Nationwide Layoff Watch: Partners Emeriti at Schiff Hardin?
We’ve noticed in comment threads that many of you would like frequent commenter Partner Emeritus to retire. But he’s a persistent one. Perhaps frustrated readers should take a page from the book of Schiff Hardin.
The 400-attorney firm found an interesting way to get rid of its partners emeriti in the firm’s Chicago office. It will move its “special partners” to temporary offices while its main building is being renovated, and then not move them back.
The firm notified its retired partners, referred to as “special partners,” on Sunday. And not in a very nice way. They got the message via mass e-mail:
Dear Special Partners,As you know, we are about embark upon the renovation of our space in Chicago. We will move to temporary space two floors at a time and then return to our improved floors. We will use this opportunity to reshuffle offices
Some of you have volunteered to move offices when we return to the renovated space. I have not, however, had an opportunity to speak with all of you about this topic. With one exception, you will not be returning to your present office.
The mass e-mail that Schiff Hardin’s (not-so special?) partners emeriti got, plus a clarification from the firm, after the jump.
The firm’s managing partner sent “special partners” this mass e-mail on Sunday:
Dear Special Partners,
As you know, we are about embark upon the renovation of our space in Chicago. We will move to temporary space two floors at a time and then return to our improved floors. We will use this opportunity to reshuffle offices.
Some of you have volunteered to move offices when we return to the renovated space. I have not, however, had an opportunity to speak with all of you about this topic. With one exception, you will not be returning to your present office. (Tom Luning continues to act as the firm’s General Counsel.) This is not a statement about your value to the firm. You have played critical roles in building the firm and making it the thriving institution it is today. Rather, this is a recognition of the successful mentoring you have done to the next generation of leaders.
Rather, this is a recognition of the ease of sending this to you en masse, by e-mail, rather than having an actual conversation with you.
Nor is it a statement that your contributions to the firm are at an end. You continue to be valuable and valued partners. It is, however, a recognition that, as a class, you are able to enjoy a little more time out of the office than those who succeed you.
It sounds like the special partners might get a few offices they can share when they feel the need to return to the premises. We reached out to the firm earlier this week, but a spokesperson did not call us back (or even send a group e-mail).
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are finalizing specific office plans and Doug Domenick should be in touch with you in the next few days in this regard.Thank you for your understanding.
Ron
Ronald S. Safer
Managing Partner
We imagine getting this group e-mail had the distinct effect of making this “class” of partners feel not quite as “special.”
Update: A clarification from the firm appears here.
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first to say PE come on!
Did anyone see the horse hurdle that car????
Craaaaaaaaaaazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a good common sense approach. I know of plenty of offices where there's two associates to an office, but there are offices reserved for "special partners" who haven't been seen in the office for months.
Thompson Hine needs to do this "tough love" package with quite a few of its partners.
Schadenfreude smells like burning gasoline in the morning.
Good job.
Clearly, Schiff is not a peer firm.
"I know of plenty of offices where there's two associates to an office, but there are offices reserved for "special partners" who haven't been seen in the office for months."
I agree, and to add a bit....some of these fossils need two secretaries (and one old fart at my previous shop had THREE) because they are too out of touch to understand fancy things like computers.
ATL: Scoop!
Inmate Hides Gun in Fat Layers
http://www.click2houston.com/news/20301265/detail.html
ATL: Scoop!
Inmate Hides Gun in Fat Layers
http://www.click2houston.com/news/20301265/detail.html
ATL: Scoop!
Inmate Hides Gun in Fat Layers
http://www.click2houston.com/news/20301265/detail.html
ATL: Scoop!
Inmate Hides Gun in Fat Layers
http://www.click2houston.com/news/20301265/detail.html
8-11 Epic fail.
I heard there might have been an inmate somewhere who hid a gun in fat layers... has anybody heard anything about that?
The real lede here is that people at the special partner level are willing to leak to ATL.
Who wants PE to retire??????! Long live PE!
Gwaah Gwaah!
ATL has lots of partner readers. I know about half a dozen at my firm who regularly read the site (including the hiring partner and the office managing partner).
