highwater, perhaps I just need a general, disgruntled, f*cked over ex-law firm employee blog to encompass all the other implosions bound to happen in 2009.

And I thought this was going to be a "quiet week!" I bet we'll see lots of stealth items firms try to sneak under the news radar. Like this one:

William Lea Sues Heller Ehrman

Outsourced office services provider claims $2.2 M in unpaid invoices and wants $373,000 in severance for its workers.

http://hellerdrone.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/williams-lea-sues-heller-ehrman/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI

What's happening to their summer associates from this past summer who got offers?

What's happening to their summer associates from this past summer who got offers?

*farts*

*shits*

aww yeah

What's happening with the support staff, word processing, finance, human resources, etc? or have they still not said anything directly?

"But do you really think that this comes as a shock to the TPW people? The writing (in blood) has been on the wall for a while and only the most obstinate ostrich couldn't (or wouldn't) read it."

Even if it's not a shock--and for the attorneys at Thelen it certainly was not--it's still surreal and very sad when it actually happens. And, sadder still, it actually *may* end up being a shock to many of the staff who remained blissfully unaware of the firm's dire circumstances (and blissfully unaware of this blog).

As for the erstwhile incoming summers, I can only urge them to touch base with the partners they got to know. A number of partners took '08 grads with them when Thelen imploded. Perhaps some TPW partners will do the same.

Good luck, everyone.

"But do you really think that this comes as a shock to the TPW people? The writing (in blood) has been on the wall for a while and only the most obstinate ostrich couldn't (or wouldn't) read it."

Even if it's not a shock--and for the attorneys at Thelen it certainly was not--it's still surreal and very sad when it actually happens. And, sadder still, it actually *may* end up being a shock to many of the staff who remained blissfully unaware of the firm's dire circumstances (and blissfully unaware of this blog).

As for the erstwhile incoming summers, I can only urge them to touch base with the partners they got to know. A number of partners took '08 grads with them when Thelen imploded. Perhaps some TPW partners will do the same.

Good luck, everyone.

"But do you really think that this comes as a shock to the TPW people? The writing (in blood) has been on the wall for a while and only the most obstinate ostrich couldn't (or wouldn't) read it."

Even if it's not a shock--and for the attorneys at Thelen it certainly was not--it's still surreal and very sad when it actually happens. And, sadder still, it actually *may* end up being a shock to many of the staff who remained blissfully unaware of the firm's dire circumstances (and blissfully unaware of this blog).

As for the erstwhile incoming summers, I can only urge them to touch base with the partners they got to know. A number of partners took '08 grads with them when Thelen imploded. Perhaps some TPW partners will do the same.

Good luck, everyone.

Stop with the double posts dumbshits. It makes Scotchy McTvet pissed.

o, and no one knows for sure who brasco is taking. May I inquire if you are from Cali or the Bronx?

89: "What's happening to their summer associates from this past summer who got offers?"

DING! Fag.

90: "What's happening to their summer associates from this past summer who got offers?"

DING! Fag.

93-95: I don't know, I usually get the dirt FROM the staff and support people at my firm. My secretary IS the grapevine and a damn good cultiverator she is.

97,

Kill self, fuck body etc.

93, I'm not sure where you're getting your info, but I'm an '08 grad who summered with Thelen in '07, and I was NOT taken along with my practice group to another firm. I also don't know of anyone in my summer class who was. We're still unemployed for the most part, and it's awful. No firms are hiring, as everyone who reads this blog regularly knows. Life sucks. Happy holidays.

92, see below:
"The deal Sonnenschein offered the Thacher lawyers, though, came off as much more appealing than the one King & Spalding had on the table. Sonnenschein was willing to hire 25 more lawyers than King & Spalding's latest offer, a source at Thacher says. Sonnenschein also was willing to hire more support staff, allowing Thacher to save more jobs."
http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdaily/2008/12/how-thacher-proffitt-came-to-an-end.html

100, in which office did you summer? Because I know for a fact that 3 of the SF '07 SAs landed with firms that took large groups of Thelen lawyers. I also know for a fact that inquiries were being made on behalf of others in that class, though those efforts have not yet been successful. I'm sincerely sorry things haven't yet worked out for you.

