Nationwide Layoff Watch: EAPD Lays Off 60

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge had a round of staff cuts back in November. That seems like ancient history. But it looks like the firm could not hold its fire forever. Today, both attorneys and staff were informed that EAPD would have to cut back. Above the Law obtained this statement, from an Edwards Angell managing partner Walter Reed, and COO Jeff Hunter, explaining what has happened today:

After careful consultation with the Firm’s Department Heads and governing committees, we have reached the difficult decision that the Firm must reduce the size of its workforce. Today we will inform about 25 lawyers and 35 staff that their employment with the Firm is ended, and will offer them severance arrangements similar to those offered by the many other firms that have also made these difficult decisions.

According to the latest NALP numbers, that is over 15% of the firm’s associates. We understand that the cuts hit the firm’s offices in Providence and New York, as well as Boston. The severance package should be the market standard.
Read the full firm statement after the jump.


EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE — STATEMENT — LAYOFFS
The past year has been extraordinary for the global economy and we, like our clients and many other law firms, are faced with unprecedented economic challenges. Indeed, our own Firm’s challenges are driven primarily by what is happening to our clients – lower business levels and fewer transactions and other activities requiring our services. In the face of these difficulties, we have a responsibility to the partners and employees to maintain our Firm’s strength and prosperity for the long-term. With expectations of a continued weak economy and slow recovery, that responsibility must include aligning our resources with the anticipated demand for our services. While we have an abundance of talented lawyers and staff and many strong opportunities in the marketplace, in a number of instances our lawyer and non-lawyer personnel are not aligned properly with the practice or geographic needs of our business. After careful consultation with the Firm’s Department Heads and governing committees, we have
reached the difficult decision that the Firm must reduce the size of its workforce. Today we will inform about 25 lawyers and 35 staff that their employment with the Firm is ended, and will offer them severance arrangements similar to those offered by the many other firms that have also made these difficult decisions.
The people who will be affected are our friends and trusted colleagues. They will be
missed and they will need your kindness and respect during this difficult time. We recognize, too, that it will also be a difficult period for those not leaving the Firm. To help everyone understand the reasons for this decision, and to describe the initiatives the Firm is taking to promote its success when the economy recovers, there will be a meeting of all US personnel tomorrow morning by conference call, followed by meetings in each office at which questions can be asked and more information provided. In the meantime, we thank each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work.
Walter and Jeff
Earlier: Staff Layoffs at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge These Things Never Happen On Boston Legal

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