Nationwide Layoff Watch: Quarles & Brady

Now that summers are gone, is it time for associates to start worrying about their job security again? The latest information comes from the Milwaukee-based, Am Law 200 firm Quarles & Brady. Tipsters report that the firm laid off a number of associates in August.
Here is the statement about the cuts from a Quarles & Brady spokesperson:

While we have not engaged in any firm-wide staff reductions, we did – as we have done in years past – dismiss a small number of associates in early August as a direct result of our annual performance review process. These decisions were made on an individual basis and not influenced by the current economic climate. In addition, several attorneys resigned during this period.
Separately, a small number of administrative positions were eliminated this past March as we reorganized the support staff in response to the firm’s Strategic Plan for streamlining operations in administrative areas where we believe greater efficiencies can be achieved.
Despite the difficult market conditions facing law firms, it is important to again note that none of our decisions were motivated by those dynamics. The Firm is actively recruiting in certain practice areas and we will welcome 23 new associates this January.

The firm declined to say just how many associates were let go, but they did say the numbers from one of our sources were incorrect.
Is Quarles & Brady just giving us a little layoff appetizer as firms prepare to slim down for the end of the year? We’ll keep you posted.
Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of law firm layoffs

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