Nationwide Layoff Watch: Blank Rome Cuts 79
It’s one of those days. We told you that we expected Blank Rome layoffs to come today. And here they come.
Blank Rome just confirmed that it has laid off 79 people: 27 associates, 52 staff.
And that’s not all. The firm is pushing back start dates for incoming first year associates until “at least” January 2010. No word on whether there will be any kind of extra money for those not-quite-yet first years.
But wait, there’s more. Blank Rome will also be scaling back its 2009 summer program from ten weeks to six.
I know that Friday the 13th is supposed to be a bad luck day, but honestly somebody needs to make a Saw-style movie about Thursday the 12th.
Read the full statement after the jump.
BLANK ROME — STATEMENT — LAYOFFS
Global economic conditions continue to affect businesses in all sectors of the economy. As we face these unprecedented challenges, Blank Rome remains focused on new and innovative ways to provide value and excellent service to our clients. As a result, our core business is, and remains, strong.
The Firm’s leadership recently engaged in a comprehensive review of our staffing levels. This review led us to conclude, regrettably, that further adjustments to our associate and staff complements were necessary. Specifically, we have reduced our complement of associates by 27 people and our staff complement by 52 people. In addition, the Firm has also determined that our Summer Associate program for 2009 should be reduced from ten to six weeks, and that the starting date for our Fall associates should be deferred until at least January 2010.
We recognize the effect these actions will have on the individuals and their families, as well as our Firm. Although these types of decisions are difficult, we are confident that our actions this week were prudent, and have been made in the best interest of Blank Rome, our lawyers and staff, and our clients.
(39) Comments
Comments
Comments hidden for your protection. Show them anyway!
Seventh!
first
They'll be rehired in no time. Recession is over, haven't you seen the Dow?
how many in Philly??
The GULC be sinking...
Blank Rome is burning and President Obama is playing the harpsichord. Are you enjoying the wave of change that is sweeping the nation? In the days since Obama's inauguration, the unemployment rate has jumped from 6 to 8.1% The dow jones has lost 15% of its value. You folks wanted this change. Enjoy it.
Set out to leave the first vapour trail in the blue-sky scenario.
This Partner Emeritus douchebag is really f'ing annoying. Everyone knows you're not a real partner - and the schtick is not funny. Die in a fire.
You all need to listen to that PE guy, things were so much better when I was President.
Blank this.
What about today's SKADDEN memo? Hello?
what skadden memo?
what is this on a percentage basis?
"Specifically, we have reduced our complement of associates by 27 people and our staff complement by 52 people."
Partner Emeritus has jumped the shark. Just because you collossally effed up that non-compete issue doesn't mean you had to switch over to chanelling Rush Limbaugh.
How many in DC and are they finish?
15,
Following P. emeritus's comments. I read one of his posts yesterday that broke down in terms you would understand why the economy is in shambles. although he was wrong on the non-compete issue, in practice his strategy of outgunning an adversary in cost on litigation would more than likely make him prevail. you obviously don't know the costs involved with litigation.
P. emeritus, keep posting, agree 100% with you on Obama.
16-no, i think they're swedes...
Hey, you lawyers are supposed to be so smart, right? That guy, John Yoo, figured out a way around the Constitution so that I could lock away American citizens indefinitely without charges or a trial, torture high value detainees, listen in on all of your telephone calls, and read all your emails. How come you guys couldn’t figure out a way so that I could’ve served a third term? That PE guy is so right, things were so much better when I was President.
The ship be sinking...
Blank fired Finnish lawyers in DC?!?
give us a damn start date
Summers for 6 weeks? Why don't you just invite them to coffee, look them up and down, from head to toe, and say "OK, we'll be deciding on whether to give you an offer within the next two weeks. Have a good summer."?
At least one patent attorney got the ax in DC. Patent is not immune anymore!
You're welcome.
Enjoy your 2 week notice and 4 week severance package!
How do firms get rid of equity partners? Don't they have to be voted out by the entire partnership?
27 -- I think that depends on the individual firm's partnership agreement. BR is fairly tolerant of partner behavior (I've heard of some pretty nasty stuff going on in one of their regional offices) so BR partners should have nothing to worry about short of bringing in the rain.
Blank Rome has asked at least 10 equity partners to leave the firm over the past two years and several more were asked in the past few months. Being an equity partner does not make you safe.
Blank Rome has asked at least 10 equity partners to leave the firm over the past two years and several more were asked in the past few months. Being an equity partner does not make you safe.
Is there a concern that BlankRome may going the way of so many other law firms - out of business?
Hmmm, "so many other law firms"? Name them.
I am glad BR is so excited about their new law firm in LA - how about all the people that you just let go on the east coast - 150 last time I counted since December
I am glad BR is so excited about their new law firm in LA - how about all the people that you just let go on the east coast - 150 last time I counted since December
I am glad BR is so excited about their new law firm in LA - how about all the people that you just let go on the east coast - 150 last time I counted since December
Why is Blank Rome hiring a new attorney in NY after firing hundreds of people only a few weeks ago. On 3/25 BR hired Stanley Tarr to its NY office. What the hell is going on you scumbags.
Why is Blank Rome hiring a new attorney in NY after firing hundreds of people only a few weeks ago. On 3/25 BR hired Stanley Tarr to its NY office. What the hell is going on you scumbags.
maybe he brings the much lauded rain?
I just got an interview with them for a perm job? I was laid off in May from another law firm in dc, will there be more lay offs?? Should I ask them about this in my interview? Would you accept a job there?