Biglaw

Associate Layoffs And Staff Cuts Come To Am Law 50 Biglaw Firm

Morale at the firm is reportedly pretty low.

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There’s a lot going on at Winston & Strawn. The firm, ranked #40 on the latest Am Law 100 list, has reportedly been letting go a number of associates and staff over recent weeks.

The exact number of laid off associates is unclear, but tipsters have put the number at approximately ~10 percent of associates, which translates in the neighborhood of 30-40 attorneys. That’s a hefty chunk of associates out of work. Sources say they let go associates across multiple offices, and the severance package they’re being offered is either three months at 100 percent pay or six months at 50 percent pay. And as one tipster notes, the layoffs are not performance based:

I’m not writing in to hurt the firm. It’s important that the layoffs are publicized so that when the associates go to look for new jobs, they’re not penalized (similar to the 2012 summer associate debacle). I have not heard of anyone being fired for performance issues.

The staff situation is more complex. According to multiple tipsters, almost all secretarial staff positions have been eliminated and the firm will be creating new positions as part of a resource center. Early retirement or buyouts were reportedly offered to at least some staff members, and there will be an opportunity for now former staffers to apply — and test — for the newly created resource center jobs.

When Above the Law reached out to the firm for comment, a spokesperson for Winston had nothing to say about the associate layoffs. They did, however, respond to the staff cuts:

“In response to a fundamental shift across the legal industry in how clients and lawyers interact, Winston & Strawn is forming the Winston Resource Center, a virtual, cross-functional group that will provide 24/7 professional support services for attorneys and clients. This innovative restructuring addresses evolving work practices while improving operating efficiencies. As this model includes an elimination of certain roles, Winston will assist our valued, dedicated and appreciated employees either by transitioning them into newly created roles at the firm, offering early retirement opportunities or providing career counseling.”

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This corresponds with sources at the firm saying the administrative upheaval has been in the works for some time. But, according to tipsters, folks are still pretty upset about the massive change taking place during a pandemic:

However, at the beginning of covid, the firm said that the last thing it would do would be to fire staff. So everyone feels blind sided and upset about the lack of transparency. Associate morale is pretty low.

The firm also is laying off essentially all of its secretarial staff, offering some the opportunity to transition to a “resource center coordinator” role and offering others small buyouts. Many of the secretaries have been at the firm for 20+ years. It is demoralizing.

It makes sense that morale would take a hit when so many employees suddenly find themselves out of work.

If your firm or organization is slashing salaries, closing its doors, or reducing the ranks of its lawyers or staff, whether through open layoffs, stealth layoffs, or voluntary buyouts, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Our vast network of tipsters is part of what makes Above the Law thrive. You can email us or text us (646-820-8477).

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headshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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