Nationwide Layoff Watch: Clifford Chance's New York Office Braces Itself

Last night, Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance announced that Mark Kirsch, the firm’s U.S. litigation leader, is leaving the firm’s New York office. It’s unclear where he will be going next or if this is part of the trimming of the partnership ranks that Clifford Chance warned about back in February.
Given his departure, a source within the firm tells us that Clifford Chance is looking hard at the 29 associate positions in New York’s litigation group. There will be layoffs, though the total number is not yet clear. The firm plans to move quickly so those associates being let go will know who they are soon.
This is the second round of bad news for associates in the New York office within a matter of months. In March, the firm laid off 24 of its New York associates.
The firm made the announcement of impending layoffs and sent around a memo last night. The memo emphasizes that litigation in D.C. is still very strong. The new U.S. litigation practice leader has already been chosen: Juan Morillo, who is based in the nation’s capital. Read the full memo, after the jump.


FIRMWIDE E-MAIL FROM CLIFFORD CHANCE
______________________________________________
From: Medwick, Craig S. (M&A/Funds-NY)
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 5:19 PM
To: #Americas: All Staff
Subject: US L&DR
I am writing to inform you we are refocusing our US Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice to prioritize regulatory, investigations and white collar, antitrust, commercial litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis on cross-border matters. This sharpened focus will ensure we’re investing and growing in areas where clients are actively using us, improving our returns, and allowing Clifford Chance to meet its broader strategic goals.
Earlier today, Mark Kirsch decided to leave the firm. Mark served as our US practice area leader for Litigation & Dispute Resolution for five years, and in the same capacity as the firm’s global head since last year. We thank him for his years of service and wish him the best. Juan Morillo now assumes leadership of US L&DR after being elected to the position.
Regrettably, our decision to refocus the US L&DR practice has resulted in the need to review our litigation associate positions in New York. We have already informed that group, as well as the Business Services personnel supporting them, that some layoffs are expected.
We continue to have a strong, integrated team of U.S. litigators who are excelling in those areas where our focus is increasing; this group will continue to be an important part of one of the largest Litigation practices in the world. Our Washington, D.C. office in particular is doing very well right now and I expect that to continue.
This is an important decision for Clifford Chance. Our success has to be based on an understanding of where clients need and want to access our expertise. Continuing to develop a strong US team across practice areas and first-class leadership for complex, cross-border litigation and dispute resolution work is crucial.
As always, thank you for your support as we continue to execute our business strategy in this challenging market.
Regards,
Craig


Clifford Chance set to cut partners in latest ‘magic circle’ shake-up [Times Online]

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