Faegre & Benson, Layoffs

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Faegre & Benson Proves We're Talking About Layoffs All Across the Nation

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What, you thought you’d be safe from layoffs if you worked in Minnesota? Unfortunately, nobody is safe, at least not today.

We are now able to confirm that Faegre & Benson, one of the most prestigious firms in Minnesota, has informed 29 attorneys that they will be let go. Here is the statement that chairman Tom Morgan released to Above the Law:

We are practicing law in the same challenging economic environment in which our clients are doing business. Like many firms across the country, we are aligning our resources with the anticipated demand for our services and are doing so in a thoughtful and measured manner.

Earlier this month, we offered a voluntary separation package to certain non-lawyer staff. Yesterday, we announced that in the coming months we will be reducing our number of lawyers by 29. We have now met with each of those lawyers.

Remember that earlier this week, Hogan & Hartson offered a buyout package to non-lawyer staff. I wonder if people will think again about taking it, given today’s news.

Never heard of Faegre & Benson? You should have. After the jump we explain why.


Most people know Faegre & Benson for their yeoman’s work representing the victims of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. Courts keep reducing the amount of damages awarded in that case, which can’t be helping Faegre’s bottom line.

But of course, these cuts had much more to do with the general economic climate than any one case.

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We understand that today’s layoffs will be effective on May 31st, which gives Faegre attorneys a little bit of time to find other jobs — assuming of course that there are other jobs to be found.

We also have been told that the layoffs will impact all Faegre offices, not just Minnesota.

Speaking of Minnesota, we also have word IP boutique Mechant & Gould laid off 35 attorneys and staff yesterday and today. As one tipster put it:

As a somewhat small IP boutique, this is a bloodbath.

We talked with a Merchant & Gould spokesperson, but they declined to either confirm or deny the report.

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Good luck to our Midwestern brothers and sisters.

Earlier: THE EXXON-VALDEZ CASE: HAVE YOU EVER TRIED SEPARATING MONEY FROM OIL?

Prior ATL coverage of law firm layoffs

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