PE is the best thing that ever happened to this site, hands down. His comments betray a level of erudition, experience and verve to which the rest of us only can aspire. I am confounded by the bile directed towards PE.
What a lack of class.
Max Thelen Jr. shared an office at good ole 101 2nd St. I don't think the phones or computers were plugged in in that office. Ask Glasscock he'll tell you about it.
Never heard of this firm. Was it founded by former Manhattan District Attorney Adam Schiff? Is Ben Stone working there now?
I don't have a problem with the decision - sounds like the special partners were sucking up a lot of needed space - but the way in which it was communicated was shoddy.
When PE rears his head on the site today, he might be sporting a mushroom tattoo.
DOJ SECURE
This is like what happened in Jerry Maguire, except it involves old rich white men whose families hate them because they were never around.
Partner Emeritus is the best thing about this place.
He embodies the type of person I had hoped to encounter in the legal profession as a young buck considering law school. Sadly, he's a dying breed. If you're reading this PE, please know that your input on this site is greatly appreciated among those less vocal than the average miscreant on this site.
What's with the title "Special Partner" anyway? It makes me think of the Special Olympics. Of Cousel, Senior Counsel,... anything would be better.
What's with the title "Special Partner" anyway? It makes me think of the Special Olympics. Of Counsel, Senior Counsel,... anything would be better.
A memo just like this was the major plot device in the 1979 feature film "Going in Style", starring the legendary George Burns and Art Carney.
24 - Analogy fail, unless they also wrote memos decrying the need for more clients and more profits.
Retired partner here: Getting rid of dead wood and retired partners can be difficult, but very necessary. Many retired partners have no real life outside the firm, which is why they keep coming back for the fix. Throw the bums out, plain and simple, unless they want to pay the overhead.
The ship be sinking...
I speak for most people here when I say that PE is the only reason that I read the comments on this site. Give that good man a column, stat! Huzzah!
22 is correct. Entirely defensible decision. But one that should have been done face to face with many months advanced notice. And without offensive lines like "you mentored us all so well we don't need you anymore."
The amazing part to me is that ATL got their hands on this letter. This did not go out to associates but the semi-retired owners of the firm-- at least one of which uses the internets and knows of ATL. Don't mean to be ageist here but before this how many people over the age of 60 did you think read ATL? We now know at least 1.
34 = Racist.
PE and his douchebaggary can suck it!
PE is great while working his "hybrid tough love" package shtick
His suicide cracks and tired Obama economy rants...not so much (and indicative of a bit of down-low jungle fever, methinks).
#18 -Speaks my mind, heart and soul I adore PE, as do all the lawyers I speak to who read ATL. He truly always have something to offer us and he always does it with verve, wisdom and style.
34 -
It could have been one of the Special Partner's secretaries who has to print all of his emails for him.
PE to LaTTT's job!!
18 & 38 = PE
PE to LaTTT's job!!
Kick the old has beens to the curb.
18=25=32=38=PE. Or at least people who can't see that PE has no actual idea about the practice of law.
Does anyone else picture the "Special Partners" wearing mittens pinned to their shirts and riding a short school bus to work?
45 - Depends
Better name: "Retired Partner."
We had those at one of my old firms. Some of them came into the office. They all did still have offices.
29,
You recall way too much of the plot of Jerry Maguire. Are you also obsessed with Cher and Madonna?
PE is the biggest fucking loser of all time. His writing is terrible. Those of you saying you only come to ATL because of him are either him, or EPIC douchebags who have been fooled by a virgin rising 2L.
15,18,25,32,38,40,42=PE, trying to make readers think that PE has a fan base.
"You have played critical roles in building the firm and making it the thriving institution it is today. Rather, this is a recognition of the successful mentoring you have done to the next generation of leaders."
Do you not think that the guys who mentored you and made you what you were do not fully understand how disingenuous this statement is? Are you trying to offend the old dudes? Is this payback for pedantic comments?
34, connect the dots. PE = Special Partner at Schiff.
this is weird beyond words. We're moving. You're not. Or let's play musical chairs and see if you can find your office.
53 - You mean muzak chairs? Perhaps musical walkers?
