Layoffs, Wildman Harrold

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Wildman Harrold Makes Deep Cuts

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Wildman Harrold, a Chicago based law firm of over 200 lawyers (and an ATL commenter favorite) has laid off 10 lawyers.

The firm has confirmed that there were “approximately” 5 income partners and 5 associates let go. Our tipsters also report that eight staffers were also let go, but the firm did not confirm that information.

One tipster reports that Wildman’s managing partner had previously promised that there would be no layoffs at the firm:

The Managing Partner, Robert Shuftan, assured associates a month and a half ago that the firm would not be conducting layoffs unless something “catastrophic’ happened to the firm.

Another tipster reports:

The laid off attorneys were told that the moves were necessary because of the current economic climate.

But the firm contends that the layoffs were part of its annual review process.

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Read the full firm statement after the jump.


Wildman Harrold gave ATL the following statement concerning the firm’s attorney reductions:

The firm regularly assesses its personnel and makes ongoing adjustments. This is a standard process that we focus on at the conclusion of each year. Obviously the current economic conditions bring heightened attention to these otherwise normal business processes. There are approximately 5 income partners and 5 associates who will be transitioning out of the firm during the next several months. At the same time, we have 7 attorneys joining our firm this month – 3 partners who were announced this week; 4 associates who will be announced later this month. None of these changes are specific to a practice area. It is part of the annual review process.

However, another tipster reports some interesting demographic information:

It’s also worth noting that the 4 associates were all minority attorneys, so about a third of the minority attorneys at the firm are now gone.

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As ATL commenters have been saying: “Nobody is safe.”

Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of law firm layoffs

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