Law Firm Announces Bankruptcy -- Four Offices To Shutter

California firm closure will put a number of attorneys on the street.

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You may not know Archer Norris if you’re not in the California market, but it’s a 70+ attorney firm with four offices. Or, perhaps we should say it WAS a 70+ attorney firm with four offices because the firm filed for bankruptcy last week throwing 124 people (yes, folks, there are people who depend on law firms for their livelihood who aren’t attorneys) on the street.

As reported in the SF Chronicle:

The firm filed for bankruptcy on Aug. 22 and had an emergency relief hearing on Wednesday. The court approved interim operations as requested, meaning that the firm’s employees will be paid to keep working with clients until mid-September.

“We filed for bankruptcy because we believe it’s important that the law firm continue to operate so we can protect the interest of the clients and maximize revenues for the benefit of the bankruptcy estate and the creditors,” said Douglas Straus, managing partner of Archer Norris.

While Biglaw firms are falling all over themselves to announce raises and record revenue numbers, this closure is a harsh reminder that the market can be rough for those stuck between the white shoe elite and the powerhouse boutiques. Good luck to everyone.

Bay Area law firm Archer Norris to shutter, costing 124 jobs [SF Chronicle]

HeadshotJoe Patrice is a senior editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news.

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