49 = PE
This explains why their building's name was changed from the Sears Tower to the Willis Tower. Yet another way to confuse older "Special Partners." Whatchyoutalkinabout Willis!?!?! Presumably the next step will be to make the nameplates on the doors so small they're not legible to those over 60.
PE=Jason Widerman (rising 2L at the University of Florida). I know this for a fact. The kid is actually pretty funny in class, not a high grade achiever.
I disagree with PE more than 50% of the time but agree that he is a welcomed addition to ATL. I scroll through the comments looking for his wisdom and condour
Like others who have posted before me, PE's comments are the only reason that I really read this site. Dude cracks me up every time, without fail.
PE for new editor!
57 -- on what basis do you make such a statement?
"Condour"?
PE's comments are a constant topic of conversation around our proverbial "water cooler". Some people say he is a fake, but it does not matter. He writes great stuff, and we all look forward to it and talk about it!
57: Oh boy....
60, I sat behind him in Property spring semester. Saw him posting.
-57
I totally made all that up.
-57
58 - His bird? Or are you trying to affect some sort of Europeon airs?
I'm also a big PE fan, but someone posted recently that he had retired from posting. If so, it's probably due to douchebags like 57 trying to out him.
I always assumed he was a law student, but the shtik is still funny. PE, if you're out there, keep posting- you've got far more fans than enemies. Your posts will be an asset to your career, not a detriment. If I were a hiring partner, I'd be more likely to hire you as a result of your showing such a good sense of humor.
Those old guys got Schiffed HardIn the Pooper
Louis Ziccareli is not PE.
LZ
44 & 50 = Also PE, using reverse psychology
Dog eat dog world.
It doesn't matter how much of the firm's success is attributable to them, doesn't matter how much blood and sweat they put in so that the current partners can live off the firm's name.
When they're not putting money in the pockets of the managing partner, throw them out. Worthless garbage, just like the associates and the paralegals.
PE is the only reason I still check this site.
58,59,62,67,72=PE, trying to make readers believe that PE has a fan base.
All posters who whine about PE= one guy who won't survive the next round of layoffs
PE does has a fan base, and PE always comments as himself. Who are you #73? Don't belittle those of us who respect men of experience. What do you respect?
Given PE hasn't shown up in this post, he must have failed his property for posting too much
44 - yes, that's why we like PE, because of his knowledge of the practice of law.
long live PE!!! Down with 73!!!
75 & 78=definitely PE.
I want to take this opportunity to clarify several questions most of you have.
1) Schiff Hardin is not a peer firm. However, I respect their efforts to euthanize the old guard partners that have nothing to contribute to the firm. Most partners are useless once they hit 70. I am less than 4 years away from turning 70 and will be retiring at the end of this year. There have been some covert attempts to vote me out of the firm; nevertheless, the management committee recognizes that I have leverage to take institutional clients with me if I am ever removed from the firm. This is the reason why they must tolerate my cantakerous persona and compensate me accordingly.
2) I was recently away on business and this is why I have not commented more frequently. Contrary to the rumors, I was not on a bar trip in Brazil or Dominican Republic.
3) I have grown disappointed that most of you do not heed my message and thus, I have debated whether commenting on this blog is an utter exercise in futility. I know I have influenced some of you. Yet, there is the cretinous faction that constantly tries to undermine me by threatening to expose me or accuse me of being some miserable law student. To those self-loathing misanthropes, I only have one thing to say. You have failed in ways you refuse to acknowledge. Look at you commenting on this blog, trying to attack an elder pioneer of this profession. I was and still am a legend that shaped the legal profession to be as profitable as it was during its peak. And now you affront me because you have become spoiled and have lost the meaning of the terms "paying your dues?" Shame on you.
I will post later on in the day and conclude my thoughts. I have just returned from Rick's Cabaret and I am afraid I need to take my afternoon nap to replenish the energy I expended there.
Dear PE,
I drive a 1988 Lincoln Continental with 283,000 miles. It is on its last legs, and I would like to trade it in for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle. I would like to take advantage of the government's "cash for clunkers" program for economic reasons, but I fear that it will reinforce the socialist policies brought about by an administration that I abhor. What should I do?
