Howrey LLP, Layoffs, Staff Layoffs

Howrey Layoff Update: The Final Tally?

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Yesterday we reported on layoffs at Howrey. Our sources told us that 100 people were axed, but a Howrey spokesperson declined to give us firm numbers.
It turns out that our sources were pretty accurate. The firm confirmed to AmLaw Daily today that it laid off 94 people: 29 associates and 65 staff, from 10 offices. A tipster says one-third of the “reduction-in-force” took place in Howrey’s D.C. office.
The rumor mill at the firm is still churning, though, claiming that Howrey has taken a number of actions to cut costs — and that the number of laid-off individuals may be higher than 94.


Layoffs are not the only way the firm is cutting back. Tipsters say a number of associates are now going to be “taking it easy,” by working for the firm part-time. A firm spokesperson says that th was voluntary and that the firm did not force anyone to cut back:

We have always offered associates the opportunity to cut back to part-time for their convenience (not ours). Several have taken us up on the offer for family reasons or to pursue outside interests. No associates were asked to cut back to part-time as a part of this action.

But is it wise for a Howrey associate to go part-time right now? Tipsters claim that yesterday’s reductions also affected a number of lawyers and staff who were already working for the firm part-time — and that those individuals were not included in the figure of 94 released to AmLaw Daily.
Meanwhile, Howrey made its incoming associates nervous today. It reached out to its 2010 class to schedule a conference call with them.
There’s nothing to fear, though, according to a firm spokesperson. The firm does not plan to delay start dates or to defer incoming associates. The call is about explaining the latest layoffs — or, in the words of a spokesperson, just “a courtesy to them to bring them up to speed on what is going on.”
It’s a good thing. The 2009 summer associates with offers to start their first-year apprenticeships at Howrey this fall have already resigned themselves to $100K salaries. With the recent cutbacks in staff as well as lawyers, we wonder if “apprentices” should also resign themselves to a bit of secretarial, paralegal, or mild janitorial duty.
Howrey Axes 29 Associates, 65 Staffers [AmLaw Daily]
Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: Howrey Can’t Utilize Everybody
Howrey First Years to $100K

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