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Nationwide Layoff Watch: Bryan Cave’s Official Statement

Thursday, February 12, 2009 3:46 PM - By Elie Mystal

Bryan Cave logo.jpgEarlier today, we reported that Bryan Cave laid off 58 attorneys.

The firm just released a statement with the official numbers. In addition to the 58 attorneys, 76 staffers were also let go today. The numbers account for 5% of the firm’s attorneys and 6% of the firm’s support staff:

We have regretfully now concluded that we must reduce our attorney and staff ranks, by 58 attorneys and 76 staff. These reductions represent about 5% of our attorneys and 6% of our staff. The attorneys and staff affected have been advised of this decision.

Bryan Cave also took this opportunity to inform the survivors that salaries will be frozen for all of 2009. Previously, the firm indicated that raises would be made in April, 2009.

Read the full statement from firm Chairman Don Lents after the jump.

BRYAN CAVE — STATEMENT — LAYOFFS AND SALARY FREEZE

As you know, the economic downturn has put enormous pressure on all businesses. The legal profession has not been immune, and we are currently facing the most difficult economic conditions most of us have ever encountered.

Over the course of the past year, we implemented a number of measures to reduce our costs. Unfortunately, the economy has continued to deteriorate, and we have concluded that further steps are necessary to adapt to this business climate.

We have regretfully now concluded that we must reduce our attorney and staff ranks, by 58 attorneys and 76 staff. These reductions represent about 5% of our attorneys and 6% of our staff. The attorneys and staff affected have been advised of this decision.

Consistent with this decision and having reviewed the continuing economic climate, we have also concluded that we will not increase salaries in 2009.

Treating each other as we do our best clients has long been at the heart of our core values and is one of the many strengths of Bryan Cave. Our commitment to each other has made this decision all the more painful. We have empathy for the employees and their families affected and will work with those employees to provide them with resources and assistance during this challenging time.

We are fortunate to have strong client relationships, strong practices and exceptional colleagues. As we work our way through this global economic downturn, we must continue to focus on our internal relationships and manage our resources carefully, and request your
on-going support in doing so. This is also a time when we must be particularly attentive to our clients’ needs and circumstances, so that we can continue to provide to them the outstanding service and excellent results they have come to expect from Bryan Cave.

I speak for the entire leadership team at Bryan Cave when I say this is among the most difficult decisions we have had to make. While we would certainly all wish not to be faced with the challenges posed by this environment, I have no doubt that together we are up to the task.

Thank you for your continued dedication.

Don Lents

Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: 58 Bryan Cave Attorneys Let Go

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