Layoffs, Sonnenschein

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Sonnenschein Continues the September Push

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Already today, news broke loose about layoffs at Cooley Godward and Quarles & Brady. Without the summer associate “human-shields” around, it looks like Biglaw associates could be in for a rough September.
The latest news comes from Sonnenschein. A firm spokesperson gave Above the Law the following statement:

Throughout 2009, despite the year’s business challenges for our clients in many sectors, Sonnenschein has continued to grow both in people and in new business. Like every firm, we have practice areas that are strong, and those that have weaker client demand than anticipated. As every business is doing, we continue to review ways to align our capacity with demand in these weaker areas. Where we can, we transfer resources. When we cannot, we must make prudent business decisions that unfortunately affect some very good people. While we are not alone in our professional services industry in so doing, it is never easy to make these calls. However, we are optimistic that these necessary actions will continue to place us on sound footing as we move forward aggressively into 2010.

After the jump, tipsters weigh in on the number of associates let go and their reaction to the decision.


Sources tell Above the Law that less than two dozen associates were let go. We also know that Sonnenschein is having a meeting with its staff later today, but we understand that the staff has nothing to worry about.
One tipster felt blindsided by the Sonnenschein news:

I am lucky to still have my job … but I can’t believe that Sonnenschein is letting so many people go. Everybody feels like they just waited until the summers left before dropping the axe … as if the summers can’t read ABL from law school.

Welcome to September Biglaw associates. If you have an opportunity to bill over Labor Day weekend, it might be worth delaying your end-of-summer holiday and focus on keeping your job through Thanksgiving.
Earlier: Nationwide Salary Cut Watch: Sonnenschein Has Had Enough of Lockstep
Breaking: Sonnenschein Saves 100 Thacher Proffitt Lawyers

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