Layoffs, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Manatt Keeps the Bad Times Rolling

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As we follow the sun through its appointed circuit, we’ve learned that additional layoffs have occurred today out west. Manatt, Phelps has laid off 25 people today: 17 lawyers and 8 staff.

Here’s the statement the firm provided to Above the Law:

The broad economic slowdown continues to present challenges to businesses in every industry. The quality and breadth our national practice, as well as initiatives to improve resource utilization and reduce expenses, have positioned us to meet these challenges. Responsible stewardship, however, requires ongoing evaluation and appropriate alignment of staffing levels with client needs.

With this in mind, we have made the extremely difficult decision to reduce our lawyer ranks by 17 and our staff ranks by 8. Due to the nature and timing of these actions, we have provided those affected with financial and other assistance to help with their transitions.

We understand that the layoffs took place in the finance, tax, and advertising practice groups.

This is the second round of cuts for Manatt. We reported earlier that Manatt has already laid off 47 people since October, 2008.

A tipster also informs us that Manatt first years will be taking a pay cut:

Bill Quicksilver announced … that first year salaries would be reduced to $145K starting April 1. And no on campus recruiting.

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Is this the new trend, lay people off while cutting salaries? It certainly appears that firms are trying to finish off this round of cuts before Passover and Easter.

Update (4:48): Additional details about severance after the jump.


Multiple tipsters tell us that the Manatt severance package is a scant 60 days.

The other interesting note is that Manatt summer associates are also taking a pay cut. We understand that Manatt summers will get paid on a $125K scale over the summer. That would be less than what Manatt first years are now making.

Something tells me that Manatt will not be the first firm to cut summer salaries.

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Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: Collected News about Manatt Phelps

Prior ATL coverage of law firm layoffs

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