Confused in Corpus Christi
P.S. Does anyone want to buy a 1988 Lincoln Continental?
Doug Raymond should step aside as a "Special Partner"
81=PE
As one of the partners who reads this site (largely to see how you are trashing my firm-- some of it deservingly), I suspect that PE is a kid. But he is funny. And he has most of it exactly right. My guess has always been that his father or grandfather is really a PE.
I wouldn't care too much about his grades or even that he goes to a Florida school-- his humor would be an asset to any firm that is still around.
This comment is addressed to post no. 81.
As you know, I eschew Obama's "Cash for Clunkers" program. It is another way for the government to tell you what to do (i.e., buy an energy efficient car). If I were you, I would sell your 1988 Lincoln Continental to a wealthy Russian via ebay. It is my understanding that Russians are still living in America's '80s as evidenced by the fact that Miami Vice was their number one TV show in 2007. I am sure you can get more than the $4,500.00 cash for clunkers credit. Then, go purchase a Hummer or McLaren, quench your need for speed and in the process say "no thanks" to hope and change.
Former Thelen and current Orrick partner The Glass Cock here, wondering why Partner Emeritus is Emeritus if he is, as he claims to be, not yet retired. Whatever the case may be, if he were at my firm, his barnacle-like existence would be cleanly scraped from the hull of the good ship PPP.
PE,
What makes you say that most partners are useless once they hit 70? One would think that with the accumulated knowledge of the law, they would be better attorneys than ever. From what I can tell, experience is a huge asset in the practice of law.
Another partner here. Who cares about humor? For associates, I just want to see good work product. Humor is only important at the partner level, which very few of our associates will ever reach.
84=most definitely PE
This comment is addressed to post no. 87.
I appreciate your acknowledgement that most elder attorneys are valueable for the wisdom they bring to the table. However, most older partners do not keep in shape and introduce toxic concoctions of chemicals (e.g., viagra, ambien, webutrin, oxytocin, xanax, etc.) in their bodies that have accelerated mental malaises such as Alzheimers and dementia. The fact is I am a unique breed of an older partner. I work out 4 times a week and eat well. I don't require viagra or anti-depressants. Let's face it. Most older partners have bowel control movement and the last thing you want is to have a senior partner crap on himself during a client meeting. I think 70 is a good cut off age for retirement at a peer firm. If you haven't saved enough money by the time you are 70 for retirement, you deserve to live in penury.
PE - what do you consider to be "eating well"?
"What makes you say that most partners are useless once they hit 70?"
Because they are.
In truth, PE was arrested for nude frolics in Martha's Vineyard with other equally nude pasty elderly men. He is busily trying to quash this rumor, but it will not rest, mainly because of that infamous mug shot taken by the Chilmark Sherriff and posted online.
Stay classy, Schiff Hardin!
Can't wait to see what the AARP says about all this.
PE,
Good points. Not to mention the unfortunate incident with Freddy Rumsen over at Sterling Cooper. Best to go out on top and too soon rather than too late.
My best to your MP Rodgin Cohen.
86, correct, PE does not know what the word emeritus means in this context. Which makes the character's whole line on this issue very silly.
Rodgin Cohen is an evil troll with steel balls.
In contrast, PE is a princess fairy.
This comment is addressed to post no. 96.
After 30 years of being a partner, I retired in early 2002. I was given the title of partner emeritus by the firm. Toward August of 2002, I decided that retirement life was too prosaic for me and that my departure from the firm may have been premature so I came back on a part-time basis, thus, I am considered semi-retired, ergo I still use the partner emeritus title.
PE: I have read many of your comments on prior posts, including this one. All I have to say is you are spot on. You tell it like it is; unfortunately not many like to hear it...maybe one day they will (soon after they wipe their noses and stop crying like little girls). Keep your comments coming.
PE is the best poster on any message board I have ever encountered. I enjoy every last post, both for the wickedly accurate insight as well as the good-natured, tongue-in-cheek style. The day PE stops posting is the beginning of the end for ATL. Also a big fan of poster who always regales the board of stories from his "legal preparatory academy." Keep up the good work!
First to 100.
PE is literally a tongue in cheek kind of guy. He likes hairy cheeks.