Sonneschein saves the day again. There are about 100 Thacher profit lawyers that owe Elliott a big f'ing Christmas present. And their support staff too.

I saw the inside workings of TPW as an associate several years ago too, and saw quite a few flies in the operations then that led me to make a quick exit. Many of those "flies" appear to have been shown the door in the interim, but that foundation sure seemed rickety. Those folks who were good back then look like they've found greener and higher quality pastures prior to the dissolution. Good for them.

Summered there. It's a piece of shit firm.

#67

fill-in the blank to 5. ______ Day Pitney LLP

FYI, the TPW company line about trying to keep the practice groups together is BS. That's what the partners are telling themselves in order to feel better about running the firm into the ground. Also, there has been no official associate or staff notification of the firm's demise or the terms of the Sonnenschein deal. Yes, we all saw it coming (and those of us who were lucky enough have already jumped ship), but I don't need to tell you about the state of the job market or the power of denial.

Are the TPW partners just walking away from their liabilities to their creditors? I hear the firm has an unbelievable amount of debt and very expensive office space that is leased for years to come...

108, yes.

Support Staff was told nothing officially until Personnel finally sent a memo out after 5 pm stating if they hadn't gotten to you yet to please stick around. At 5:45 another memo was sent asking people to come pick up their WARN letter in a conference room. Then the remainder of staff got to stand on a line in the hallway and wait to hear what their fate was, while some recruiting people laughed about it behind closed doors on the speaker phone. Apparently, they were supposed to have had this done and finished earlier in the day, but like all things at TPW lately the whole thing was handled very poorly. There's more than just one person in personnel who was in a position to handle this.

No concrete offer is on the table to staff, simply an offer of an offer. What if you don't find the coming offer acceptable, are you still eligible for the WARN coverage of salary and health insurance for 60 days?

89 & 90 = 2008 TPW Summer Associate

This is 108 - the 40 TPW partners going to Sonny should be ashamed of themselves. If they had any ethics or a sense of morality they wouldn't have abandoned their liabilities. Just disgusting.

Are the recruiting people at TPW getting the axe? After laughing about others being let go they deserve to be tossed out the door.

I heard that TPW fired every single first-year. That's cold.

TPW was my first firm. I have fond memories of the firm, its partners and my then fellow associates and staff. All top notch. I wish them all well, including those left behind by the others.

The greed of the departing Thacher partners is appalling. After destroying one of the country's oldest law firms, they're bolting out the door leaving the firm no option but to shut down. Shame on anyone who uses their services while they're at Sonnenschein.

It's interesting that not all of TPW's Structured Finance partners were given offers at Sonnenschein - including one who used to be the belle of the ball.

This is obviously just a misdirection, as we all know (thanks to Elie's a-one reporting) that Chicago firms are in much, much more trouble than NY or EsEff firms. I mean, look at the 2008 dissolution count--one EsEff firm, one NYC firm and one EsEff-NYC merger baby firm have dissolved and there must be dozens of Chicago firms that have dissolved--I lost count at zero.

The partners all signed personal guaranties at some point in their short lives in order to get the banks to extend credit further than past year. My guess is that their line got called on its normal yearly basis but TPW had to go into forebearance for a year, hence the guaranties.

So, most partners (including the departed) are out A) the equity contribution, B) pay for this year, C) whatever liabilities remain after the bank/firm liquidates its AR/assets. The bigger kick in the balls? I bet some of those partners took out personal loans to make their equity contribution, so they're doubly borked.

So, while I feel bad for the people who lost their jobs, the partners are all set to write a big check too. Since this was not a merger, SNR avoids the problem of lease/loan liability.

Alas, what will likely happen is SNR will take over payments to the bank for about a month while it evaluates its liabilities under the WARN act to the kicked TPW associates. Once it realizes it doesn't have to pay, SNR will cut WARN payments short much like those other firms.

Good luck and god bless TPW soldiers.

@117 - how do you know which TPW parters are not going to SNR?

120- its posted on Sonnenschein's site. In their press release- they list out all the partners moving. TPW's site still has their list of lawyers up.

SNR's lists almost all of the real estate partners - what happened to J. Dano and S. Lee? thought they would have taken the junior partners for sure since they did much of the leg work...when they had business.