Layoffs

Nationwide Layoff Watch: DLA Piper Lays Off 180

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On Tuesday we told you that DLA Piper laid off 140 people in the U.K. At the time, we mentioned that the firm declined to comment on whether those cuts would be mirrored in the U.S. offices.

We think the firm just commented. A firm wide statement was just sent to DLA employees:

In light of the deepening economic downturn over the last number of months, we have carefully considered and reduced expenses across virtually all of our operations. While we had hoped for a rebound in economic activity, we believe that a major improvement in 2009 is increasingly unlikely. We value all of our people and are very grateful for their contributions to the firm, and we have worked hard to consider and employ every reasonable measure to avoid lawyer and staff reductions. Our business model factors in some normal attrition in a healthy economic climate, but we have not seen that in this deteriorating economic environment. Given this, and overall market conditions, we have concluded with deep regret that we must reduce our ranks by approximately 80 associates and 100 staff in the U.S..

We understand that a number of first year attorneys were part of today’s cuts.

Read the full DLA Piper statement after the jump.


DLA PIPER — STATEMENT — LAYOFFS

In light of the deepening economic downturn over the last number of months, we have carefully considered and reduced expenses across virtually all of our operations. While we had hoped for a rebound in economic activity, we believe that a major improvement in 2009 is increasingly unlikely. We value all of our people and are very grateful for their contributions to the firm, and we have worked hard to consider and employ every reasonable measure to avoid lawyer and staff reductions. Our business model factors in some normal attrition in a healthy economic climate, but we have not seen that in this deteriorating economic environment. Given this, and overall market conditions, we have concluded with deep regret that we must reduce our ranks by approximately 80 associates and 100 staff in the U.S..

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Our practice group leaders, office managing partners and senior administrative staff are meeting today with those directly affected to discuss the details of this decision. The firm will provide severance benefits, outplacement counseling and other resources to support their transition. We are making this announcement in order to make it clear that this reduction is based on the economic climate and does not reflect on the performance of those affected.

While we cannot predict the future with any certainty, we believe that this reduction will adjust staffing levels to match our current and anticipated workflow for the balance of the year, and allow the firm to ultimately emerge from the downturn in a strong competitive position.

We will be holding town hall meetings in each office on Friday to provide each of you with an opportunity to hear directly about these developments, and you will receive notification of time and place shortly. Your understanding, support and consideration for your colleagues as we move through this will be vital. Please take time to attend the town hall meeting in your office.

Earlier: International Layoff Watch: DLA Piper Cuts 140 U.K. Employees

Prior ATL coverage of law firm layoffs

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